ha-pa (hä'pä)

A Hawaiian word to describe a person of mixed-race heritage who identifies racially and culturally as both white and of Asian descent.

Sweet hapa, we want to raise you to embrace the two worlds that are part of you. We acknowledge our traditions, all the while making new ones with you.

This is a love story celebrating two family traditions, Chinese- and Italian-American, merging together as one. We pass along these traditions in hopes that our child and future generations have a better understanding of their identity. Whether a hapa or of any mixed race, one can learn to proudly accept their multiracial background by continuing to honor family traditions each passing year.

As a Chinese American, the author, Donna Le Virga, experienced an identity struggle while growing up in America with two Chinese-born parents. Her family's customs are what grounded her, teaching her to appreciate her background. These family traditions profoundly shaped the person she is today. She aspires to instill those same values in her child and hope readers can as well.