Yangsook Choi
Ages 3–8
With the help of a new friend, Unhei will learn that the best name is her own. From acclaimed creator Yangsook Choi comes the bestselling classic about finding the courage to be yourself and being proud of your background.
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We keep this on the shelf for Asian identity and family pride — a story kids can feel, not just a lesson adults want to teach.
Ages 3–8. Especially helpful for new schools, new friends, and moments of feeling left out.
Ask: Who in this book feels like you? Who feels new?
Bedtime tip: after the last page, ask one question and wait — silence is where the story sticks.
Two titles that deepen the same conversation.
Ages 8–12
American Born ChineseAmerican Born Chinese is a 2006 National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature, the winner of the 2007 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album: New, an Eisner Award nominee for Best Coloring, a 2007 Bank Street Best Children's Book ...
Ages 3–8
10,000 dressesEvery night, Bailey dreams about magical dresses: dresses made of crystals and rainbows, dresses made of flowers, dresses made of windows. . . . Unfortunately, when Bailey's awake, no one wants to hear about these beautiful dreams. Quite the contrary. "You're a BOY!" Mother and Father tell Bailey. "You shouldn't be thinking about dresses at all." Then Bailey meets Laurel, an older girl who is touched and inspired by Bailey's imagination and courage. In friendship, the two of them begin making dresses together. And Bailey's dreams come true!
Ages 3–8
A Different Pond"As a young boy, Bao Phi awoke early, hours before his father's long workday began, to fish on the shores of a small pond in Minneapolis. Unlike many other anglers, Bao and his father fished for food, not recreation.
Ages 3–8
A drop of rainAll the family members think baby is crying, and they try to cheer him up before discovering that his face is wet from raindrops, not tears.
Ages 3–8
A song for BaIn the Chinese opera, men traditionally sing both male and female parts. Wei Lim's father, Ba, however, usually plays masculine characters and sings in a deep bass voice. But Wei's grandfather played female roles, and has secretly taught Wei to sing these difficult parts. When the New World's entertainments begin to cause a shrinking audience for the opera company, and Ba is forced to play female characters, which can help him learn to sing in such high tones? Color illustrations help bring Wei's tale, and this ancient art form, to life.
Ages 3–8
Alma and How She Got Her NameAlma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela thinks her name is too long — until Daddy shares the family stories behind each piece. A Caldecott Honor gem.
Ages 13+
Almost American GirlThis nonfiction graphic novel with four starred reviews is an excellent choice for teens and also accelerated tween readers, both for independent reading and units on immigration, memoirs, and the search for identity.
Ages 8–12
Amina's Voice"A Pakistani-American Muslim girl struggles to stay true to her family's vibrant culture while simultaneously blending in at school after tragedy strikes her community"--]cProvided by publisher.
