Every May we commemorate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrating the immeasurable contributions the AAPI community has made throughout U.S. history. From advancing the Civil Rights Movement to innovating technology, to researching in space, the ways in which Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have enriched our nation are as diverse as the cultures themselves.
As mothers, our role is to educate our children on the diverse cultures that make up the fabric of our country. The AAPI community is certainly not a monolith, which therein lies its beauty—a vibrant umbrella of people worthy of being honored year-round. If we are to teach our children about the AAPI community, we also should be aware that they have, unfortunately, faced systemic and overt racism then and now. We can ignite change by inspiring our children to be anti-racist and embrace differences. Because we know education is power and our kids are still young, reading books and watching movies written by and consisting of AAPI characters is another impactful way to expose them to the AAPI culture.
To bring this celebration home for our little ones, we’re shining a spotlight on the folks our kids truly couldn’t live without: storytellers. Below we highlight some of our favorite picture books that are by AAPI writers and/or feature AAPI protagonists. These are the AAPI kids books that have lulled our babies to sleep, whisked them off on adventures, turned them into trailblazers, and shown them a breadth of experiences.
This sweet story takes any small child’s dream equation (unicorn + princess + dragon) and adds a dash of epic adventure, with lessons on Chinese history and culture.
Nimesh may be little, but his imagination is anything but. Readers will delight in his outlandish adventures as he takes what should be an ordinary walk through his neighborhood.
A young boy and his grandfather may not speak the same language, but through art and story, they forge a moving and beautiful bond.
This gorgeously illustrated story follows a young girl’s journey to embracing what makes her special.
This heartfelt story complements Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, showing how a boy is able to transform hurtful instances of bullying about his eyes into something sensational. It shows how sometimes the only thing standing in the way of love and appreciation is perspective, especially when it comes from your family’s unique tree of knowledge.
This true story won the American Library Association’s 2021 Asian/Pacific American Award for Best Picture Book for its portrayal of Tyrus Wong, the Chinese American animator and immigrant who brought Disney’s Bambi to life.
Vibrant illustrations bring Amy Tan’s words to life, weaving a story of three young sisters who lap up every moment of their grandmother’s wish-filled tale.
Bruce Lee’s iconic role as a martial artist and movie star was not something that happened overnight. This biography is the story of how he achieved his dreams by following his passion and never giving up.
Darling illustrations enhance this heartwarming story of family, culture, and the magic of memory.
Sparse lyrical text and whimsical artwork beckon little readers to the page for a story of a brave boy’s journey to school on his first day.
If your child’s bedtime routine is in need of a new comfort read, this lovely book from Hena Khan is it. With sweet illustrations and a message inspired by the Quran, Like the Moon Loves the Sky is a book about a family’s love.
Considered the father of India, Mahatma Gandhi changed the world through peaceful protests rooted in his Hindu beliefs to free India from British rule and unite all people. This empowering story exemplifies how one person can make positive changes for all.
board book version also available
Join Idu and Adu on a delicious adventure as they explore the delicious world of Gulab Jamuns and try to make their limited supply last until their dinner guests arrive.
Little Star’s irresistible temptation leads her to the Big Mooncake she bakes with her mama, unveiling a heartwarming story that beautifully explores the phases of the moon in Grace Lin’s captivating picture book.
Inspired by a true story of Vice President Kamala Harris’ childhood and written by her niece, Meena Harris, comes the story of two young girls who inspire big change in their neighborhood by turning their apartment courtyard into a playground for all to enjoy. This book is a great way to share about our first female Vice President with your little one.
Part of the Mini Movers and Shakers series, this biography invites us to follow along Indra Nooyi’s journey as she grows in her career to ultimately become the Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo. Through her leadership, she changed how people consume PepsiCo products and advocated for healthier options in the process.
During a hike with her grandparents, a young Indian-American girl discovers the abundance of brown in nature, collecting mementos for a scrapbook to welcome her baby brother while celebrating the beauty and significance of this color.
Learn how comedian Mindy Kaling went from being a little girl who loved movies—and to make people laugh—to becoming a famous TV writer, actor, author, and producer.
