Staff Picks
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month With These Children's Titles
- Ashley S.
- Wednesday, May 01
Collection
Celebrate AAPI Heritage month by checking out some of these amazing authors and illustrators!
Awe-samosas!
Published in 2024
It's Noor's first time making her Dadijaan's Special Samosa recipe. When she can't get in touch with her Dadijaan because it's nighttime in Pakistan, Noor must improvise to make her family's recipe without all of the correct ingredients.
It's Time for Hot Pot! = Chī Huǒguōle
Bilingual Book, Mandarin-English
Published in 2024
"Swish, swish! Making the perfect hot pot meal is easy when you follow step-by-step directions. Hot pot is one of the best interactive and enjoyable meals to share with family and friends. It's Time for Hot Pot is a bilingual English and Chinese book that takes children through the steps of making a hot pot meal and all of the ingredients that make it delicious. Children and adults alike will be delighted to see their favorite ingredients, and possibly some new ingredients they want to try in the future, when they turn the page. The book is full of eye-catching and vibrant pictures that improve observation skills, build vocabulary, and encourage reading. It's Time for Hot Pot squeezes in lots of extra learning opportunities and skills, such as using time and order words, sequencing, and introducing a diagram on our non-fiction page in both English and Chinese. Parents will adore this eye-catching bilingual Chinese-English read due to its effortless integration of Chinese culture paired with topic of everyone's favorite communal meal. (Not to mention the healthy variety of vegetables, proteins, and other ingredients that children will become familiar with by reading!) The vibrant colors and the expressive faces in the artwork make learning so much fun for everyone!"-- Amazon.com
Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight
Patsy Takemoto Mink and the Fight for Title IX
Published in 2022
A champion of equal rights who helped create a better future for all Americans, this biography of the first Asian American woman elected to Congress showed how she carved her own path to become a historic trailblazer.
Shining a Light
Celebrating 40 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Changed the World
Published in 2023
"A collective biography of 40 influential Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, from Kalpana Chawla to The Rock to Tammy Duckworth, whose historical contributions readers may not know but whose light shines on, with stunning illustrated portraits by Hugo Award nominee Victo Ngai. From scientists to sports stars, aerospace engineers to artists, every person shines in this collection. Dynamic portraits portray each person with bold colors and clever, precise details. Each biography celebrates the determination and courage of people who were on the forefront of changing society. Using their specific talents, each individual fought for the space for people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to be seen and treated with dignity and respect. Their important legacy lives on today."--Publisher marketing.
Tricky Chopsticks
Published in 2024
Jenny Chow, determined to hold her own in her family's annual chopsticks challenge, creates a solution through STEAM trial and error to master those slippery, oh-so-tricky chopsticks. Includes instructions on how to make DIY chopstick tongs.
Hair Oil Magic
Published in 2024
Meenu discovers the magic in her culture's tradition of hair oiling, and the bond she shares with her mother and grandmother. Includes Meenu's magic hair day tips.
Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu
Published in 2024
"The story of Rapunzel where she's being locked in a tower by a witch is a good one--but it's not totally the truth. The real story is about a young princess in China named Ra Pu Zel who doesn't want to talk to princes or look proper. What Pu Zel wants is to cook and eat in peace, her long hair neatly braided to keep it out of her food. And when she gets tired of everyone telling her what to do, she locks herself in a tower with her dog Bao. Although princes from everywhere try to convince her to come down, it's not until a young chef arrives with an intriguing food to share that Ra Pu Zel finally has a reason."-- Publisher's website.
My Bollywood Dream
Published in 2023
"It's Friday night, and on the bustling streets of Mumbai, a girl heads out with her family to the cinema. As she rides through the winding blocks with her maa, baba, and bhai, old melodies fill the car. And as she captures the sights and sounds of the city with her camera, she imagines a movie unfolding before her eyes. A choreographed dance sequence atop a long line of cars! When they arrive at the screening, the room is abuzz with people from all walks of life, waiting to lose themselves in the show. And finally comes the best part: time for everyone to jump up and dance!"-- Provided by publisher.
