Untamed Roots Collective
Culturally relevant books for the next generation.
Why Untamed Roots Collective?
Bridging the Gap in Hmong Literature for Future Generations
Culturally relevant books are essential to providing children books that look like them, whether in the classroom or at home. With the adoption of the Hmong Roman Alphabet script in the mid-1950s, Hmong print is still a fairly new concept with an estimated of no more than 1,000 different books titles in print. In a classroom survey done at a local Hmong language program, a few students reported that their home, they have at the most several Hmong books; however, the majority of Hmong students have no print Hmong literature at all (2016, Yang, P); therefore, the need for Hmong literature is so important to the identity of Hmong youths and the preservation of Hmong language from extinction.
Empowering Hmong Voices
Untamed Roots Collective is a collaborative effort bringing together self-published authors who are partnering up as one to offer Hmong literature print to the community. Instead of working in silo, we work together to change the landscape of storytelling through the Hmong lens.
Untamed Roots Collective is a project spearheaded by Dr. Kha Yang Xiong, a published Hmong author and dedicated educator. The initiative empowers Hmong teachers and professionals to publish their own books. By guiding these individuals through the intricate publishing process, the project aims to revitalize the Hmong language and culture by creating authentic Hmong texts giving authors the tools to be untamed.
This transformative endeavor is made possible through the generous support of AmeriCorps, which enables Dr. Xiong and her team provide essential resources and mentorship. Cohort 1 with 20 educators in the Twin Cities will embark on their journey to being Hmong authors, and will work during the school year to have books ready to launch in September of 2025 at local book stories, on Amazon, and Hmong Children’s Books website.
To support local authors and purchase the Untamed Roots Collective books: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1To6dK6m4IN3w78gWq_vvHIeAP1xMr2kjMZVRPC5aSRA/edit?usp=sharing
For large orders, please contact Dr. Kha Xiong at Khaxiong@gmail.com
Visit URC on FB for new book releases and events: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17n61Siy55/
Join Us Where It Matters
Together, we can uplift and be a part of the solution to save the Hmong language from dying in decades to come. Every contribution ensures the continuation of our vital work.