Book Lists
Book Lists
Asian/Pacific American Voices
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Guback, Georgia.
JEASY GUB
When Luka's grandmother makes a traditional Hawaiian quilt for her, she and Luka disagree over the colors it should include.
Khan, Rukhsana, 1962-
JEASY KHA
Having to take her younger sister along the first time she is invited to a birthday party spoils Rubina's fun, and later when that sister is asked to a party and baby sister wants to come, Rubina must decide whether to help.
Lee-Tai, Amy, 1964-
JEASY LEE
While she and her family are interned at Topaz Relocation Center during World War II, Mari gradually adjusts as she enrolls in an art class, makes a friend, plants sunflowers and waits for them to grow.
Lin, Grace.
JEASY LIN
A little girl thinks her mother's garden is the ugliest in the neighborhood until she discovers that flowers might look and smell pretty but Chinese vegetable soup smells best of all. Includes a recipe.
Makhijani, Pooja.
JEASY MAK
An East Indian American daughter pleads with her mother to be allowed to wear one of her mother's colorful saris in honor of her seventh birthday.
Phi, Bao, 1975- author.
JEASY 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. Between hope-filled casts, Bao's father told him about a different pond in their homeland of Vietnam"-- Provided by publisher.
Recorvits, Helen.
JEASY REC
Disliking her name as written in English, Korean-born Yoon, or "shining wisdom," refers to herself as "cat," "bird," and "cupcake," as a way to feel more comfortable in her new school and new country.
Rumford, James, 1948-
JEASY RUM
Manu, one of five brothers who are the first humans to set foot on Hawaii, is unhappy until he saves the life of a strange creature he calls Dog-of-the-Sea-Waves, and they become fast friends. Includes facts about Hawaii and the unique plants and animals found there.
Yamasaki, Katie.
JEASY YAM
When brothers Taro and Jimmy and their mother are forced to move from their home in California to a Japanese internment camp in the wake of the 1941 Pearl Harbor bombing, Taro daringly escapes the camp to find fresh fish for his grieving brother.
Anand, Shelly, author.
JEASY ANA
After Laxmi's friend Zoe points out the hairs on her lip, Laxmi is very self-conscious until her East Indian parents help her to accept and celebrate her appearance.
Gale, Heather (Children's author), author.
JEASY GAL
"An empowering celebration of identity, acceptance and Hawaiian culture based on the true story of a young girl in Hawai'i who dreams of leading the boys-only hula troupe at her school. Ho'onani feels in-between. She doesn't see herself as wahine (girl) OR kane (boy). She's happy to be in the middle. But not everyone sees it that way. When Ho'onani finds out that there will be a school performance of a traditional kane hula chant, she wants to be part of it. But can a girl really lead the all-male troupe? Ho'onani has to try . . . Based on a true story, Ho'onani: Hula Warrior is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and an empowering story of a girl who learns to lead and learns to accept who she really is--and in doing so, gains the respect of all those around her. Ho'onani's story first appeared in the documentary A Place in the Middle by filmmakers Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson."-- Provided by publisher.
Ho, Joanna, author.
JEASY HO
"A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother's, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self love and empowerment. This powerful, poetic picture book will resonate with readers of all ages and is a celebration of diversity."--Provided by publisher.
Kim, Anna, author.
JEASY KIM
"Danbi is thrilled to start her new school in America. But a bit nervous too, for when she walks into the classroom, everything goes quiet. Everyone stares. Danbi wants to join in the dances and the games, but she doesn't know the rules and just can't get anything right. Luckily, she isn't one to give up. With a spark of imagination, she makes up a new game and leads her classmates on a parade to remember! Danbi Leads the School Parade introduces readers to an irresistible new character. In this first story, she learns to navigate her two cultures and realizes that when you open your world to others, their world opens up to you"-- Publisher's description.
Ho, Joanna, author.
JEASY HO
A young Asian boy notices that his eyes look different from his peers' after seeing his friend's drawing of them. After talking to his father, the boy realizes that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, and glimpse trails of light from those who came before--in fact, his eyes are like his father's, his agong's, and his little brother's, and they are visionary. 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. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners received three starred reviews and was embraced as "breathtaking," "lyrical," and "poignant." This companion volume is sure to be welcomed with equal joy. January/February 2021 Kids' Indie Next List An Amazon January Best Book of the Month
Lê, Minh, 1979- author.