The Partition Project
Published in 2024
"When her grandmother comes off the airplane in Houston from Pakistan, Mahnoor knows that having Dadi move in is going to disrupt everything about her life. She doesn't have time to be Dadi's unofficial babysitter-her journalism teacher has announced that their big assignment will be to film a documentary, which feels more like storytelling than what Maha would call "journalism." As Dadi starts to settle into life in Houston and Maha scrambles for a subject for her documentary, the two of them start talking. About Dadi's childhood in northern India-and about the Partition that forced her to leave her home and relocate to the newly created Pakistan. As details of Dadi's life are revealed, Dadi's personal story feels a lot more like the breaking news that Maha loves so much. And before she knows it, she has the subject of her documentary"-- Provided by publisher.
Next Stop
Published in 2024
Still grieving her brother's death, Pia, a soft-spoken middle-schooler, embarks on a bus tour that changes her life.
The Mochi Makers
Published in 2024
A girl and her grandmother spend the day making mochi together in this gentle and joyous celebration of family, tradition, and the memories that matter most. Includes information on mochi and a recipe.
Aloha Everything
Published in 2024
Since the day that Ano was born, her heart has been connected to her home. But, this adventurous child has a lot to learn! When Ano begins to dance hula -- a storytelling dance form that carries the knowledge, history, and folklore of the Hawaiian people -- Ano comes to understand the true meaning of aloha.
Last Flight
Published in 2023
"On April 24, 1975 the last flight out of Saigon, Vietnam carried over 400 people to the United States, six days before Saigon's surrender to the North Vietnamese Army. Kristen Giang was a little girl, on that flight with family, and here in this story she shares all the emotions of the decision to flee from the perspective of someone eight years old; Playing a game of space-explorers to protect herself and her sister's eyes from tear gas; sneaking a stuffed animal into the family's overstuffed suitcase for comfort"-- Provided by publisher.
One Sweet Song
Published in 2024
"With a countdown from one to ten and back woven in, this celebration of music and community brings to life a shared moment in a diverse neighborhood where everyone comes together to make one sweet song"-- Provided by publisher.
We Who Produce Pearls
An Anthem for Asian America
Published in 2024
"An anthem for Asian America that celebrates the richness and diversity within the Asian American identity and serves as a reminder of our self worth, our legacy and most of all, our destiny. "-- Provided by publisher.
Grace's Chinese New Year
Published in 2023
"Grace and her family get ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year"-- Provided by publisher.
Sumo Shapes
Published in 2022
"Take a peek into the lives of sumo wrestlers in this adorable book about shapes! Simple, charming scenes with sumo wrestlers help young readers learn different shapes, such as square, circle, pentagon, and crescent. The Japanese word that corresponds tothe English word for each shape is included"-- Provided by publisher.
Gigi and Ojiji
What's in a Name?
Published in 2023
"Gigi wants to go by something besides her baby name-but her full name, Geraldine, is too long to write and Hanako, her middle name, doesn't feel quite right. Will Gigi find the perfect name? Gigi and Ojiji: What's Iin a Name? is a Level Three I Can Read book. Level 3 includes many fun subjects kids love to read about on their own. Themes include friendship, adventure, historical fiction, and science. Level 3 books are written for early independent readers. They include some challenging words and more complex themes and stories. The story contains several Japanese words and a glossary of definitions."
Off the Rails
Published in 2024
Mihi and her friends head back to the Rainbow Realm to save Princess Pat from a destructive quest.
The First State of Being
Published in 2024
When Ridge, a time-traveling teenager from the future, gets trapped in 1999, he befriends Michael, a lonely twelve-year-old boy, changing the course of their lives forever.
Finding Papa
Published in 2023
"Follows young Mai and her mother's perilous journey from Vietnam to America to find Papa--who left ahead of them to start a better life for their family"-- Provided by publisher.
