A moving new picture book, A Stronger Home depicts a mother and son experiencing family violence who have to flee their home. They move from place to place to find safe shelter, until finally they’re able to go back home again. Read on to hear from author Katrina Chen and her process for creating the book with her co-author Elaine Su.
Can you tell us a little bit about A Stronger Home?
A Stronger Home is a unique picture book dedicated to raising awareness about family violence. It was created to fill a gap we recognized—women, and especially children, leaving violent homes are often silenced and hidden. There is a lack of resources and media that reflect the lived experiences of children and women healing from intimate family violence, particularly from a child’s perspective.
It tells the story of a mother and her son who leave their home as part of their safety plan—a strategy in which people experiencing violence leave their residence for a time, even if the abuser is no longer there. The mother and son embark on a journey to rebuild their sense of home in their hearts, ultimately returning to create a stronger home.
The mother and son in this story eventually find a way to return home. They are fortunate compared to those who have to stay in temporary shelters and struggle to make ends meet amidst their traumas.
We wanted to create a book that not only sheds light on these experiences but also offers a voice of hope and healing to women and children facing similar traumas.
What inspired you to write A Stronger Home?
As an immigrant from Taiwan and a settler on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, I often reflect on what “home” truly means. While it should be a place of safety and connection, for many—especially women and children facing domestic violence—home can be a place of fear.
As a survivor of gender-based violence, I understand its lasting impact. I’ve met many others with similar stories. During my healing journey, I noticed a lack of picture books for children and their mothers coping with family violence. That’s what inspired me to write A Stronger Home—to offer hope, understanding and support where it’s needed most.
As a gender-based violence survivor, how did you feel when you were writing this story?
It’s important to note that this is a story about hope, resilience and kindness. The focus is on the survivors and their healing journey. It’s not about the perpetrator—or the storm in the story—or about anger.
Like many survivors, my healing journey has been filled with mixed emotions. It began with sadness, anguish and anger, and it has slowly led to a greater sense of peace as I continue to work on my healing. The more I worked on this story, the more I realized how important it is to unpack my trauma and face all of my emotions in order to truly heal and recover.
One thing I’ve come to understand is that people who cause harm are often carrying deep hurt themselves. Trauma can be passed down from generation to generation, and while anger can motivate us to seek change, it should never stand in the way of our healing.
Finishing this book has brought me a sense of peace I didn’t expect. With the support of my community, I finished it with love—and with hope for a future where all of us can feel safer, stronger and more whole.
How did you go about the writing process? Did you have additional help or support along the way?
The story came together quickly, grounded in real experiences of women and children affected by violence. But bringing it to life took time and the support of many. I worked closely with Orca Book Publishers’ editor Sarah Howden and illustrator Delphie Côté-Lacroix, whose contributions helped shape the final book. I was fortunate to work with my co-author, Elaine Su, a teacher-librarian whose expertise strengthened the narrative and ensured cultural elements are incorporated to reflect the disproportional impact of gender-based violence on IBPOC women.
I’m also grateful to Monique Gray Smith, a respected Indigenous children’s author, who connected me with Orca. And, of course, I thank my family and close friends for their unwavering support. Like my own healing journey, this book came to life with the care of a whole community.
What does home mean to you?
To me, home should be a place where I feel safe, loved and cared for. It is also a place where I can be my true self—good or bad—knowing that my imperfections and challenges are not judged or questioned but are met with love and understanding in the space I call home.
Since publishing this book, I’ve asked many people what home means to them. The stories are diverse—some were raised by older siblings, some are estranged from biological family but found belonging in chosen families. What matters most is taking the time to reflect on what home means to us individually.
Ultimately, home is not just a place; it reflects the sense of self and belonging we carry within us. Wherever life takes us, that inner sense of home helps us move forward and thrive in our own way.
What would you tell the mother and boy in the story?
To the mother: You’ve done your best. As survivors, we understand how much courage it can take just to wake up and face the day. Often, we carry on—for our children, our loved ones, and the responsibilities we carry—even when we feel like we’re breaking inside.
The healing journey can be incredibly difficult, but as a community we are here for one another. Leaving an unsafe situation is already a powerful step toward a better path. Things can improve, and you are not alone.
To the little boy: Know that you are loved and deeply valued. It’s okay to return home, to rebuild it and to face the storm as you begin your own healing journey. Together, we can break the cycle of violence.
When I was a young girl affected by gender-based violence, I was ashamed and afraid to tell my story. I didn’t share it until my late 30s. I was too ashamed and afraid to tell my story. In many ways, this book is a message to that little girl and to every reader: It’s okay to speak your truth. Healing begins when we share our stories.
I hope this book will bring out more stories.
Katrina Chen (陳葦蓁) moved to Canada from Taiwan on her own and worked in the grassroots community before being elected as a Burnaby Board of Education trustee and later as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Burnaby-Lougheed, becoming the first Taiwanese-born Canadian appointed to the BC Cabinet. She has openly shared her experiences as a survivor of gender-based violence. Katrina is currently the President of 安信 Community Savings Credit Union and a certified coach, advocating for childcare, mental health and equity.