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We Sing From the Heart: How The Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court
A compelling account of Simon Tam’s fight for free speech that ended with a landmark supreme court decision. Music is a way to transcend cultures and divides. Simon Tam used his band’s name, The Slants , to make a powerful statement that racist insults could no longer be hurtful to Asian Americans. But then the U.S. Trade and Patent Office tries to stop him. In his eight-year battle to win trademark protection, Simon would go all the way to the Supreme Court in a landmark case (that included Ruth Bader Ginsberg) to rout out structural racism in our government systems. Written with the full collaboration of Simon Tam, Mia Wenjen takes us back to Simon’s early days and the formation of the band, to the long battle to claim the name they chose to use. We learn of his motivations and the years-long struggle that leads ultimately to the Supreme Court of the United States. Told using lyrics from the band’s hit song about their trademark fight, this compelling story will keep readers riveted until the dramatic ending. We Sing from the Heart gives background and context to the significance of Simon’s quest, not just for him and his band, but for free speech rights for us all. Newcomer to children’s books, Victor Bizar Gómez, channels the indie music world with dynamic artwork which compliments the storytelling and is sure to draw in readers with his exciting graphic approach. Includes a foreword by Simon Tam.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2024
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November 1, 2024
Rock-’n-roller and self-described troublemaker Simon Tam wanted to follow the lead of Richard Prior, who embraced the n-word, and gay leaders, who embraced the onetime slur queer, in order to rob the epithets of their power to wound. Tam named his all-Asian band The Slants “as a way to take ownership of the hurtful words and give them a new meaning,” writes author Mia Wenjen in this inspiring picture book.
Tam wanted to trademark the name. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, knowing a slur when it saw one, rejected the band’s application for a trademark of The Slants. The picture book defines words for the younger set, as it details Tam’s eight-year battle to trademark his band’s name. The case made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. “Would the court allow Asian Americans to reclaim a racist insult for their own — and allow The Slants to turn a negative into a point of pride?” In 2017, the High Court unanimously sided with The Slants in the case, with Justice Ruth Bader Ginzberg giving Tam a shout-out. The picture book ends with information on anti-racist resources and the lyrics to “We Sing From the Heart,” The Slants’ anthem detailing their fight.
Tam’s forward, Wenjen’s prose and Victor Bizar Gómez’s illustrations, with their Works Progress Administration era style, combine to make a picture book that will probably delight adults even more than children — which, considering how much tweens and teens will love We Sing From the Heart, is really saying something.
Let me give Simon Tam the last word: “Tell your story, sing your songs, and don’t be afraid to make some trouble.”
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Publisher Spotlight and Red Comet Press in exchange for an honest review.
Tam wanted to trademark the name. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, knowing a slur when it saw one, rejected the band’s application for a trademark of The Slants. The picture book defines words for the younger set, as it details Tam’s eight-year battle to trademark his band’s name. The case made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. “Would the court allow Asian Americans to reclaim a racist insult for their own — and allow The Slants to turn a negative into a point of pride?” In 2017, the High Court unanimously sided with The Slants in the case, with Justice Ruth Bader Ginzberg giving Tam a shout-out. The picture book ends with information on anti-racist resources and the lyrics to “We Sing From the Heart,” The Slants’ anthem detailing their fight.
Tam’s forward, Wenjen’s prose and Victor Bizar Gómez’s illustrations, with their Works Progress Administration era style, combine to make a picture book that will probably delight adults even more than children — which, considering how much tweens and teens will love We Sing From the Heart, is really saying something.
Let me give Simon Tam the last word: “Tell your story, sing your songs, and don’t be afraid to make some trouble.”
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Publisher Spotlight and Red Comet Press in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2024
Oh boy! Mia Wenjen gone and done it - and rocks this winner out of this world!!
Simon Tam dropped out of college to make rock music. When he realized he was one of the few Asian Americans playing in rock, he decided to form his own band - with only musicians of Asian-descent. When naming the band, the group based it on a racial slur "The Slants" (slanted-eyes was the slur). By doing this, the group was empowering others of Asian descent by claiming the term for themselves. When a lawyer suggested they trademark their name (a good idea as there is another band called The Slant out there), they received a rejection from a U.S. Government office that they could not trademark a racial slur. Tam took the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, who ruled in the band's favor.