Wildful
Published in 2024
"Discover the magic of the wilderness in this breathtaking graphic novel reminiscent of a modern-day The Secret Garden. Poppy's mother hasn't been the same since Gran passed away. She stays inside and watches TV, unable to leave the couch. So maybe that's why Poppy has started spending more time outside, taking her dog Pepper for walks around the neighborhood. When Pepper leads Poppy through a hole in the fence, she finds a forgotten forest that's been there all along, as well as a new friend named Rob. Rob teaches Poppy that you can find magic in the wilderness - if you know where to look! Poppy looks, and then she looks closer ... and sees flowers opening before her eyes, watches animals slip into their hidden homes, and listens to the sound of water droplets falling gently on puddles, leaves and feathers. She can barely wait to tell Mum about everything she's seen, and asks her to come see, too - but her mother rarely has the energy to leave the couch. Will Poppy ever be able help her mother see the beauty in the woods - and in life? This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is an exploration of grief, love, and finding magic in the wilderness - and in ourselves."-- Provided by publisher.
Built to Last
Published in 2024
Every creation two friends build together end up tumbling down, except their friendship.
Ghost Book
Published in 2023
"July Chen sees ghosts. But her dad insists ghosts aren't real. So she pretends they don't exist. Which is incredibly difficult now as it's Hungry Ghost month, when the Gates of the Underworld open and dangerous ghosts run amok in the living world. When July saves a boy ghost from being devoured by a Hungry Ghost, he becomes her first ever friend. Except William is not a ghost. He's a wandering soul wavering between life and death. As the new friends embark on an adventure to return William to his body, they unearth a ghastly truth--for William to live, July must die"--Provided by publisher.
Unhappy Camper
Published in 2024
When their parents send them to a Taiwanese American summer camp, sisters — and polar opposites — Claire and Michelle learn more about their culture and each other, forcing Michelle to decide whether to embrace her culture and family or assimilate into the popular group at school.
Sona and the Golden Beasts
Published in 2024
"Discovering an orphaned wolf pup she believes is related to the five sacred beasts of Devia, which a Hunter has been killing one by one, Sona embarks on an epic adventure during which she realizes that the fate of the sacred beasts, and the future of Devia, is in her hands"-- Provided by publisher.
Enlighten Me
Published in 2022
Binh and his family take a trip to a silent meditation retreat, where he learns a lot about himself and how to manage his feelings through Buddhist teachings.
A Garden Called Home
Published in 2024
"While visiting her mother's family, a young girl notices she's never seen her mother so happy as they both explore this lush place, but when they return home, her mother's smile disappears until the girl shows her nature here can be wondrous, too"-- Provided by publisher.
Gigi Shin is Not a Nerd
Published in 2024
"Determined to go to an elite art camp, young Korean American girl Gigi Shin starts a tutoring club with her friends to make money, but when the first few sessions are chaotic, she wonders if she'll end up sacrificing more than she bargained for to achieve her dreams"-- Provided by publisher.
Lolo's Sari-sari Store
Published in 2023
After recently moving to the United States, a young girl reminisces about her time spent helping her Lolo run his sari-sari store in the Philippines, and uses some of his wisdom to make herself feel more at home.
The Blue Bowl
Published in 2024
"A young boy and his family discover a way to merge their Chinese and North American backgrounds by combining traditional foods from both cultures. Max loves his family's Cantonese meals, like steamed rice and gai lan greens with oyster sauce, homemade dumplings, and scallion bread. But sometimes he can't help thinking about French fries, tacos, and ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. For his birthday dinner, Max is really hoping for spaghetti and meatballs, but instead he and his family are headed to Maa Maa and Ye Ye's house for a celebration dinner - and Max is pretty sure that spaghetti won't be served in the familiar blue bowls that came all the way from Hong Kong with his grandparents. But Max is delighted to discover that his understanding family has discovered a way to bring two cultures together with delicious dishes that are a combination of all the foods he loves. This story shows the experience of a child living in between two cultures and how confusing that can sometimes be. It's based on Flo's own experiences growing up, longing to belong/be organically part of the North American culture, but also feeling a strong sense of home and family when immersed in her Chinese culture. She feels that the result for many second-generation Chinese Canadians/Americans is the creation of a third culture that intertwines and connects the various influences of both. Flo has chosen the iconic "exquisite blue bowl" (that she says would be familiar to many Chinese-American families) and the food that goes inside that bowl to set the stage for this duality in the story. Max is trying to come to terms with where he fits in these two cultures, and by the end the story, with the help of his family, he discovers that he has the freedom to create his own experiences, and the results are unique, interesting, and evolving - just like Max himself."-- Provided by publisher.