Sometimes having an affirmation or two in your back pocket can make all the difference in making your soul feel buoyant when you need it most. Full of encouraging sentiments and positive messages, little girls will love seeing themselves reflected in this motivating compilation of well thought out affirmations.
While gender equality and fluidity are essential, it can also be helpful to have meaningful content that you feel understands you more personally, like being a boy (or being AAPI for that matter). As a companion to I Am An Amazing Asian Girl, this is a wonderful collection of uplifting affirmations to champion your little boy with.
Through this inspiring anthology of Asian American groundbreakers, your children will learn about 20 AAPI individuals who have positively impacted American society by being pioneers in their respective fields.
Experience the joy of a young child helping her mother make the traditional Korean dish bee-bim bop as they shop, prepare ingredients, set the table, and gather together for a delightful meal. This heartwarming picture book celebrates family, culinary traditions, and the love of sharing a homemade meal.
In this empowering story, Anjali faces challenges as the only girl in her tabla class, but finds encouragement and strength from a friendly fifth grader who reminds her to never dim her light.
Grace learns about love, loss, and what a close bond is with her grandmother as they share cherished moments together. But when Grandmother’s presence starts to fade, Grace must navigate her absence and find closure in a touching farewell.
Author Jasmine Cho wanted to spotlight those Asian American changemakers who have made great contributions to our society but have been overlooked in traditional history books.
Experience the heartwarming bond between a Sikh father and his daughter as they lovingly care for and celebrate their hair together, sharing a special tradition that includes combing, braiding, and creating matching hairstyles.
Shanti embraces the contrasts of her life as she navigates between missing the monsoon rains in India and adjusting to the new experiences in America, contemplating the meaning of home and embracing her dual Indian and American identity.
Written for children of elementary-school age, this book serves as an alternative history book to showcase the incredible contributions these Asian American women made to the science world through perseverance, resilience, and determination.
When Juna’s best friend moves away without saying goodbye, she embarks on magical adventures using her special kimchi jar, seeking new friends and unexpected adventures along the way.
Join the determined, funny, and fierce Amy Wu as she sets out to make the perfect bao bun, facing challenges and seeking a second chance to achieve her culinary goal.
Experience the poignant journey of a young Hmong girl as she navigates the complexities of beauty and connection amidst the ever-changing seasons, discovering the meaning behind her collection of natural treasures and contemplating their intended recipients.
For Hazel Ying Lee, the sky was not the limit as she broke barriers to become the first Chinese American woman to fly for the U.S. military.
Delve into this comprehensive book honoring 32 Asian American women, from various ethnicities, body sizes, gender identities, and cultures, who made history by being authentically who they are, all worthy of being celebrated.
Discover the little-known story of Soichi Sakamoto, a local science teacher who coached the children of sugar plantation workers to become swim athletes and achieve the impossible: an Olympic gold medal win!
Wu Chien Shiung, otherwise known as the Queen of Physics, broke barrier after barrier to become a famous physicist and ultimately unlock the secrets of the atom. She was also the first woman to be elected President of the American Physical Society, the first scientist to have an asteroid named after her, and the first female instructor at Princeton University!
Asian Americans have changed the world, and this beautifully illustrated book shares the many reasons how. It features 15 AAPI trailblazers who have broken barriers to be changemakers in making our world a better place.
From the extraordinary book series Little People, BIG DREAMS comes the personal story of our Vice President Kamala Harris. This inspiring biography honors VP Harris as a leader who accomplished many firsts—she is the first Black and Asian American woman to serve as Vice President of our country.
Recommended for ages 9 and up, this book celebrates amazing women of the Middle East from “the soul of Lebanon” musician Fairuz to human rights activist Nadia Murad.
Embark on Laxmi’s empowering journey of self love as she embraces her body hair, celebrates her heritage, and learns the importance of self acceptance with the support of her parents.
For all the littles with big dreams, they will adore following Keiko’s story as she figures out how to make a positive difference in the world. It’s a rewarding read of becoming a beloved leader, despite the challenging road that might make you doubt yourself as you try to get there.