Wenjen tells Tam's story by including a line of lyrics from the band's song "From the Heart", which describes their battle with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. There is heart in the text as she takes readers back in time to the 2000's to explain why this particular name was so important and empowering for Asian Americans and how this win is a landmark case in the battle against racism. Definitions of terms and information that might be unfamiliar to readers are found on the page they are used. Backmatter includes a paragraph about what happened to the band in 2019, paragraphs about 8 other landmark cases heard by Supreme Court that deal with racism against Asian Americans, Author Sources, and statements by the author and the subject. On the back endsheets are text to the song. For those who would like to hear it: https://youtu.be/pwfEgcRXJjM?si=S1Rie...
In his debut children's book, Victor Bizar Gómez chose to use a graphic style that fits with the story and the music. In this oversize picture book, he uses solid color images that often look like they are collage layered on top of colorful backgrounds. This technique is remarkable and refreshing to see. The emotion and energy are palpable. Those looking closely will note that young Simon foreshadows his future grown-up self, the empowerment he felt when he stood up to the bullies calling him racial slurs vs. the sadness felt when his mother had to deal with slurs, Simon riding high (atop an airplane) into a strange new life for him, the band performing on stacks of letters of support, and the amazing message on a fortune cookie. My personal favorite is the stark image of the 4 Supreme Court justices who ruled for Tam - including RBG (with her lace collar), Thomas, Roberts (holding his gavel), and Sotomayor. It is minimalist and striking, showing only their robes with only the bottom half of their faces. Text varies from black or white, depending on the image behind the text. Be sure to check for the secret cover!
This title can be used in so many units: civil rights, anti-racism, personal rights, music history, and citizenship.
Highly Recommended for grades 3-8 (even up to grade 12, as this would be a terrific conversation starter!).
Simon Tam dropped out of college to make rock music. When he realized he was one of the few Asian Americans playing in rock, he decided to form his own band - with only musicians of Asian-descent. When naming the band, the group based it on a racial slur "The Slants" (slanted-eyes was the slur). By doing this, the group was empowering others of Asian descent by claiming the term for themselves. When a lawyer suggested they trademark their name (a good idea as there is another band called The Slant out there), they received a rejection from a U.S. Government office that they could not trademark a racial slur. Tam took the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, who ruled in the band's favor.
Wenjen tells Tam's story by including a line of lyrics from the band's song "From the Heart", which describes their battle with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. There is heart in the text as she takes readers back in time to the 2000's to explain why this particular name was so important and empowering for Asian Americans and how this win is a landmark case in the battle against racism. Definitions of terms and information that might be unfamiliar to readers are found on the page they are used. Backmatter includes a paragraph about what happened to the band in 2019, paragraphs about 8 other landmark cases heard by Supreme Court that deal with racism against Asian Americans, Author Sources, and statements by the author and the subject. On the back endsheets are text to the song. For those who would like to hear it: https://youtu.be/pwfEgcRXJjM?si=S1Rie...
In his debut children's book, Victor Bizar Gómez chose to use a graphic style that fits with the story and the music. In this oversize picture book, he uses solid color images that often look like they are collage layered on top of colorful backgrounds. This technique is remarkable and refreshing to see. The emotion and energy are palpable. Those looking closely will note that young Simon foreshadows his future grown-up self, the empowerment he felt when he stood up to the bullies calling him racial slurs vs. the sadness felt when his mother had to deal with slurs, Simon riding high (atop an airplane) into a strange new life for him, the band performing on stacks of letters of support, and the amazing message on a fortune cookie. My personal favorite is the stark image of the 4 Supreme Court justices who ruled for Tam - including RBG (with her lace collar), Thomas, Roberts (holding his gavel), and Sotomayor. It is minimalist and striking, showing only their robes with only the bottom half of their faces. Text varies from black or white, depending on the image behind the text. Be sure to check for the secret cover!
This title can be used in so many units: civil rights, anti-racism, personal rights, music history, and citizenship.