Daughters of the Lamp
Published in 2024
Twelve-year-old Sahara prefers logic and science over magic, but when she travels to Cairo for a family wedding, her resistance to magic fades when she discovers that she is next in a line of women tasked with guarding Ali Baba's treasure.
I Lived Inside a Whale
Published in 2024
A young girl escapes from a too loud and busy world by living inside a whale, but when her retreat is disturbed by an intruder, she learns people will be quiet and listen whenever she tells a story.
Laolao's Dumplings
Published in 2023
"Millie makes a special batch of dumplings filled with love that Laolao will never forget after she falls ill"-- Provided by publisher.
Ohana Means Family
Published in 2020
In this cumulative rhyme in the style of "The House That Jack Built," a family celebrates Hawaii and its culture while serving poi at a luau.
The Unbeatable Lily Hong
Published in 2024
"To save the Clarktown Community Center, which houses her parents' Chinese school, Lily and her fellow students must master a traditional Chinese dance in time for the center's first showcase and receive some unexpected help from her rival, Max Zhang"-- Provided by publisher.
My Mother's Tongues
A Weaving of Languages
Published in 2024
"Recounting her mother's migration from India and how she came to speak two languages--Malayalam and English--a young girl shows how the gift of multilingualism can transport people across borders and around the world"--Provided by publisher.
Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All
Published in 2024
A self-proclaimed sock detective inside her parents' New York City laundromat, 10-year-old Magnolia Wu and Iris, a new friend from California, set off across the city to solve the mystery of each missing sock, meeting people and uncovering the unimaginable along the way.
Sejal Sinha Dives for Diamonds on Neptune
Published in 2024
Sejal and the gang set off on an imaginative adventure through outer space.
Kadooboo!
A Silly South Indian Folktale
Published in 2024
"Kadooboo! Golden brown, puffy, sweet, and crunchy, it's fresh from the pan--a delicious treat! As soon as it's ready, Kabir runs home with some to share. He's got to be quick, before the rain! But wait ... can he remember the treat's name? (His Amma is sure to ask!) Of course he can. That is, if fun and friends aren't too distracting along the way. As Kabir makes his way, the sights and sounds of the street and interactions with friends start to jumble his memory. A cool new comic, and suddenly the treat is book-oo-doo! When a ball whizzes toward him--duck-oo-boo! With so much fun to be had, Kabir reaches home with a trail of friends ... and a jumble of names. Could he possibly remember the right one? This modern retelling of a South Indian folktale blends playful wordplay with delightfully quick pacing in a story about friends, family, and food--the perfect recipe for a satisfying story time."-- Provided by publisher.
Awesome Orange Birthday
Published in 2023
Priya Chakraborty plans a birthday party for her first client, Layla Aunty, personalizing everything from the invitations to the menu in Aunty's favorite color, but as party-time finally arrives, Priya is nervous something will go wrong.
A First Time for Everything
A True Story
Published in 2023
"A middle grade graphic memoir based on bestselling author and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat's awkward middle school years and the trip to Europe that changed his life. Dan's always been a good kid. The kind of kid who listens to his teachers, helps his mom with grocery shopping, and stays out of trouble. But being a good kid doesn't stop him from being bullied and feeling like he's invisible, which is why Dan has low expectations when his parents send him on a class trip to Europe. At first, he's right. He's stuck with the same girls from his middle school who love to make fun of him, and he doesn't know why his teacher insisted he come on this trip. But as he travels through France, Germany, Switzerland, and England, a series of first experiences begin to change him--first Fanta, first fondue, first time stealing a bike from German punk rockers... and first love. Funny, heartwarming, and poignant, A First Time for Everything is a feel-good coming-of-age memoir based on New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat's awkward middle school years. It celebrates a time that is universally challenging for many of us, but also life-changing as well."-- Publisher marketing.
