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# Crystal Chan

author, speaker, compassion activist

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://crystalchan.net/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://crystalchan.net/news/)
- [14 Book Lists on Mental Health for Youth and Teens](https://crystalchan.net/2022/11/14-book-lists-on-mental-health-for-youth-and-teens/) - This list is drawn from libraries, new sites, psychotherapist and counseling practices, book lists, and newspapers. And my book is on every single one of them!!! All That I Can Fix addresses suicide, depression, anxiety, child PTSD from gun violence, coping mechanisms – including dark humor (so there's a lot of wicked humor). Here you go!
- [I inspired 2000 teens in 20 minutes. You can be inspired, too.](https://crystalchan.net/2022/05/i-inspired-2000-teens-in-20-minutes-you-can-be-inspired-too/) - I had the delightful honor of being selected by my alma mater, Oshkosh West High School, to receive their Distinguished Alumni Award for 2022. The whole school voted and designated me as their role model. As an author for teens and youth, I don't take that lightly: I often say that it is one thing
- [January 6: Sneak Preview Launch of Healing Writing Workshop for Teens](https://crystalchan.net/2021/12/january-6-sneak-preview-launch-of-healing-writing-workshop-for-teens/) - In case you haven't heard, I am gearing up to deliver a healing writing workshop for teens in these tumultuous times. Essentially, in 90 minutes, I will tenderly walk them through a process of free writing out their experiences, thoughts, and how they have grown. Then I will teach them how to whittle down all of that
- [On Wisconsin Public Radio again! Listen to "Driving Lessons"](https://crystalchan.net/2020/10/on-wisconsin-public-radio-again-listen-to-driving-lessons/) - I am back on Wisconsin Public Radio! Here, I am sharing how, when I was displaced at the beginning of the pandemic, I returned to my hometown of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, only to have to learn how to drive their dang roundabouts. Join me in this heartwarming, three-minute story about how the pandemic brought a mother
- [2020: Crystal is taking a break from author visits](https://crystalchan.net/2020/01/2020-crystal-is-taking-a-break-from-author-visits/) - Friends: Crystal is going to be taking a break from being on the road for 2020. Even the earth needs fallow seasons to rejuvenate, and so does Crystal. Feel free to contact her for events and her availability in 2021. Here is to nurturing the creative spirit!
- [Another listing in a mental health roundup, this time in Canada!](https://crystalchan.net/2019/03/another-listing-in-a-mental-health-roundup-this-time-in-canada/) - Toronto Public Library chose ALL THAT I CAN FIX for a roundup for mental health books. Huzzah, my Canadian friends! And, of course, lots of other terrific books on an important topic, too. The reviewer said: “I liked [how this book shows]…how one person's mental health affects others. A central teen character is holding things
- [ALL THAT I CAN FIX mentioned in Bookriot's 50-state roundup!](https://crystalchan.net/2019/02/all-that-i-can-fix-mentioned-in-bookriots-50-state-roundup/) - I like the words Bookriot uses to describe ALL THAT I CAN FIX: "Compelling". "Strange." "Heartwarming." Yup. That's about it. "Romney and his family are known in their small Indiana town. They’re mixed race and Romney’s father tried to kill himself. That would be enough, of course, but the story adds even more to it:
- [CRYSTAL WILL TEACH COLLEGE STUDENTS COURSE ON COMPASSION, SPRING 2019](https://crystalchan.net/2018/11/crystal-will-teach-college-students-course-on-compassion-spring-2019/) - I’m very happy to announce that I will be an adjunct professor at Benedictine University for the spring semester of 2019. The course: Writing CompassionIn this experiential course, students will foster the skills of deep listening and compassion to gain greater mastery over their emotions, curb knee-jerk judgments of the Other, and hold a multiplicity of
- [ALL THAT I CAN FIX is Book of the Week!](https://crystalchan.net/2018/09/all-that-i-can-fix-is-book-of-the-week/) - Huzzah! My book, ALL THAT I CAN FIX, is the Cooperative Children's Book Center's Book of the Week! Some great quotes of the review: "This compelling, ambitious novel has just the right touch of the absurd to balance its serious themes." "[Ronney's] experience as a brown-skinned teen is that people want to categorize
- [Where is ALL THAT I CAN FIX? Book roundups](https://crystalchan.net/2018/07/where-is-all-that-i-can-fix-book-roundups/) - Here are some of the places that have put ALL THAT I CAN FIX on their book roundups: Bustle: 11 New Summer Books for Your Book Club, Because It's the Perfect Time to Read with Your Friends Buzzfeed's Books You Will Devour This Summer Stacked: Mental Health Books To Read Bustle: The New Book You Need
- [Buzzfeed has found ALL THAT I CAN FIX](https://crystalchan.net/2018/07/buzzfeed-has-found-all-that-i-can-fix/) - Huzzah! Buzzfeed has included ALL THAT I CAN FIX on its lineup of fantastic summer books. https://www.buzzfeed.com/farrahpenn/ya-books-youll-want-to-devour-by-the-pool-this-summer?utm_term=.kqxb7wd6P3#.hjm19JOk2P
- [Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books – starred review!](https://crystalchan.net/2018/06/bulletin-for-the-center-of-childrens-books-starred-review/) - The BCCB gave ALL THAT I CAN FIX a starred review – it's third one! Here's the lineup of starred review so far: Kirkus School Library Journal BCCB http://bccb.ischool.illinois.edu/stars/
- [School Library Journal has given a starred review!](https://crystalchan.net/2018/04/school-library-journal-has-given-a-starred-review/) - School Library Journal's review for ALL THAT I CAN FIX: "This quirky coming-of-age novel is full of hardships that the protagonist must endure, while still maintaining a lighthearted tone. VERDICT A strong choice for YA collections, this complex selection with a variety of relatable characters in extraordinary circumstances will win over teens." –Caitlin Wilson, Meadowdale
- [Kirkus has given a starred review!](https://crystalchan.net/2018/03/kirkus-given-starred-review/) - My upcoming book, ALL THAT I CAN FIX, has received a starred review from Kirkus, one of the hardest reviewers in the industry. My favorite line of the review: “Ronney is refreshingly and defiantly multiracial (his family's exact heritage is not specified, but he is at one point mistaken for Latino), and readers will fall
- [For Reviewers of ALL THAT I CAN FIX](https://crystalchan.net/2018/01/reviewers-can-fix/) - Dear Reviewer, Please note for the title All That I Can Fix by Crystal Chan (ISBN 9781534408883, 6/12/18), pages 289-300 of the galley have been changed significantly in the finished version. They are available to you by PDF upon request. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you! Vanessa DeJesús
- [ALL THAT I CAN FIX has caught the eye of Publishers Weekly!](https://crystalchan.net/2018/01/can-fix-caught-eye-publishers-weekly/)