JEASY LE
When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens - with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words.--Provided by publisher.
Loomis, Ilima, author.
JEASY LOO
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.
Say, Allen.
JEASY SAY
A Japanese American man recounts his grandfather's journey to America which he later also undertakes, and the feelings of being torn by a love for two different countries.
Zhang, Kat, 1991- author.
JEASY ZHA
Amy Wu would love to welcome the new student in her class, but Lin has just come from China and does not speak much English, so with the help of her family Amy tries to work out a way to bridge the language gap.
Yang, Kao Kalia, 1980- author.
JEASY YAN
"Paj Ntaub, a young Hmong American girl, spends a busy year with her family in their new home, and seeks a way to share the beauty of the world with a grieving neighbor."--Provided by publisher.
Syed, Anoosha, author, illustrator.
JEASY SYE
Mirha questions her name after her classmates continually pronounce it wrong on the first day of school so her mother helps her to learn the significance of her name and to be proud of it.
Chen, Nicole, 1980- author.
JEASY CHE
"An Asian American girl shares how her family expresses their love for one another through actions rather than words"-- Provided by publisher.
Lim, Hope, author.
JEASY LIM
When a young boy and his mother travel to her childhood home in Korea, the town is not as he imagined until he visits the river where she used to play and sees that the spirit and happiness of those days remain.
Chen, Eva, 1980- author.
JEASY CHE
This moving ode to the immigrant experience, as well as a manifesto of self-love for Chinese American children, is a jubilant celebration of accepting who you are.
Gopal, Jyoti Rajan, author.
JEASY GOP
An American child of East Asian descent revels in dances, clothing, games, foods and other characteristics of both cultures, while blending them into what makes this American desi unique.
Saeed, Aisha, author.
JEASY SAE
Bilal and his father invite his friends to help make his favorite dish, daal, then all must wait patiently for it to be done.-- Provided by Publisher.
Readers & Beginning Chapter Books
Look, Lenore.
J FICTION LOO
After Ruby Lu's deaf cousin, Flying Duck, and her parents come from China to live with her, Ruby finds life challenging as she adjusts to her new family, tries to mend her rocky relationship with her friend Emma, and faces various adventures in summer school.
Manushkin, Fran.
J FICTION MAN
Katie Woo loves her life and lists the many reasons she is so happy.
Yoo, Paula, author.
JEASY YOO
As her baby brother's 100-day celebration approaches, Mei struggles to find the perfect gift for him. Includes directions for making traditional red eggs.
Florence, Debbi Michiko, author.
J FICTION FLO
Eight-year-old Jasmine travels to Hiroshima to visit her grandmother and cousin. Includes author's note and instructions on how to make an origami dove.
Lee, Lyla. author.
J FICTION LEE
Mindy Kim can't wait to learn how to swim with her best friend, Sally! But during her first swim lesson, Mindy isn't so sure she can keep up. With a little help from Sally and Theodore the Mutt, can Mindy learn how to make a splash? -- Publisher's marketing.
Lin, Grace.
JEASY LIN
Ling and Ting are identical twins that people think are exactly the same, but time and again they prove to be different.
DasGupta, Sayantani, author.
J FICTION DAS
Up until her twelfth birthday, Kiranmala considered herself an ordinary sixth-grader in Parsippany, New Jersey, but then her parents disappear and a drooling rakkhosh demon shows up in her kitchen, and soon she is swept into another dimension, full of magic, winged horses, talking birds (very annoying), and cute princes--and somehow Kiranmala needs to sort it all out, find her parents, and basically save the world.
Kadohata, Cynthia.
J FICTION KAD
Just when twelve-year-old Summer thinks nothing else can possibly go wrong in a year of bad luck, an emergency takes her parents to Japan, leaving Summer to care for her little brother while helping her grandmother cook and do laundry for harvest workers.
Khan, Hena, author.
J FICTION KHA
"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"-- Provided by publisher.
Larson, Kirby, author.