Festival of Colors
Published in 2021
Siblings Chintoo and Mintoo collect flowers and press the petals into a fine powder as they prepare for Holi, the Indian springtime Festival of Colors.
Amazing
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Inspire Us All
Published in 2023
"An inclusive picture book that highlights the many contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to the US and the world"-- Provided by publisher.
Piper Chen Sings
Published in 2024
When Piper is offered a solo at her school's Spring Sing, she must overcome her stage fright to put on an unforgettable performance.
The Longest Shot
How Larry Kwong Changed the Face of Hockey
Published in 2024
"This illustrated nonfiction book for middle grade readers tells the story of how Larry Kwong became the first player of Asian descent in the NHL."-- Provided by publisher.
City of Wishes
Published in 2024
"Doing the New Year's break, Plum and her friends travel to fancy, fashionable Nakhon Island to stay with Sam and his mother, the powerful Lady Ubon. The New Year always brings food, parties, and the grand old tradition of making a wish. At first, Plum is dazzled by the big city. But under the glittering surface, many secrets lurk. Mysterious tremors that shake the ground are growing worse by the day. Nakhon's troubles give Plum a chance to fulfill her own New Year's wish: to do something big and meaningful with her Guardian powers. But how far will she have to go, and what will she have to give up, to make that wish come true?"-- Front jacket flap.
Sona Sharma, Looking After Planet Earth
Published in 2024
When Sona learns about the climate crisis at school and is very worried that no one is doing enough to combat it, she takes up the challenge herself. But Appa isn't amused when Sona throws out her baby sister's nappies and Thatha isn't happy when she tells him to get rid of his colour-coded plastic files. When Sona learns that many of the kolams - the traditional art that people draw in front of their homes to celebrate the winter months and the festival season - are not organic, she sets out to make some big changes by getting everyone involved.
India on a Plate!
Indian Food from A to Z
Published in 2024
"From spicy achaar to sweet zafrani pulao, flip through food from every corner of India, for all kinds of occasions in this mouth-watering alphabet book."-- Provided by publisher.
The Spice Box
Published in 2024
Because his grandmother is arriving from India, Rishi wants to cook curry alongside his dad using the flavors from his family's special spice box, but when he drops the box that holds the family's heart and history, he draws courage and meaning from their treasured past to set things right.
Mabuhay!
Published in 2023
"First-generation Filipino siblings, JJ and Althea, struggle to belong at school. JJ wants to fit in with the crowd, while Althea wants to be accepted as she is. But between the leftover Filipino food their mom packs for their lunches to having a last name that nobody can pronounce, any sense of belonging seems like a long shot. To make matters worse, they have to help their parents run the family food truck, dressing up as a dancing pig and passing out samples. Ugh! And their parents are always drawing parallels between their poor work ethic and lazy characters from Filipino folklore -- stories they've heard again and again. But when witches, ogres, and other creatures from those same stories appear in their town and threaten their family, JJ and Althea realize that the myths their parents have always told them may be more real than they'd suspected. Can JJ and Althea embrace who they really are and save their family?" -- provided by publisher.
Baba's Peach Tree
Published in 2024
Tao Hua and her father, a migrant worker, find hope and blessings in an old peach tree behind their house, but as time passes and their lives change so does the tree.
Punky Aloha
Published in 2022
"Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. She doesn't feel brave enough. So when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother's magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time"-- Provided by publisher
Lulu Sinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors. Book 1
Published in 2024
"Discovering that the creatures and deities of Tagalog myth are real when her mom is kidnapped, Lulu Sinagtala is drawn into a centuries-long war that threatens to throw the whole universe into chaos while trying to save her mom with her newfound powers"-- Provided by publisher.