Highly Recommended for grades 3-8 (even up to grade 12, as this would be a terrific conversation starter!).
December 12, 2024
One band's fight for freedom of speech, reclaiming hateful rhetoric, and the power of the arts.
Simon Tam was drawn to music at a young age, staging concerts for his family and vowing he would perform music for millions on T.V. Because of his background, Simon also faced microaggressions from his peers and those around him, but he learned that by taking ownership of a stereotype, he could claim it's power. After years of trying to suppress his love of music, he gave up his college scholarship and decided to join a rock band. He realized, however, that the music industry didn't have many familiar faces to his, so he decided to start an all Asian American band named the Slants. The band used this name to stake claim over an insult that had been used against them and other Asian American people. There was another band with the same name, one made of non-Asians, and so Simon fought to trademark this name for his band. This journey wasn't easy, as he was continually rejected on the basis of the name being racist. He continued to fight and use music for his message, taking the battle to the Supreme Court and challenging the racism of the judicial system. After giving a hearing to the Supreme Court, they unanimously ruled in favor of Simon and The Slants. After this win, the band continued to speak for freedom of speech in their music, and started a nonprofit organization focusing on activism in the arts.
I had never heard of the band The Slants before reading this book. I really enjoyed how the messaging of this book was the fight for freedom of speech and racism in both the judicial system and the arts. The author used text and musical lyrics throughout the book to create the story. While I think the story and the illustrations are appropriate for an upper elementary audience, this book might not garner individual student interest and reading based both on the cover and the material (even though it is an important story and message). The illustrations are well don, but do have a more muted and understated color palette. The back of the book does feature some interesting biographical notes on the author's sources and other anti-Asian racism advocates. I could see connections being made with this text to musical activism projects/activities, discussions on music as a tool to share societal issues, or focusing on the pop culture individual's work on social issues.
Simon Tam was drawn to music at a young age, staging concerts for his family and vowing he would perform music for millions on T.V. Because of his background, Simon also faced microaggressions from his peers and those around him, but he learned that by taking ownership of a stereotype, he could claim it's power. After years of trying to suppress his love of music, he gave up his college scholarship and decided to join a rock band. He realized, however, that the music industry didn't have many familiar faces to his, so he decided to start an all Asian American band named the Slants. The band used this name to stake claim over an insult that had been used against them and other Asian American people. There was another band with the same name, one made of non-Asians, and so Simon fought to trademark this name for his band. This journey wasn't easy, as he was continually rejected on the basis of the name being racist. He continued to fight and use music for his message, taking the battle to the Supreme Court and challenging the racism of the judicial system. After giving a hearing to the Supreme Court, they unanimously ruled in favor of Simon and The Slants. After this win, the band continued to speak for freedom of speech in their music, and started a nonprofit organization focusing on activism in the arts.
I had never heard of the band The Slants before reading this book. I really enjoyed how the messaging of this book was the fight for freedom of speech and racism in both the judicial system and the arts. The author used text and musical lyrics throughout the book to create the story. While I think the story and the illustrations are appropriate for an upper elementary audience, this book might not garner individual student interest and reading based both on the cover and the material (even though it is an important story and message). The illustrations are well don, but do have a more muted and understated color palette. The back of the book does feature some interesting biographical notes on the author's sources and other anti-Asian racism advocates. I could see connections being made with this text to musical activism projects/activities, discussions on music as a tool to share societal issues, or focusing on the pop culture individual's work on social issues.
September 20, 2024
Interesting graphic images of various hues complement a little-known story about freedom of speech and expression. While many individuals think about book, movies or art when they consider censorship or First Amendment issues, music and even the name of a band can also stir controversy. As Banned Books Week approaches and many of us contemplate what the Right to Read or the ability to honor multiple points of view means, this might be a good picture book [3.5 for me!] to share with students to prompt discussion of the topic and what it means to try to reclaim certain words that have been used in a disparaging way in the past. Aware of the way some racists used a phrase such as "slanted eyes" to demean Asians, Simon Tam forms a band, names them The Slants, but isn't allowed to register the name because the United States Patent and Trademark Office considered it be racist. Simon decides to fight the decision, leading to an eight-year battle that goes all the way to the Supreme Court, which eventually ruled in his favor. I had never heard of this case or this band, but the story was intriguing and inspiring. Lyrics from "From the Heart," the band's response to the band's fight for their name are included in the back matter and inserted throughout the main narrative.