J FICTION LAR
When her family is forced into an internment camp, Mitsi Kashino is separated from her home, her classmates, and her beloved dog Dash; and as her family begins to come apart around her, Mitsi clings to her one connection to the outer world--the letters from the kindly neighbor who is caring for Dash.
Lai, Thanhha.
J FICTION LAI
Through a series of poems, a young girl chronicles the life-changing year of 1975, when she, her mother, and her brothers leave Vietnam and resettle in Alabama.
Look, Lenore.
J FICTION LOO
When fearful seven-year-old Alvin Ho learns that his mother is expecting a baby, he develops a sympathetic pregnancy--adding to his worry about the burglar who is targeting Concord, Massachusetts.
Preus, Margi.
J FICTION PRE
In 1841, rescued by an American whaler after a terrible shipwreck leaves him and his four companions castaways on a remote island, fourteen-year-old Manjiro, who dreams of becoming a samurai, learns new laws and customs as he becomes the first Japanese person to set foot in the United States.
Rose, Naomi C.
J PIC+ ROS
"A young Tibetan American girl helps her grandfather recover from an illness through the use of a traditional cure that focuses on spiritual as well as physical recovery and brings together a caring community"--Provided by publisher.
Florence, Debbi Michiko, author.
J FICTION FLO
Keiko, Audrey, and Jenna have always been best friends, and Keiko desperately wants it to stay that way, but now they are starting seventh grade, and everything seems to be changing; Audrey is obsessed with the idea of them all securing boyfriends, but when she and Jenna focus on the same boy their friendship starts to break apart--and then Keiko finds herself attracted to Audrey's brother, Conner (who has generally been cast as the enemy), and suddenly she finds herself having to choose between the two.
Keller, Tae, author.
J FICTION KEL
When Lily, her sister Sam, and their mother move in with her sick grandmother, Lily traps a tiger and makes a deal with him to heal Halmoni.
LaRocca, Rajani, author.
J FICTION LAR
Can Mimi undo the mayhem caused by her baking in this contemporary-fantasy retelling of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream? Eleven-year-old Mimi Mackson comes from a big Indian American family: Dad's a renowned food writer, Mom's a successful businesswoman, and her three older siblings all have their own respective accomplishments. It's easy to feel invisible in such an impressive family, but Mimi's dream of proving she's not the least-talented member of her family seems possible when she discovers a contest at the new bakery in town. Plus, it'll start her on the path to becoming a celebrity chef like her culinary idol, Puffy Fay. But when Mimi's dad returns from a business trip, he's mysteriously lost his highly honed sense of taste. Without his help, Mimi will never be able to bake something impressive enough to propel her to gastronomic fame. Drawn into the woods behind her house by a strangely familiar song, Mimi meets Vik, a boy who brings her to parts of the forest she's never seen. Who knew there were banyan trees and wild boars in Massachusetts? Together they discover exotic ingredients and bake them into delectable and enchanting treats. But as her dad acts stranger every day, and her siblings' romantic entanglements cause trouble in their town, Mimi begins to wonder whether the ingredients she and Vik found are somehow the cause of it all. She needs to use her skills, deductive and epicurean, to uncover what's happened. In the process, she learns that in life, as in baking, not everything is sweet....
Mochizuki, Ken, 1954- author.
J PIC+ MOC
A Japanese American boy learns to play baseball when he and his family are forced to live in an internment camp during World War II, and his ability to play helps him after the war is over.
O'Brien, Anne Sibley, author, illustrator.
J PIC+ OBR
A refugee from Cambodia, Dara's beloved grandmother is grief-stricken when she learns her brother has died, and it is up to Dara to try and heal her.
Pancholy, Maulik, 1974- author.
J FICTION PAN
Twelve-year-old Rahul Kapoor, an Indian-American boy growing up in small-town Indiana, struggles to come to terms with his identity, including that he may be gay.
Park, Linda Sue, author.