Journey to the Stars
Kalpana Chawla, Astronaut
Published in 2024
"This inspiring picture book biography follows Kalpana Chawla from childhood in India to becoming the first Indian American female astronaut, highlighting her dedication, perseverance, and patience"-- Provided by publisher.
Summer at Squee
Published in 2024
A senior camper at Summertime Chinese Culture, Wellness and Enrichment Experience (Squee), Chinese American tween Phoenny Fang finds her summer even more transformative than she could've imagined, with new friendships, her first crush, and a bigger love for and understanding of her community.
The House Before Falling into the Sea
Published in 2024
"Every day, more and more people fleeing war in the north show up at Kyung Tak and her family's house on the southeastern shore of Korea. With nowhere else to go, the Taks' home is these migrants' last chance of refuge "before falling into the sea," and the household quickly becomes crowded, hot, and noisy. Then war sirens cry out over Kyung's city too, and her family and their guests take shelter underground. When the sirens stop, Kyung is upset--she wishes everything could go back to the way it was before: before the sirens, before strangers started coming into their home. But after an important talk with her parents, her new friend Sunhee, and Sunhee's father, Kyung realizes something important: We're stronger when we have each other, and the kindness we show one another in the darkest of times is a gift we'll never regret."--Amazon.
Born Naughty
My Childhood in China
Published in 2024
"Share in the joyful, adventure-filled shenanigans of a child growing up in a small mud hut in Inner Mongolia in this charming, illustrated memoir for young middle grade readers"-- Provided by publisher.
Grandma's Roof Garden
Published in 2024
Granny has built a splendid vegetable garden from scratch on the rooftop of her Chengdu apartment building, and when harvest time comes she gives the extra produce to her neighbors and cooks a delicious feast for her family.
The Words We Share
Published in 2023
"A young girl helps her dad navigate life in a new country where she understands the language more than he does, in an unforgettable story about communication and community. Angie is used to helping her dad. Ever since they moved to Canada, he relies on her to translate for him from English to Chinese. Angie is happy to help: when they go to restaurants, at the grocery store, and, one day, when her dad needs help writing some signs for his work. Building off her success with her dad's signs, Angie offers her translation skills to others in their community. She's thrilled when her new business takes off, until one of her clients says he's unhappy with her work. When her dad offers to help, she can't imagine how he could. Working together, they find a surprising solution, fixing the problem in a way Angie never would have predicted. A gorgeously illustrated picture book from up-and-coming author-illustrator Jack Wong (When You Can Swim, Scholastic) that is at once a much-needed exploration of the unique pressures children of immigrants often face, a meditation on the dignity of all people regardless of their differences, and a reminder of the power of empathy."-- Provided by publisher.
Kapaemahu
Published in 2022
Four individuals of dual male and female spirit bring their healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, where they are beloved for their gentle ways and miraculous cures and where they imbue four giant boulders with their powers.
Alterations
A Graphic Novel
Published in 2024
"A semi-autobiographical middle-grade graphic novel about a Canadian-Chinese boy who feels invisible at home and in school but longs to stand out"-- Provided by publisher.
The Rock in My Throat
Published in 2024
"In this moving true story, Kao Kalia Yang shares her experiences as a Hmong refugee child navigating life at home and school in America while carrying the weight of her selective mutism"-- Provided by publisher.
Finally Heard
Published in 2024
Ten-year-old Lina wants to create a viral video to help her mom's business, but as she navigates the world of likes and views with her two best friends, Lina must find the courage to stay true to her authentic self.
Yes We Will
Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country
Published in 2022
"A lyrical nonfiction picture book featuring eighteen Asian American changemakers and two pivotal moments in Asian American history, illustrated by fifteen renowned Asian and Asian American artists"-- Provided by publisher.
A Royal Conundrum
Published in 2024
An elite group of underdogs trained to fight crime must save their unique school from shutting down.
A Sky of Paper Stars
Published in 2023
After making an ill-fated wish that results in the death of her grandmother, Halmoni, in Korea, guilt-ridden Yuna finds her body turning into paper and must bring Halmoni back or turn into paper forever.