Mom Talk

Dumplings and a Dragon For Local Writer

Grace Lin treats her readers like family. But having a baby during the lucky Chinese year of the dragon means her fans will give up some extras.

In my favorite children's books, the writer and illustrator are one; two talents residing in a single gifted artist who can create beauty in both words and pictures. Grace Lin is one of those artists. This week, for Lunar New Year, she is everywhere in our house. Not only have we been reading her picture book about the holiday, but on Jan. 21 she held a book launch for her newest novel, "Dumpling Days."  When you attend a Grace Lin book launch – patronizing an independent bookstore, standing in line – you leave with not just an autographed book, but with what kids have come to expect from any party: the goodie bag. Now, think how hard it is to impress this on our children: that nowhere else in the USA are kids regularly going to victory …

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Latino Center Caters to a Multi-ethnic South End

Villa Victoria Center for the Arts to celebrate Black History Month and Chinese New Year.

An unassuming church sits on the quiet side of West Newton Street in Boston’s South End. Behind the twin red doors is Villa Victoria Center for the Arts – the only multi-disciplinary Latino arts complex in New England. Adding to the contradiction, this Latino-based organization will be hosting events for both Black History Month and the Chinese New Year in February. “The population of the community has changed greatly,” says Javier Torres, Director of the non-profit. “It’s our responsibility to be responsive to the change in demographics without forgetting our Puerto Rican heritage.” Villa Victoria Center for the Arts was opened in 1986 as part of a community movement that began in the 60s. Local Puerto Rican leaders, looking to renew and …

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