Maria Marianayagam, author portrait
© David Pantuso

Maria Marianayagam

Maria Marianayagam is a Tamil Sri Lankan Canadian chemical engineer turned picture book writer. She was awarded the Highlights Foundation Nonfiction Writing Scholarship and Writing Barn Courage to Create Scholarship based on her manuscripts. She says, “My stories call upon a childhood and adulthood of multiple identities. . . . We all contain multitudes—and I draw on our intersections to inspire, empower, and engage young readers.” She lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband and two daughters.
Curry Means More

Books

Curry Means More

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. AANHPI Creators – Elementary School titles  

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Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and addressing student wellness and mental health is critical to help children learn how to manage emotions, develop healthy identities, empathize with peers, and pursue individual goals. We created thematic guides and book lists to help foster important conversations to build an inclusive environment where emotions matter. Explore our social emotional

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