May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month – a celebration of the culture and history of Asian-Pacific Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month originated as a congressional bill in 1978, and in 1992 it was expanded from a week to a month-long celebration. If you and your family would like to learn more about the diversity of Asian-Pacific cultures, you can find many great resources here. Keep reading for a list of children’s books that feature Asian-Pacific American stories, and for even more recommendations listen to the Check it Out! podcast, which features expert children’s book reviews from literature specialist Rita, Whitney, Molly, Mary, and Toni.
By Joanna Ho
A self-confident and strong young girl recounts how she shares her eyes–and so much more–with her mother, her amah and her little sister.
By Roshani Chokshi
Twelve-year-old Aru stretches the truth to fit in at her private school, but when she is dared to prove an ancient lamp is cursed, she inadvertently frees an ancient demon.
By Lyla Lee
Mindy Kim wants to fit in at her new school, but her favorite lunch leads to scorn, then a thriving business, and finally big trouble.
By Jen Wang
Growing up in the same Chinese-American suburb, perfectionist Christine and artistic, confident, impulsive Moon become unlikely best friends, whose friendship is tested by jealousy, social expectations, and illness.
For more titles, listen to the Check it Out! podcast found here.