Filmmaker Caylee So, 41, came to the U.S. when she was a child refugee. After finishing high school, she spent eight years in the U.S. army and was deployed twice to Iraq. In the war-zone, she found her passion for storytelling after being inspired by a film, and later studied film production in California. Her unique voice about immigrant identities have guided her career as a director. Caylee So has told stories in five languages and directed two acclaimed Cambodian American films. Right now, she is directing a new family drama, “The Harvest,” a Southeast Asian story written and starred in by Hmong American actor Doua Moua. The new Hmong immigrant story is expected to premiere in 2023.
Of course kids want a good story and engaging pictures. But there s nothing wrong with a lesson, too. These 10 picture books — most with a Minnesota connection — celebrate