LARGE TYPE J FICTION PAR
Prairie Lotus is a powerful, touching, multilayered book about a girl determined to fit in and realize her dreams: getting an education, becoming a dressmaker in her father's shop, and making at least one friend. Acclaimed, award-winning author Linda Sue Park has placed a young half-Asian girl, Hanna, in a small town in America's heartland, in 1880. Hanna's adjustment to her new surroundings, which primarily means negotiating the townspeople's almost unanimous prejudice against Asians, is at the heart of the story. Narrated by Hanna, the novel has poignant moments yet sparkles with humor, introducing a captivating heroine whose wry, observant voice will resonate with readers. In Dakota Territory in the 1880s, half-Chinese Hanna and her white father face racism and resistance to change as they try to make a home for themselves. Includes author's note.
Respicio, Mae, author.
J FICTION RES
During the summer before seventh grade, Kaia, who enjoys living in Southern California, visiting the beach with her family, and creating movie make-up effects, makes a film with her friends to win a contest and hopefullly prevent her beloved great-grandtather from moving back to the Philippines.
Umrigar, Thrity N., author.
J PIC+ UMR
"A young immigrant girl joins her aunt and uncle in a new country that is unfamiliar to her. She struggles with loneliness, with a fierce longing for the culture and familiarity of home, until one day, her aunt takes her on a walk. As the duo strolls through their city park, the girl's aunt begins to tell her an old myth, and a story within the story begins"-- Provided by publisher.
Yang, Kelly, author.
J FICTION YAN
"Mia Tang has a lot of secrets. Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests. Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they've been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed. Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language? It will take all of Mia's courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?"--Page [2] of cover.
Yang, Kelly, author.
J FICTION YAN
"Mia Tang is going for the goal in the fourth Front Desk novel by New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang! The Women's World Cup coming to Southern California, everyone is soccer-crazy -- especially Mia Tang! The U.S. is playing China in the finals, and Mia feels like her two identities are finally coming together. Less exciting, though? The fact that her P.E. teacher wants Mia to get out of the soccer field, too -- or fall short of the grade she needs to earn a spot at journalism camp. But as always, Mia Tang is ready with a plan: she'll track down the two women's teams, interview them, and write an A-grade article for P.E. instead! It's not so easy, though, finding professional athletes in Pasadena -- or bringing two identities together, even during a game. As Mia aims for her goals, she'll have to face prejudice, discrimination, and her own fears. But if anyone can find a way to win, it's Mia Tang!"--Provided by publisher
Brown, Waka T., author.
J FICTION BRO
"In this empowering deconstruction of the so-called American Dream, a twelve-year-old Japanese American girl grapples with, and ultimately rises above, the racism and trials of middle school she experiences while chasing her dreams. As the daughter of immigrants who came to America for a better life, Annie Inoue was raised to dream big. And at the start of seventh grade, she's channeling that irrepressible hope into becoming the lead in her school play. So when Annie lands an impressive role in the production of The King and I, she's thrilled ... until she starts to hear grumbles from her mostly white classmates that she only got the part because it's an Asian play with Asian characters. Is this all people see when they see her? Is this the only kind of success they'll let her have -- one that they can tear down or use race to belittle? Disheartened but determined, Annie channels her hurt into a new dream: showing everyone what she's made of. Waka T. Brown, author of While I Was Away, delivers an uplifting coming-of-age story about a Japanese American girl's fight to make space for herself in a world that claims to celebrate everyone's differences but doesn't always follow through."-- Provided by publisher
Chen, Nicole, 1980- author.
J FICTION CHE
Twelve-year-old Pearl Li tries to gain her family's acceptance and save her favorite boba tea shop by selling her crocheted amigurumi dolls.
Faruqi, Saadia, author.
J FICTION FAR
When Marya's third-grade class participates in taking care of the school's new garden, Marya wants to be the student leader in charge, but every time she tries to prove she has what it takes to be a leader things get messy.
J FICTION YOU
"In a crowded Chicago airport, an incident at TSA impacts twelve young Asian Americans, all strangers to one another before this day. As events cause their journeys to intertwine, they discover the challenges of friendship, the perils of younger siblings, the power or words, and the unexpected significance of a blue Stratocaster electric guitar. Twelve virtuoso authors draw from their own experiences to explore themes of identity and belonging in the interwoven stories of young people whose family roots may extend to East and Souteast Asia, but who are themselves distinctly American."-- Front jacket flap.
Kim, Patti, 1970- author.
