This episode lit us up in the best way. Amanda sat down with Aaron H. Aceves, author of This Is Why They Hate Us, for a heartfelt conversation about identity and the power of honest storytelling. Aaron’s openness about his own journey challenged us to reflect on how we, as educators, can lead with vulnerability and create space for students to do the same. His protagonist, Enrique, is messy, hilarious, and deeply real—and that kind of representation matters more than ever in our classrooms.

Aaron reminded us that books like his are more than stories—they're lifelines for students who need to see themselves in the pages they read. This conversation is a love letter to teachers everywhere, doing the work to bring authentic, diverse voices into their classrooms. We hope it leaves you feeling as inspired as it left us.

Resources:

• Join Camp BNT: Summer 2025
• This is Why They Hate Us, by Aaron H. Aceves

Connect with Aaron:

• Website
• Instagram: @aaronaceves
• TikTok
• Facebook

More Camp BNT 2025 Episodes:

• Episode 260, Samira Ahmed: A Conversation About Internment Part 1
• Episode 261, Samira Ahmed: A Conversation About Internment Part 2
• Episode 262, Aimee Phan: A Conversation About The Lost Queen Part 1
• Episode 263, Aimee Phan: A Conversation About The Lost Queen Part 2

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode264

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Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudy
Check out Curriculum Rehab here!

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📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻

• Join Happy Hour!
• Curriculum Rehab
• Down with the Reading Quiz
• Shop the BNT Resource Library
• Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

We’re so excited to share part two of our conversation with Aimee Phan, author of The Lost Queen! If you caught part one, you already know how rich and thoughtful this discussion is. In this episode, we dive deeper into how retellings like The Lost Queen can help students see that stories aren’t set in stone—and that they have the freedom to make stories their own. Aimee shares how the creative process can empower young writers to take risks, explore identity, and find their voice.

We also talk about the evolution of Vietnamese American literature, how to pair The Lost Queen with other powerful texts, and the deep impact that simple words of encouragement can have on a student’s life. If you’re looking for book recs, classroom inspiration, or just a reminder of the power of storytelling, this episode is for you.

Resources:

• Camp BNT
• The Lost Queen, by Aimee Phan
• Aimee's Website
• Follow Aimee on Instagram @aimeephanwrites

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode263

"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"

Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudy
Check out Curriculum Rehab here!

Support the show

📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻

• Join Happy Hour!
• Curriculum Rehab
• Down with the Reading Quiz
• Shop the BNT Resource Library
• Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

What if the legendary queens of Vietnamese history were reborn as modern-day teens in California? In this episode, we chat with author and educator Aimee Phan about her brand new YA fantasy novel, The Lost Queen. Aimee shares how her experience growing up as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees—and the absence of Vietnamese stories in the books she read—inspired her to create stories that center Vietnamese culture, history, and identity. From dragons and time travel to reimagined mythology, Aimee takes us behind the scenes of a novel that’s as empowering as it is imaginative.

We also dive into how The Lost Queen can open up powerful classroom conversations. Aimee reflects on why her students connect so deeply with YA and how fantasy can be a tool for exploring identity, agency, and belonging. If you’re looking to bring more diverse and empowering stories into your teaching, this episode (and this book!) is a must.

Resources:

• Camp BNT
• The Lost Queen, by Aimee Phan
• Aimee's Website
• Follow Aimee on Instagram @aimeephanwrites

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode262

"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"

Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudy
Check out Curriculum Rehab here!

Support the show

📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻

• Join Happy Hour!
• Curriculum Rehab
• Down with the Reading Quiz
• Shop the BNT Resource Library
• Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel