Campbell teen wins national book award

Westmont High School graduating senior Maddon Hoh-Choi, 17, has been named a 2023 Silver Nautilus Book Award winner for a book he wrote with his mother, Tina Choi, to teach children about Chinese-American businessman Andrew Yang, who ran for president in 2020.

“Fighting for Change,” which was honored in the category for middle grade nonfiction (ages 8-12; grades 4-7), teaches the basics of Universal Basic Income (UBI) and how it addresses issues including unemployment, poverty and homelessness. It also describes the childhood trials and triumphs of Yang, a child of immigrant parents, who grew up in a small New York town.

Maddon, who will attend UC Berkeley this fall, has always been interested in politics and history. He closely followed the 2020 Presidential election and was among the millions who called themselves part of the “Yang Gang” — those who supported Yang and his plan for UBI.

Maddon was the recipient of the Class of 2023 Thomas Jefferson Award as chosen by Westmont High’s social studies department. He founded his school’s Civics Leadership Club and was president of its College and Career Center. Locally, he is a member of the Campbell Youth Commission and the Saratoga chapter of Boys Team Charity.

Choi is also a child of immigrant parents. She is a former Apple employee who chaired the Apple Asian Association.

“Fighting for Change,” published in 2022 by Publish Your Purpose, is available in hardcover and paperback from Amazon.com. Part of the proceeds from the book will support Anti-AAPI Hate organizations.