Books / Reach for the Sky
Reach for the Sky
Written by: Evelyn Sue Wong; Illustrated by: Sarah Ang
Cover Reveal: 1 May 2025 (the first day of Asian Heritage Month)
Publication Date: 21 August 2025
As the Great Depression brought families and cities to their knees, Robert Shun Wong and his younger brother Tommy dreamed of flying. Money was tight, racial discrimination was high, and times were tough. But in the heart of Vancouver's Chinatown, the two brothers built a single-seat plane — a Pietenpol Sky Scout. Pushing the boundaries of their world, Robert and Tommy were soon flying beyond their wildest dreams!
This inspiring true story about Evelyn's father and uncle tells of the pioneering years in aviation and the incredible contributions made by the Chinese Canadian community. Reach for the Sky invites young readers to test their limits and set their eyes beyond the horizon.
"A unique and true family story, set in Vancouver’s Chinatown during challenging times, Reach for the Sky will be certain to captivate a new generation of dreamers."
- Arlene Chan, Award-Winning Author and Chinese Canadian Historian
"Reach for the sky is the spellbinding tory of revered Canadian aviators Bob and Tommy Wong. Beautifully written and illustrated, it will inspire readers of all ages!"
- Larry Millberry, Canadian Aviation Historian, Author, and Publisher
Reach for the Sky: How Two Brothers Built an Airplane in Chinatown, is part of
Plumleaf Press’ heritage collection of true stories and people from Chinese-
Canadian history.
Robert and Tommy Wong
A 6-minute profile of the Wong brothers from childhood until retirement, produced by Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame (CAHF) on their induction to CAHF in September 2024.
Reach For The Sky Launch
Book Launch in Singapore: Boarding Begins
On 18 September 2025, we officially launched Reach for the Sky: How Two Brothers Built an Airplane in Chinatown at The POD, National Library Building, Singapore.
The launch event was a vibrant celebration: complete with boarding pass bookmarks and a panoramic view of the city. Guests were invited to “come on board” for a warm and personal launch event that bridged histories between Singapore and Canada.
A heartfelt thank you to our publisher Plumleaf Press for sending their best wishes from Canada, and to Denise and Kelvin from Closetful of Books for their incredible support in making the event possible. Special thanks as well to William Phuan, Executive Director of Singapore Book Council, and Benoit Girouard, Counsellor for Public and Political Affairs at High Commission of Canada in Singapore, for their opening words and presence at the launch.
This event was part of SG60, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and Singapore, and highlighted the long-standing literary and cultural partnerships between the two countries.
📍 The POD, National Library Building — Singapore
Toronto Bound: Taking Flight
Shortly after the launch, the author took off for Toronto, bringing Reach for the Sky across the globe.
With suitcase packed, book in hand, and a heart full of stories, this leg of the journey represented the spirit of the book itself — reaching beyond boundaries and across continents.
✈️ Next stop: Canada
Toronto Launch: A Warm Homecoming
On 25 October 2025, Reach for the Sky: How Two Brothers Built an Airplane in Chinatown officially launched in Toronto, Canada at the University of Toronto, the author’s alma mater.
This milestone marked a heartfelt homecoming — a celebration of shared histories, family legacy, and the enduring power of stories. Alumni, friends, and new readers gathered to hear the author share the Wong brothers’ story, fold paper planes with children, and reflect on how a dream that took flight in Vancouver’s Chinatown now continues to inspire across generations.
Special thanks to Barbara Dick, Assistant Vice-President of Alumni Relations and University Advancement, and the U of T Alumni team for their support in hosting the event.
📍 University of Toronto — Toronto, Canada
Storytelling with Young Dreamers
The Reach for the Sky journey continued in Toronto with storytelling sessions for children, where history met imagination.
One of the most memorable moments took place at Jean Lumb Public School, named after the pioneering Chinese Canadian community leader Jean Lumb. The author shared the inspiring story of Robert and Tommy Wong, two brothers who dared to build their own airplane in Vancouver’s Chinatown — a true tale of vision, grit, and ingenuity.
The Grade 4 students listened with wide eyes, amazed to learn that the brothers were part of Jean Lumb’s family. This wasn’t just a reading, it was a spark. Through this story, children were reminded that big dreams can start anywhere, even in a small neighborhood workshop.
The author also met Monicke Hanson, Principal of Jean Lumb Public School, and Tina Surdivall, Teacher Librarian, to donate a copy of the book to the school library. The visit coincided with the week of Diwali celebrations, underscoring the school’s vibrant, multicultural spirit.
📍 Jean Lumb Public School — Toronto
Where to Find the Book in Toronto
Just like Robert and Tommy Wong’s airplane, Reach for the Sky has completed its journey across the Pacific — and has officially landed in Toronto’s bookstores.
Readers can now discover this inspiring story of heritage, resilience, and imagination in select brick-and-mortar locations as well as online.
In Store
-
Book City Toronto (Danforth) — A beloved neighborhood bookstore known for its strong selection of Canadian authors and children’s literature.
-
University of Toronto Bookstore — The perfect homecoming spot for the author, whose alma mater hosted the Canadian launch event.
Online
-
Select independent bookshops across the city (check Plumleaf Press for updated stockists).
-
Plumleaf Press (Canada) — [Publisher’s website]
-
Closetful of Books (Singapore) — for international readers
-
Amazon — for both Canadian and international shipping
Drop Evelyn a note
Evelyn would love to hear from you!