Originally published by Jilly Bing, 2025.
This AAPI Heritage Month, Chinatown YMCA is proud to partner with Jilly Bing, the Asian American doll company, New York Times bestselling author Joanna Ho (Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, Becoming Boba), and actor-authors Harry Shum Jr. (Glee, Grey’s Anatomy) and Shelby Rabara (Steven Universe) for a joyful, family-centered event celebrating Asian American identity, storytelling, and representation.
“You Belong: Dolls & Stories for a New Generation”
This special event will include live readings of Becoming Boba and Martee Dares to Dance by the authors themselves, followed by a conversation led by Jilly Bing founder Elenor Mak on why dolls matter—especially for children who’ve rarely seen themselves reflected in toys or media.
Hosted in partnership with Chinatown YMCA, the event is designed for families in the community and will feature storytime, hands-on activities, and a surprise gift for every family.
A Joyful Surprise for Families
With generous support from Scholastic, Gloo Books, and the Jilly Bing community, families will be surprised with free books and dolls that reflect who they are and remind every child: you matter, just as you are.
Featured Authors & Stories:
- Joanna Ho – Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, Say My Name, Becoming Boba
- Harry Shum Jr. & Shelby Rabara – Martee Dares to Dance, a story about courage, creativity, and belonging
- Jilly Bing – A joyful Asian American doll brand created by Elenor Mak to help children grow up feeling seen and celebrated
“Growing up, I never felt Asian enough. Too Asian in some spaces, not Asian enough in others. I wrote Becoming Boba as a love letter to all the kids navigating that in-between—to remind them they are whole and enough, just as they are.”
— Joanna Ho
“I created Jilly because I didn’t want my daughter to grow up picking a doll—but never picking herself. Dolls aren’t just toys—they’re mirrors into the world around them and a signal of what’s beautiful and ‘normal’.”
— Elenor Mak, Founder of Jilly Bing
“I didn’t see dancers who looked like me. Now, we’re telling kids: not only is there a place—you belong there.”
— Harry Shum Jr.
Event Highlights:
- Live readings of Becoming Boba and Martee Dares to Dance by the authors
- A conversation with Elenor Mak on representation and why dolls matter
- Surprise giveaway of books + doll raffles to attendees
- Hands-on activities
- A joyful celebration of culture and community, hosted by YMCA SF Chinatown
Here are some highlights from the event:
About the YMCA of San Francisco
The YMCA of San Francisco is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Serving the Bay Area since 1853, the Y provides equitable access to life-changing programs and services that empower individuals and families across San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin counties.
Learn more at https://www.ymcasf.org
About Gloo Books
Founded in 2021 by Karen Chan, Gloo Books is a children’s book publishing company making books for a more inclusive, just, and compassionate future. What started as an idea to write a single children’s book turned into a larger vision to create a publishing company that makes books which more accurately reflect the world around us today. We’re just getting started on our journey to empower little readers everywhere. Learn more at http://www.gloobooks.com
About Jilly Bing
Created by Asian American mom Elenor Mak, the Jilly Doll was inspired by her frustration at not finding a doll that looked like her daughter. Most “Asian American dolls” were just repainted versions of existing molds—lacking authenticity and reinforcing stereotypes. Determined to change that, she launched Jilly Bing to reflect real Asian American kids. Now available at Macy’s nationwide and featured on the TODAY Show, CBS Mornings, and Forbes, Jilly is helping a new generation feel seen.
Learn more at www.jillybing.com.
About Scholastic
Scholastic Press is a leading publisher of children’s books, dedicated to stories that spark imagination, foster empathy, and inspire lifelong readers. As part of Scholastic Inc., it brings powerful, diverse voices to kids and teens around the world.
Learn more at https://www.scholastic.com/