## Pages

- [Home](https://crystalchan.net/)
- [Contact](https://crystalchan.net/contact/)
- [Meditations/Retreats](https://crystalchan.net/speaking/embodied-meditations-retreats-2/) - Coming Soon!
- [Radio Stories](https://crystalchan.net/radio-stories/) - Do you like hearing stories that make you think, laugh, and see the world in a new way? Here are Crystal’s 3-minute Moth-like stories, which she records for Wisconsin Public Radio’s program Wisconsin Life. Join her below:
- [Crystal Chan Presentation Topics: Adults](https://crystalchan.net/speaking/adults/) - Presentations for adults A Teachers-Only Retreat for Tumultuous Times This writing retreat grounds teachers in their strength, growth, and purpose so they're revived and ready to go for the school year. Studies have proven that putting words to one's experiences can bring significant and lasting physical and mental health benefits, and that naming one's experience
- [About Crystal Chan](https://crystalchan.net/about/) - Crystal Chan watched with amazement at the exotic zoo outbreak in Zanesville, Ohio in 2011, where scores of animals—hungry lions, panthers, and tigers—ran loose around the county. That incident inspired her most recent novel, All That I Can Fix. Her debut novel, Bird, has been published in 10 countries and is out on audiobook in
- [Finding the Essence: A Social Emotional Writing Workshop for Teens in Covid](https://crystalchan.net/speaking/finding-the-essence-a-social-emotional-writing-workshop-for-teens-in-covid/) - This workshop helps students understand and unpack their world in a time when mental distress among youth is rampant. Click on the Summary or Full Proposal and Pricing below to learn more: See Crystal in Action: https://youtu.be/F1suqUDOpBU
- [Embodied Meditations/Retreats](https://crystalchan.net/speaking/embodied-meditations-retreats/) - Embodied Meditations / Retreats Coming Soon!
- [Endorsements](https://crystalchan.net/speaking/endorsements/) - What People Have Been Saying “Crystal Chan gave my students an opportunity to speak, listen, and be heard deeply. She created an emotionally safe environment and coaxed multiple sentences out of some of my quietest students. Through her writing workshop my students were able to explore the connection between emotion, voice, speaking their truth, and
- [Crystal Chan Presentation Topics: Youth](https://crystalchan.net/speaking/) - Presentations for youth Finding the Essence: A Social Emotional Writing Workshop for Kids in Covid Students use their own words in a clear, methodical, and tender way to describe their anxiety, grief, frustration, and even strange joy in these exceptionally complex times. Bilingual optional (Spanish), trauma-informed approach. Meets Social/Emotional, Common Core, and American School Counselors
- [Crystal Will Teach College Students Course On Compassion, Spring 2019](https://crystalchan.net/crystal-will-teach-college-students-course-on-compassion-spring-2019/) - I'm very happy to announce that I will be an adjunct professor at Benedictine University for the spring semester of 2019. The course: Writing Compassion In this experiential course, students will foster the skills of deep listening and compassion to gain greater mastery over their emotions, curb knee-jerk judgments of the Other, and hold a
- [All That I Can Fix](https://crystalchan.net/books/all-that-i-can-fix/) - A teen boy’s world gets turned upside-down when a zoo of exotic animals takes over his small town in this wickedly funny, heartbreakingly honest novel that’s perfect for fans of Shaun David Hutchinson. In Makersville, Indiana, people know all about Ronney—he’s from that mixed-race family with the dad who tried to kill himself, the pill-popping
- [Bird](https://crystalchan.net/books/bird/) - It’s only natural to have silence and secrets in your family when you’re born on the same day that your brother died. At least, that’s sure what it seems like for twelve-year old Jewel. Add to that the fact that you’re the only mixed-race family in your rural Iowan town, and well, life can get
- [Resources](https://crystalchan.net/resources/)
- [Books by Crystal Chan](https://crystalchan.net/books/)