December 13, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Today’s book review is We Sing From the Heart: How The Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court* by Mia Wenjen and illustrated by Victor Bizar Gómez.
Mia does an exemplary job at writing this informational picture book on the story of Simon Tam, a Chinese American activist who took his fight for the right to trademark his rock band’s name to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Her account of Tam’s story combined with Gómez's powerful illustrations, vividly portrays Simon Tam's fight and his vision of reclaiming hurtful words and transforming a racist slur into a symbol of empowerment.
He fought tirelessly in court to reclaim his band’s name The Slants® and expose the inherent racism within the judicial system. After many years, he finally achieved a historic victory.
The backmatter of this book enriches the reading experience with fascinating details about The Slants®, a list of Asian Americans who have fought against anti-Asian racism, sources, and bios of both Simon Tam and the author.
This book is an essential addition to any home library and a must-have for educators to include in their classrooms.
*I was gifted an electronic version of this book for the purposes of a review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Today’s book review is We Sing From the Heart: How The Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court* by Mia Wenjen and illustrated by Victor Bizar Gómez.
Mia does an exemplary job at writing this informational picture book on the story of Simon Tam, a Chinese American activist who took his fight for the right to trademark his rock band’s name to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Her account of Tam’s story combined with Gómez's powerful illustrations, vividly portrays Simon Tam's fight and his vision of reclaiming hurtful words and transforming a racist slur into a symbol of empowerment.
He fought tirelessly in court to reclaim his band’s name The Slants® and expose the inherent racism within the judicial system. After many years, he finally achieved a historic victory.
The backmatter of this book enriches the reading experience with fascinating details about The Slants®, a list of Asian Americans who have fought against anti-Asian racism, sources, and bios of both Simon Tam and the author.
This book is an essential addition to any home library and a must-have for educators to include in their classrooms.
*I was gifted an electronic version of this book for the purposes of a review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
October 15, 2024
We Sing From The Heart: How The Slants Took Their Fight For Free Speech To The Supreme Court is an empowering, stunning, educational, phenomenal, and needed story! This lovely biography highlights the fight against institutionalized racism (specifically systemic governmental racism) and the fight for free speech. It is an inspiring true story which highlights the importance of fighting for principle and moving the needle. If no one is willing to fight against apparent and subtle forms of discrimination, individuals will continue being impacted by discrimination. Simon Tam is truly an inspiration never giving up the fight for justice.
I adore the facts/definitions off set to help explain things to children. I love that Simon's life and journey to the Supreme Court case is well detailed. The representation of Asian American voices is fantastic. The storytelling is wonderful. There is so much to love about this book!
I adore the facts/definitions off set to help explain things to children. I love that Simon's life and journey to the Supreme Court case is well detailed. The representation of Asian American voices is fantastic. The storytelling is wonderful. There is so much to love about this book!
November 28, 2024
This is an awesome book! The first thing I will say is this: so many people are going to be inspired by this book and be driven to make social change in their own lives, big or small. I love how Tam makes it clear that he took a derogatory term and made it into an empowering term for him and his surrounding community. It's clear to make this clear and distinct in a kids' book so that young readers can see the complete story and progression in this specific story of activism. Additionally, Tam makes it known that anyone and everyone reading this book can be an activist and make change happen. Everyone has power, and they recognize that with this book. I literally have nothing bad to say about this book so I will end with this: the graphic design of each and every page was very organized and engaging, without detracting from the story. It was also a clever idea to include Slants song lyrics on every page. It makes for an even more immersive reading experience.
Bravo!!!
Bravo!!!
November 14, 2024
“Your uniqueness is your greatest strength,” said Simon Tam, the bandleader of Slants®. I love how this picture book biography by Mia Wenjen and Victor Bizar Gomez focuses on those words of Simon’s with exploding art and information. It follows Simon’s journey to copyright the name of his band: A racist slur for Asians.