J FICTION KIM
Ok, a Korean American boy, tries a get rich quick scheme of starting a hair braiding business and winning the school talent competition to hide the fact that he is struggling with the loss of his father and the financial hardships he and his mother must now bear.
J Nonfiction & J Biographies
Binns, Tristan Boyer, 1968-
J 973.0495 BIN
An overview of the history and daily lives of Chinese people who immigrated to the United States.
Freedman, Russell, author.
J 979.46 FRE
A middle-grade history of the "other Ellis Island" traces how Angel Island served as an entry point for one million Asian immigrants to the United States in the early 20th century, drawing on memoirs, diaries, letters and "wall poems" discovered at the facility long after it closed to describe the center's screening process, immigration policies and eventual renaissance as a historic site.
Greve, Tom, author.
J 979.462 GRE
"The West Coast welcomed thousands of immigrants from Asia who carried with them hopes and dreams of a bright future. Many stayed on the island for weeks or months before moving into California. Why did they have to stay so long? What made them want to come to the United States."--Back cover.
Isaacs, Sally Senzell, 1950-
J 979.461 ISA
An overview of life for the Chinese immigrants living in San Francisco from 1840 through 1910, including their employment, family life, and everyday activities, as well as the prejudice they faced.
Osborne, Linda Barrett, 1949- author.
J 304.80973 OSB
"This book explores the way government policy and popular responses to immigrant groups evolved throughout U.S. history, particularly between 1800 and 1965. The book concludes with a summary of events up to contemporary times, as immigration again becomes a hot-button issue."--Provided by publisher.
Sandler, Martin W., author.
J 385.0978 SAN
"Experience the race of rails to link the country--and meet the men behind this incredible feat--in a riveting story about the building of the transcontinental railroad, brought to life with archival photos."--Publisher's website.
Stanley, Fay.
J BIO KAIULANI
Stanley, Jerry, 1941-
J 940.5315 STA
Tagliaferro, Linda.
J BIO LEE
A biography of the well-known actor and martial arts master, Bruce Lee, from his childhood in Hong Kong to his untimely death at the age of thirty-two.
Maclear, Kyo, 1970- author.
J BIO FUJIKAWA
"Gyo Fujikawa's iconic children's books are beloved all over the world. Now it's time for Gyo's story to be told--a story of artistic talent that refused to be constrained by rules or expectations. Growing up quiet and lonely at the beginning of the twentieth century, Gyo learned from her relatives the ways in which both women and Japanese people lacked opportunity. Her teachers and family believed in her and sent her to art school and later Japan, where her talent flourished. But while Gyo's career grew and led her to work for Walt Disney Studios, World War II began, and with it, her family's internment. But Gyo never stopped fighting--for herself, her vision, her family and her readers--and later wrote and illustrated the first children's book to feature children of different races interacting together."-- Publisher's description.
Yang, Kao Kalia, 1980- author.
J 305.8959 YAN
"Drawn from Kao Kalia Yang's childhood experiences as a Hmong refugee, this heartfelt picture book offers a window into the life of a family with little money and a great deal of love"-- Provided by publisher.
Warren, Andrea, author.
J 940.5317 WAR
"A biography of Norman Mineta, from his internment as a child in Heart Mountain Internment Camp during World War II, through his political career including serving in congress for ten terms during which time he was instrumental in getting the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 passed which provided reparations and an apology to those who were interned"-- Provided by publisher.
Yes we will : Asian Americans who shaped this country / Kelly Yang ; illustrated by Nabi H. Ali, Fahmida Azim, Marcos Chin, Sally Deng, Shreya Gupta, Julia Kuo, Julie Kwon, Nhung Lê, Kitkat Pecson, Dow Phumiruk, Sujean Rim, Dan Santat, Yuko Shimizu, Yao Xiao, Yuewei Shi.
Yang, Kelly, author.
J 920 YAN
"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.
Keller, Tae, author.
J BIO MINK
Introduces the first Asian American woman elected to Congress, who championed rights for women, children, immigrants and minorities, paving the way for many other women to succeed.
Bybee, Veeda, author.
J 305.895 BYB
"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.
Bryant, Jen, 1960- author.
J BIO MINK
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.