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Students in the Access program at Burnaby North Secondary are selling a book that they created together.

The inspiration for the project came during a lunchtime conversation with students and staff in the program – which supports youth with diverse abilities or disabilities – about how different kinds of dumplings exist in different cultures. That discussion sparked a two-year project that culminated in a published book called Little Dumpling Goes to School.

The creative storyline and art were developed by the students. Judy Chiao is a teacher in the Access program:

As educators, we support the ideas from the students and provide strategies to allow them to put out these polished, beautiful projects.”

Education Assistant Patti Jansen says the book development supported classroom learning, with students creating descriptive language for the text and practicing fine motor skills with the illustrations.

“The children each chose a dumpling and started to design the character, including the look, what they would wear, and the character perspective.”

The students’ chosen dumpling represents them in the book. The final result is an empowering platform that showcases the students’ gifts.

Marlene Jan is the parent of student author and illustrator Vivien Yip. She says Vivien is so in love with the project that she wants to buy it for everyone on her Christmas shopping list.

“It’s been really heartwarming to see Vivien beam with pride. It’s provided her with an opportunity to be involved and to be a part of her whole community. And it’s given us, her family, a vehicle to spread awareness of this project that lets the kids shine.”

Jeff Lang’s son Joel is also one of the author-illustrators. Jeff says projects such as this support visibility, inclusion, and students’ voices being heard.

“Things like the book, they matter. They make a difference. Kids like Joel see themselves in the book. Kids like Vivien know they were a part of its creation, that it’s something special, and that others will keep it.”

Jeff, Joel, Vivien and Marlene joined the program staff and school principal Curtis Hodgson in sharing the project with the ��ҹ���޸����糡.

In a video shown to Trustees at their public meeting, student Natalia Arriola said:

“I am happy for others to read it.”

Education Assistant Patti Jansen concluded:

“There’s so much pride and joy in their work. Who doesn’t want to be a character in a book?”

The book and a tote bag featuring each of the dumplings are available for purchase .

 

 

Posted December 2025