But is it racist if he calls himself a “slant?”
It made me think about the times when I was called names when growing up. Not only a book for young minds to ponder the meaning of hurtful words tossed around by bullies, but also the process of law when an honorable justice system is at work. If you’d like to take ownership of a good book about a little-known triumph against big bullies, I recommend, We Sing from the Heart.
But is it racist if he calls himself a “slant?”
It made me think about the times when I was called names when growing up. Not only a book for young minds to ponder the meaning of hurtful words tossed around by bullies, but also the process of law when an honorable justice system is at work. If you’d like to take ownership of a good book about a little-known triumph against big bullies, I recommend, We Sing from the Heart.
November 25, 2024
Great style and interesting story about a battle for free speech among Asian Americans. The Slants (rock band) fought for the use of their band name, all the way to the Supreme Court. It feels like an own-voices piece, which is timely and helpful. The artistic colors and styling really stand out, alongside powerful lyrics from their songs.
Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
The concept of reappropriation is a little complicated. It's hard to understand how/why this group want want to "take back" offensive racial language, and wish that had been communicated to us more clearly, but respect their free rights to do so.
Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
The concept of reappropriation is a little complicated. It's hard to understand how/why this group want want to "take back" offensive racial language, and wish that had been communicated to us more clearly, but respect their free rights to do so.
December 13, 2024
We Sing from the Heart is a well told tell that is true. It is the story of The Slants, an Asian-American band who had to take their fight for the right to speech, to call themselves "The Slants," to the Supreme Court. Wenjen does an excellent job of moving the story forward for young readers without sacrificing detail. She balances the volume of text, the level of detail, the complexity of language, and the clarity of concepts perfectly. This is one of the best narrative nonfiction picture books I've seen. We Sing from the Heart is a good history lesson and speaks to the power of music and the value of community enthusiasm for change that needs to happen. I heartily recommend We Sing from the Heart.
December 3, 2024
We don't often hear about Asian American advocacy in the media or in history books. This picture book brings to life the true-life story of Simon Tam who used his band's name, The Slants®, to make a powerful statement that racist insults could no longer be hurtful to Asian Americans. Written in an age-appropriate manner, the book chronicles his eight-year battle to win trademark protection. The case went to the Supreme Court and along the way, exposed the structural racism in our government systems. The story of Simon Tam is not something everyone knows about, but they should. The author and illustrator do a great job bringing this story to life for young readers.
May 13, 2024
I received a digital advance reading copy of this book from Edelweiss, it will be released 09/11/24. This young adult nonfiction picture book is remarkable, in both content and illustration. It would generate rigorous, thoughtful class discussions from middle school to college level classrooms. I would not be surprised to see this book mentioned in multiple categories at next year's ALA Awards. Highly recommended.
December 6, 2024
An interesting story with dynamic art that falls a little flat. The story is very bare bones and could use more info - it feels like the outline rather than the fleshed out narrative. Tam says in the note at the end that he wanted his story to get the depth and nuance it deserves. I agree, but this didn't achieve that. Would love to see a fuller story.
December 14, 2024
We Sing From the Heart tells a true story I was not familiar with. Simon Tan had to take his fight to the Supreme Court to trademark his band name, The Slants. While learning about Simon’s journey the reader may also begin to ponder about language, hurtful language, and the power of reclaiming that language. The words of this story are accompanied by striking illustrations.
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March 15, 2024please remove. This is a duplicate.
June 10, 2024
ARC from Edelweiss.
October 23, 2024
ARC from Netgalley.
Really prettily laid out book. The presentation and story reminded me of Carole Boston Weatherford. Definitely one to order for the library.
Really prettily laid out book. The presentation and story reminded me of Carole Boston Weatherford. Definitely one to order for the library.
December 26, 2024
Really effective picture book distillation of an important and nuanced modern court case
January 10, 2025
(3.5)
This is a children’s picture book about the history of the band member and his fight to the Supreme Court. Nice art and straightforward exposition.
This is a children’s picture book about the history of the band member and his fight to the Supreme Court. Nice art and straightforward exposition.
December 1, 2024
Gorgeously written. Beautiful and touching book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews