Asian representation kids' books

Ages 3–8

This lyrical, stunning picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes, in the spirit of Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, and is a celebration of diversity.

Ages 3–8

Author Andrea Wang calls this moving, autobiographical story “both an apology and a love letter to my parents.” It’s a bittersweet, delicate look at how sharing the difficult parts of our histories can create powerful new moments of ...

Ages 3–8

With spare, direct text by Minh Lê and luminous illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, this stirring picturebook about reaching across barriers will be cherished for years to come. A Junior Library Guild selection!

Ages 3–8

"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

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.

Ages 3–8

Inspired by the men in his family, he recognizes his own power and strength from within. This extraordinary picture book redefines what it means to be truly you.

Ages 3–8

Although intended to be the last Crusoe tale, the novel is followed by a third and final novel involving the character by Defoe entitled Serious Reflections of Robinson Crusoe (1720).

Ages 3–8

Sam ne veut pas devenir vieux comme son grand-père. Voilà qu'un matin, il se lève avec la tête de ce dernier. On ne le reconnaît plus. Les médecins sont impuissants. Un bien mauvais rêve! [SDM].

Ages 3–8

Beloved Robert Munsch stories with text adapted for beginner readers, including a note from the author, reading tips, phonics exercises, and comprehension activities.

Ages 3–8

A surprise some years later proves that he was listening. The story becomes all the more poignant when Bridges reveals that Ruby is based on her real-life grandmother and that she still wears some red every day.

Ages 3–8

An inspiring picture book biography about Hazel Ying Lee, the first Chinese American woman to fly for the US military. Hazel Ying Lee was born fearless -- she was not afraid of anything, and the moment she took her first airplane ride, she knew where she belonged. When people scoffed at her dreams of becoming a pilot, Hazel wouldn't take no for an answer. She joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II. It was a dangerous job, but Hazel flew with joy and boldness. This moving, true story about a groundbreaking figure will inspire young readers to challenge barriers and reach for the sky.

Ages 3–8

A lively lift-the-flap adventure in which two toddlers discover parts of their bodies that come in their favourite number - two! Full-colour throughout.

Ages 3–8

Featuring hilarious illustrations of funny dogs galore, this text is perfect for collaborative story time with beginning and reluctant readers.

Ages 3–8

Activity guide to accompany the book which describes the new life of Nary, a Cambodian refugee, in America, as well as his encounters with prejudice. Includes some general history of U.S. immigration.

Ages 3–8

A girl guides her dad on his route delivering Chinese take-out food in this touching picture book -- written by an APALA award winner and illustrated by a Caldecott Honor winner -- that celebrates the unique bond between immigrant parents ...

Ages 3–8

Relish in the savory, tangy, and sometimes spicy dishes of Cecilia Chiang, a revolutionary who changed the way Americans viewed Chinese food. From an early age, Cecilia Chiang could be found delighting in the sounds and smells from her favorite room in her home—the kitchen. Little did Cecilia know that she would one day have to escape war and travel to a faraway country, destined to change Chinese cuisine in the United States forever. Experience the dishes Cecilia Chiang enjoyed throughout her life as the seventh daughter in a large family to the owner of the famous Mandarin restaurant in San Francisco.

Ages 3–8

"A playful story ... about a young boy's fascination with the dot on his mother's forehead"--Back cover. A young boy becomes fascinated with his mother's bindi, and asks her to explain what it is and why she wears it. She tells him that the red dot is commonly worn by Hindu women to indicate the point at which creation begins. When he wishes to have one of his own, she agrees to it, and teaches him about its cultural significance, allowing the boy to discover the magic of the bindi, which in turn gives him permission to be more fully himself.

Ages 3–8

In the magical time between night and day, when both the sun and the moon are in the sky, a child is born in a little blue house on a hill. And Miu Lan is not just any child, but one who can change into any shape they can imagine. The only problem is they can't decide what to be: A boy or a girl? A bird or a fish? A flower or a shooting star? At school, though, they must endure inquisitive looks and difficult questions from the other children, and they have trouble finding friends who will accept them for who they are. But they find comfort in the loving arms of their mother, who always offers them the same loving refrain: "whatever you dream of / i believe you can be / from the stars in the sky to the fish in the sea." In this captivating, beautifully imagined picture book about gender, identity, and the acceptance of the differences between us, Miu Lan faces many questions about who they are and who they may be. But one thing's for sure: no matter what this child becomes, their mother will love them just the same.

Ages 3–8

"Tells the story in pictures of an Asian family newly immigrated to the United States and the challenges of starting a life in a new place"--Provided by publisher.

Ages 3–8

Bright art accompanies this lively introduction to shapes and short glossary explains the cultural significance of the objects featured in the book. Perfect for read-alouds or one-on-one sharing.

Ages 3–8

Ling and Ting are identical twins that people think are exactly the same, but time and again they prove to be different.

Ages 3–8

Katie Woo loves an adventure. She always finds a way to enjoy each new and unexpected thing that comes her way. From airplane trips to dance recitals, the fun never ends. Join Katie and have an adventure of your own!

Ages 3–8

Julie Leung and Chris Sasaki perfectly capture the beautiful life and work of a painter who came to this country with dreams and talent--and who changed the world of animation forever.

Ages 3–8

Despite a greedy father and lazy brothers who try to conceal her identity as the real cook in their restaurant, Maylin manages to receive the recognition she deserves when a governor from China comes to a New World Chinatown.

