Books for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month

By Coll Rowe | April 30 2021 | English Language ArtsSocial Studies & History

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.

 

Danbi Leads the School Parade

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.

 

My First Day

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.

 

Voices of the Heart

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. 

 

Where’s Halmoni?

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.

 

Nadia’s Hands 

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.

 

Hot Pot Night

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!

 

When the Cousins Came

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.

 

Discover more titles

9780451478894
An Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book Meet Danbi, the new girl at school!
$18.99 US
Jul 07, 2020
Hardcover
40 Pages
Viking Books for Young Readers

9780593306260
A visually stunning story of resilience and determination by an award-winning new author-illustrator team, perfect for back to school.
$18.99 US
Feb 16, 2021
Hardcover
40 Pages
Make Me a World

9781609808679
Caldecott Award winner Ed Young balances the relationship between words and pictures and emotions by exploring the form and symbolism of Chinese characters.
$9.95 US
Jun 11, 2019
Paperback
64 Pages
Triangle Square

9781632170774
Where's Halmoni? is a beautifully illustrated, 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.
$19.99 US
Oct 03, 2017
Hardcover
96 Pages
Little Bigfoot

9781590787847
When Nadia 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.
$9.99 US
Dec 01, 2009
Paperback
32 Pages
Astra Young Readers


9780823446773
A multicultural family story that celebrates kindness and differences.
$8.99 US
Jun 16, 2020
Paperback
32 Pages
Holiday House