Asian Pacific Islander Heritage is a vibrant celebration of the rich cultures and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. As we honor diversity throughout the year, this curated book list for children of all ages will not only highlight the contributions of AAPI communities but also provide children with relatable characters and narratives that resonate with their own lives. Books that reflect the rich cultures, traditions, and experiences of a community help young readers develop empathy, understanding, and a broader worldview.
Dive into these captivating and impactful AAPI books for children and discover the voices and stories that are shaping the next generation of readers.
Infants and older
Bee-Bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park. In bouncy rhyming text, a hungry child tells about helping her mother make bee-bim bop: shopping, preparing ingredients, setting the table, and finally sitting down with her family to enjoy a favorite meal. The energy and enthusiasm of the young narrator are conveyed in the whimsical illustrations, which bring details from the artist's childhood in Korea to his depiction of a modern Korean American family.
Chaat and Sweets by Amy Wilson Sanger. Through the author's trademark collage art, introduces toddlers to the Indian finger foods known as Chaat, including bhel puri, tandoori chicken, and sweet coconut cham-cham.
Dim Sum for Everyone by Grace Lin. A vibrant book of dim sum delicacies shared around mealtime with the family.
Yum Yum Dim Sum by Amy Wilson Sanger. From sticky rice to spring rolls, dau fu to oolong tea, these delicious little plates of dim sum will tantalize children's taste buds.
Preschool and older
Chaiwala! by Priti Birla Maheshwari. When their train makes a 10-minute stop at the station in Jaipur, a young girl and her mother hurry to get in line for a cup of chai. While the girl waits for her mug of milky spiced tea, readers are treated to the sights, sounds, and smells of the Chaiwala's cart.Lift by Minh Le. Iris loves to push the elevator buttons in her apartment building until one day her brother beats her to the push. The sudden appearance of a mysterious new button opens up entire realms of possibility. This charming story is full of imagination, wonder, and the experiences of having siblings.
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar. Harpreet Singh has a different color for every mood and occasion. He especially takes care with his patka-his turban-making sure it always matches his outfit.
A Morning with Grandpa by Sylvia Liu. Mei Mei’s grandpa is practicing tai chi in the garden, and Mei Mei is eager to join in, but with her own flair.
My Day with Gong Gong by Sennah Yee. May isn’t having fun on her trip through Chinatown with her grandfather. But just when May can’t take any more, Gong Gong surprises her with a gift.
My Day with Gong Gong by Sennah Yee. May isn’t having fun on her trip through Chinatown with her grandfather. But just when May can’t take any more, Gong Gong surprises her with a gift.
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi. Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what happens when nobody can pronounce your name?
Our Favorite Day by Joowon Oh. A picture book debut celebrates the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, depicting the peaceful love of a devoted Papa.
P is for Poppadoms! by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal. From C for chai to Y for yoga, this fresh, rhyming alphabet book takes young readers on a spirited journey to discover the people, places, lifestyles and language of India.
Shark Lady by Jess Keating. This is the story of a woman who dared to dive, defy, discover, and inspire.
Superheroes are Everywhere by Kamala Harris and Mechal Renee Roe. In this empowering and joyful picture book that speaks directly to kids, Kamala Harris takes readers through her life and shows them that the power to make the world a better place is inside all of us.
School-age and older
Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang. Meet the funny, fierce, and fearless Amy Wu, who is determined to make a perfect bao bun today. Can she rise to the occasion?Amy Wu and the Warm Welcome by Kat Zhang. Amy’s class has a new student from China! Amy tries hard to make Lin feel included, but she can’t draw him out of his shell. Then she sees Lin chattering happily in Chinese with his family. The gears in her head start to turn, and a plan blossoms.
Apple Pie 4th of July by Janet S. Wong. Shocked that her parents are cooking Chinese food to sell in the family store on an all-American holiday, a feisty Chinese American girl tries to tell her mother and father how things really are.
Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore. Cora and Mama work together to cook up pancit for the family in this celebration of Filipino heritage and foods.
Home is in Between by Mitali Perkins. This timely yet timeless picture book describes the experience of navigating multiple cultures and embracing the complex but beautiful home in between.
Lotus and Feather by Ji-li Jiang. The inspiring true story of a young girl and a crane. Lotus, a young girl left without a voice after an illness, nurses Feather, a crane wounded by a hunter, back to health. Feather follows Lotus to school and responds to her reed whistle. When a flood endangers the town, Lotus encourages Feather to join a group of cranes for migration. The next spring, Feather returns with other cranes.
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park. In this middle grade novel, Tree-ear, an orphan, has become fascinated with the potters' craft; he wants nothing more than to watch master potter Min at work, and he dreams of making a pot of his own someday. When Min takes on Tree-ear as his helper, Tree-ear is elated—until he finds obstacles in his path: the backbreaking labor of digging and hauling clay, Min's irascible temper, and his own ignorance. However, Tree-ear is determined to prove himself.
The Sound of Silence by Katrina Goldsaito. Yoshio lives in Tokyo, Japan: a giant, noisy, busy city. He hears shoes squishing through puddles, trains whooshing, cars beeping, and families laughing. Tokyo is like a symphony hall! Where is silence? Join Yoshio on his journey through the hustle and bustle of the city to find the most beautiful sound of all.
Watercress by Andrea Wang. Gathering watercress by the side of the road brings a girl closer to her family’s Chinese heritage.