## On the Road

- [Panel discussion about POC representation in the book industry](https://crystalchan.net/on_the_road/panel-discussion-about-poc-representation-in-the-book-industry/) - Hey, hey! Join me tomorrow, April 13, as a panel of us POC authors talk about representation in the book industry. That is, how stories get represented or misrepresented, the dangers of pigeonholing certain POC stories (come on, y'all, you know what I mean), the increased risks of being a POC author in a white
- [Crystal Presents at IRC as Featured Speaker: Dark Humor for Dark Times](https://crystalchan.net/on_the_road/crystal-presents-at-irc-as-featured-speaker-dark-humor-for-dark-times/) - I'm going to be a featured presenter for the Illinois Reading Council. What am I going to talk about? Dark, Absurd Humor in Dark, Absurd Times. Because, um, well: Coronavirus. Perhaps you've heard of it? AND for those of you who have read my novel, ALL THAT I CAN FIX, you know that there is
- [2020: Crystal's taking a creativity break](https://crystalchan.net/on_the_road/2020-crystals-taking-a-creativity-break/) - Friends: Crystal is going to be taking a break from being on the road for 2020. Even the earth needs fallow seasons to rejuvenate, and so does Crystal. Feel free to contact her for events and her availability in 2021. Here is to nurturing the creative spirit!
- [October 24, 2019: WI School Visit](https://crystalchan.net/on_the_road/october-24-2019-wi-school-visit/) - Watch out, Oshkosh, Wisconsin! Crystal's coming your way for a school visit to Carl Traeger Middle School!
- [October 11-13: Fox Cities Book Festival](https://crystalchan.net/on_the_road/october-11-13-fox-cities-book-festival/) - Crystal will be participating in the Fox Cities Book Festival, visiting schools as well as having presentations available to the public. https://foxcitiesbookfestival.org/weneeddiversebooks/ The schedule can be found here. Stay tuned for updates: http://foxcitiesbookfestival.org/
- [Nov. 9: SCBWI Author Panel](https://crystalchan.net/on_the_road/nov-9-scbwi-author-panel/) - Time: 6:30-8:30pm Where: 57th Street Books, Chicago ( 1301 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637)
- [Nov. 16: Presentation at Vineyard Church](https://crystalchan.net/on_the_road/nov-16-presentation-at-vineyard-church/) - In a panel evening that focuses on diversity and the arts, and Crystal will talk about her two books, ALL THAT I CAN FIX and BIRD, and how she uses the arts to forward both diversity and social justice. Books will be for sale, and a signing will follow the event. Vineyard Christian Church 2495
- [Aug. 7: Anderson's book talk and Q&A](https://crystalchan.net/on_the_road/aug-7-andersons-book-talk-and-qa/) - Crystal will be at Anderson's (Downers Grove location) for educators who work with teens, as well as anyone who's read the book and who wants to have a conversation. Come on over, bring your questions, and enjoy the fun. Anderson's 5112 Main St. Downers Grove, Illinois 60515 6:30pm-7:30pm Books will also be for sale for
- [CRYSTAL WILL TEACH COLLEGE STUDENTS COURSE ON COMPASSION, SPRING 2019](https://crystalchan.net/on_the_road/crystal-will-teach-college-students-course-on-compassion-spring-2019/) - I’m very happy to announce that I will be an adjunct professor at Benedictine University for the spring semester of 2019. The course: Writing CompassionIn this experiential course, students will foster the skills of deep listening and compassion to gain greater mastery over their emotions, curb knee-jerk judgments of the Other, and hold a multiplicity of
- [May 3: SCBWI Chicago](https://crystalchan.net/on_the_road/may-3-scbwi-chicago/)
- [May 2: Valley View School District Writers’ Conference](https://crystalchan.net/on_the_road/may-2-valley-view-school-district-writers-conference/)
- [April 21: SCBWI Spring Thaw: St. Charles, IL](https://crystalchan.net/on_the_road/april-21-scbwi-spring-thaw-st-charles-il/)
- [April 7: SCBWI LaGrange/Naperville](https://crystalchan.net/on_the_road/scbwi-lagrange-naperville/)