Ages 3–8

"This is the story of young boy who manages to overcome financial hardships with the power of his imagination. Eddie Wing dreams of flying beautiful silk kites like all the other kids, but his family is so poor that he can't even afford to buy a kite made of paper. This year, Old Chan has said that the person who builds the smallest kite will win the kite-flying competition. A girl wins the prize, but the old man has noticed Eddie flying his imaginary kite. Impressed by the young boy's imagination, Chan gives him the materials to build his own kite. Eddie's spirit inspires Chan to write a beautiful poem about a boy who flies a kite of dreams"

Ages 3–8

Jake's new toy plane is missing. No one knows where it is, except Katie Woo. But Katie wants to keep the plane. What should she do?

Ages 3–8

With grace and warmth, this lyrical picture book speaks to the difficulty of transition, and celebrates the ways in which love and family give us the strength to weather life's changes.

Ages 3–8

Just add one Chinese sister by Patricia McMahon — a thoughtfully chosen inclusive book for young readers.

Ages 3–8

No more teasing by Fran Manushkin — a thoughtfully chosen inclusive book for young readers.

Ages 3–8

In 1934, twelve-year-old Kai leaves China to join his father in America, but first he must take a long sea voyage, then endure weeks of crowded conditions and harsh examinations on Angel Island, fearing that he or his new friend will be ...

Ages 3–8

All 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

Combining a heartwarming family story, a magical adventure, and a multilingual primer on Chinese language, The Magic Brush tells the story of Jasmine, a young girl who learns Chinese calligraphy from her Agong, or grandfather.

Ages 3–8

This endearing story, from Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, is a wonderful reminder of the miraculous love that makes every Christmas a special one.

Ages 3–8

In 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

Tummy Girl by Roseanne Thong — a thoughtfully chosen inclusive book for young readers.

Ages 3–8

Mmm, Yoko's mom has packed her favorite for lunch today'sushi! But her classmates don't think it looks quite so yummy. "Ick!" says one of the Franks. "It's seaweed!" They're not even impressed by her red bean ice cream dessert. Of course, Mrs. Jenkins has a plan that might solve Yoko's problem. But will it work with the other children in class? Now in paperback for the first time, this tender story from Rosemary Wells demonstrates the author's uncanny understanding of the pleasures and pains of an ordinary school day. Book Details: Format: Paperback Publication Date: 5/12/2009 Pages: 32 Reading Level: Age 3 and Up

Ages 3–8

In this Caldecott Medal–winning picture book, master storyteller Allen Say chronicles his family’s history between Japan and California.

Ages 3–8

Nine-year-old Benjamin Koo Andrews, adopted from Korea as an infant, describes what it's like to grow up adopted from another country.

Ages 3–8

Families are different by Nina Pellegrini — a thoughtfully chosen inclusive book for young readers.

Ages 0–3

A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck-- all parade across the pages of this delightful bilingual edition of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See? (Oso pardo, oso parado, que ves ¿qué ves ...

Ages 0–3

Welcome the family classic with an elegant, refreshed cover — the quintessential picture book, just waiting to be shared. Sometimes, when you love someone very, very much, you want to find a way of describing how much you treasure them. But, as Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare discover, love is not an easy thing to measure! For two decades, Sam McBratney’s timelessly endearing story, beautifully rendered in Anita Jeram’s exquisite watercolors, has captured the deep and tender bond between parent and child. Guess How Much I Love You is one of the world’s best-loved picture books.

Ages 8–12

Mia Tang has a lot of secrets. Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. Number 3: She wants to be a writer. It will take all of Mia's courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year.

Ages 8–12

Four kids' fates collide in this Newbery Medal novel about bravery, bullying, and found family.

Ages 8–12

Inside Out & Back Again is a verse novel by Thanhha Lai. The book was awarded the 2011 National Book Award for Young People's Literature and one of the two Newbery Honors. The novel was based on her first year in the United States, as a ten-year-old girl who spoke no English in 1975.

Ages 8–12

American 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 8–12

It's a summer of secrets, and sorrow, and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other. This One Summer is a tremendously exciting new teen graphic novel from two creators with true literary clout.

Ages 8–12

"Having just moved to Seattle from Taiwan, twelve-year-old Cici enters a cooking competition to win the chance to see her grandmother again, but she only knows how to cook Taiwanese food."--Provided by publisher.

Ages 13+

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD AND STONEWALL BOOK AWARD • From acclaimed author Malinda Lo comes a gripping, tender coming-of-age novel exploring identity, queerness, and historical upheaval set in San ...

Ages 13+

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST • NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE • An all-encompassing, whirlwind romance that’s “beautifully crafted” (People) and “full of intelligence, understanding and hope” (Los ...

Ages 13+

This 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 13+

A teen time-travels into her grandmother's Japanese American incarceration during WWII.

Ages 13+

But when he discovers that his Filipino cousin Jun was murdered as part of President Duterte's war on drugs, and no one in the family wants to talk about what happened, Jay travels to the Philippines to find out the real story.

Ages 13+

For fourteen-year-old Minoru Ito and other members of the Japanese-American community in southern California, the three months since Pearl Harbor have been terrible, and soon their lives forever changed by mass incarcerations in relocation ...

Ages 13+

In his latest graphic novel, Dragon Hoops, New York Times bestselling author Gene Luen Yang turns the spotlight on his life, his family, and the high school where he teaches. Gene understands stories—comic book stories, in particular.

Ages 13+

This 1989 Coretta Scott King Award winner is the story of one young man's tour of duty in Vietnam as well as a testament to the thousands of young people who lived and died during the war.