Stories that celebrate Asian and Asian American lives and culture.
This shelf is pride in the face in the mirror, family lineage, language, food, and the stories that sit under shame. It is not a model-minority script, and it is not only a Lunar New Year unit.
We look for Asian and Asian American kids who get to be funny, furious, tender, and specific. We look for books where a feature, a name, or a meal is not a speech. We skip titles that treat “Asian” as one culture with one plot.
Picture books: Eyes That Kiss in the Corners for the mirror a lot of kids have been missing, Watercress when shame at the roadside needs the story underneath it, The Name Jar for the first month of school. The inclusive shelf essentials guide puts Eyes That Kiss next to books that are not only about race, which is the point.
Older readers: Last Night at the Telegraph Club is history that refuses to stay in the past tense. Use the audience filter when you want YA rather than the rug.
It is not a claim about the author. It is not a guarantee of quality. It is a finding aid. If we got a region, language, or family story wrong, tell us. We will correct the listing.
Related guides: Best Children's Books for Inclusive Shelves · Starting an Inclusive YA Shelf
6 books · Clear filters
Ages 8–12
Front DeskKelly Yang
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
Hello, UniverseErin Entrada Kelly
Four kids' fates collide in this Newbery Medal novel about bravery, bullying, and found family.
Ages 8–12
Inside Out and Back AgainThanhhà Lai
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 ChineseGene Luen Yang
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
PashminaNidhi Chanani
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
Measuring UpLily LaMotte
"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.