## FAQs

- [Crystal Chan Press Kit](https://crystalchan.net/ufaqs/crystal-chan-press-kit/) - Click to download Crystal's Press-kit containing photos, bios, a synopsis of current work, and contact information.
- [Where do you write?](https://crystalchan.net/ufaqs/where-do-you-write/) - Right here.
- [ALL THAT I CAN FIX Curriculum Guide](https://crystalchan.net/ufaqs/all-that-i-can-fix-curriculum-guide/) - Click here to receive the ALL THAT I CAN FIX Curriculum Guide, which includes activities and discussion questions.
- [Can you sign my book?](https://crystalchan.net/ufaqs/can-sign-book/) - The best thing would be for you to contact Women and Children’s First, a bookstore in Chicago. I have a number of signed books there, and they can sell and mail you one.
- [BIRD Curriculum Guide](https://crystalchan.net/ufaqs/bird-curriculum-guide/) - Click here to download a BIRD Curriculum Guide, which includes activities and discussion questions.
- [BIRD Fun Facts](https://crystalchan.net/ufaqs/bird-fun-facts/) - ASTRONOMY: The brightest star in a constellation is called the alpha, which is also the first letter of the Greek alphabet. The next brightest star is called beta. So Sirius, which is the brightest star in the sky, and which is located in the constellation Canis Major, the Great Dog, is called Alpha Canis Majoris. Magnitude
- [ALL THAT I CAN FIX Fun Facts](https://crystalchan.net/ufaqs/can-fix-fun-facts/) - Coming soon!
- [Do you really bike on the streets of Chicago?](https://crystalchan.net/ufaqs/really-bike-streets-chicago/) - Sure do! It’s a big responsibility to bike on busy streets, so I always bike carefully. This one guy I know gets hit by a car every summer, but I’ve been biking for ten years and haven’t had an accident. A lot of it is about being careful.
- [Can I see a picture of your turtle?](https://crystalchan.net/ufaqs/can-see-picture-turtle/) - Here she is! A red-eared slider, about 20 years old. Her name is Jia-you, which is Chinese for “keep going”, but the name is hard to say and remember, so her second name is Juanita. That’s what most people call her.
- [What are some things you like and dislike?](https://crystalchan.net/ufaqs/things-like-dislike/) - I like escalators, lukewarm water, hot food, baby plants, mushrooms, lying down on a park bench, kosher pickles, turtles, steaming coffee mugs, stairs, cherry popsicles, deep-fried tofu, gooey pancakes (in the middle), dim sum, arrachara tacos, jalapenos and serranos, playground slides, starry nights, spiders, snakes, bikes, sporks, tire swings, winter air, paper, bright colors, fun
- [How do you get your ideas?](https://crystalchan.net/ufaqs/how-do-you-get-your-ideas/) - I don’t know. It’s honestly a mystery to me, too.
- [I want to be a writer. Do you have advice for me?](https://crystalchan.net/ufaqs/want-writer-advice/) - Write from your heart, always. When you write, remember you’re writing from a special space inside, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. And practice telling stories – tell stories all the time. When you’re not telling stories, practice listening to stories. Because that’s all that writing really is: Telling a story.
- [What mix are you?](https://crystalchan.net/ufaqs/what-mix-are-you/) - My dad is from Hong Kong and my mom is from Wisconsin and is of Polish-American descent. So I grew up eating sauerkraut dishes, along with stir fry.
- [What’s it like, being mixed race?](https://crystalchan.net/ufaqs/whats-like-mixed-race/) - It can be really great sometimes, because I have a lot of experiences that others don’t have. For instance, I was raised on eating Chinese chicken feet and pierogies. And I find that I connect with others more easily because I can identify more with their background, whether it’s that of an immigrant or person

## Categories

- [Misc](https://crystalchan.net/category/misc/)
- [All That I Can Fix](https://crystalchan.net/category/all-that-i-can-fix/)
- [Reviews](https://crystalchan.net/category/reviews/)

## Road Categories

- [Author Visits](https://crystalchan.net/on-the-road/author-visits/)

## FAQ Categories

- [Bio FAQs](https://crystalchan.net/ufaq-category/bio-faqs/)
- [Resources](https://crystalchan.net/ufaq-category/fun-facts/)