May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, and we are sharing books from AAPI creators to be read and celebrated by students all year long.
This book introduces readers to an irresistible new character who learns to navigate her two cultures and realizes that when she opens her world to others, their world opens up to her.
A visually stunning story of resilience and determination about An, a young Vietnamese boy who sets out alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar. He knows it will all be worth it when he reaches his destination—one familiar to children all over the world.
In this deeply personal book, artist and author Ed Young explores twenty-six Chinese characters, each describing a feeling or emotion, and each containing somewhere the symbol for the heart.Â
This is an adventure-filled picture book in a graphic novel style, which follows the story of a young Korean girl and boy whose search for their missing grandmother leads them into a world inspired by Korean folklore, filled with mischievous goblins (Dokkebi), a greedy tiger, a clever rabbit, and a wily fox.
This is the story of Nadia, who is chosen to be a flower girl in Auntie Laila’s traditional Pakistani wedding. Her hands are decorated with beautiful designs made with mehndi, and she comes to understand the rich culture she has inherited.
In Hot Pot Night, a Taiwanese American child brings his diverse neighbors together to make a tasty communal meal. Together, they cook up a steaming family dinner that celebrates community, cooperation, and culture. Includes a family recipe for hot pot!
Inspired by the author’s own large, diverse family, When the Cousins Came is a sensitive story about insecurity, hosting, and friendship. Katie Yamasaki’s tale, paired with bright mixed-media art, reminds children that negative thoughts and anxiety over exclusion don’t always translate to reality, and that even when plans go wrong they can still have a good time together.
