Asian representation books

Ages 3–8

Joanna Ho

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

Andrea Wang

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

Minh Lê

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

Bao Phi

"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

Yangsook Choi

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

Joanna Ho

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

Daniel Defoe

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

Allen Say

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

Robert N Munsch

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

Shirin Yim Bridges

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

Julie Leung

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

Anastasia Suen

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

Jane Caston

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

Ages 3–8

Margy Burns Knight

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

Julie Leung

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

Julie Leung

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

Vivek Shraya

"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

Kai Cheng Thom

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

Patti Kim

"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

Roseanne Thong

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

Grace Lin

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

Fran Manushkin

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

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

Paul Yee

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.