Born and raised in New York,[2] Wai spoke Cantonese in her home growing up, and spent time in Japan before relocating to Australia in 2006.[3] Chim graduated from Duke University where she majored in English and Economics.[4]
Writing career
Wai writes books for children and young adults. In addition to the Chook Chook series, her next book Shaozhen: Through My Eyes is set in rural China,[5] and her third has the “great leap forward” as a backdrop.[6]Shaozhen: Through My Eyes is part of the "Natural Disaster Zones" series which was awarded the 2019 Educational Publishing Award, given by the Australian Publishers Association (APA).[7] Her most recent release, The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling, features a Chinese Australian family, and was finalist for the 2021 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature.[8] It is also recommended by the New York Times as a "Fantastic, Flavor-Filled Novel for Kids."[9]
Survivor
Wai appeared as a contestant on the Australian reality television show, Australian Survivor: Brains V Brawn.[1] She made it far into the competition and placed fifth overall voted out on day 44 of 48 days.[10]
Publications
The Chook Chook Series, University of Queensland Press[11]