May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we recommend the
following books for adults and children that center and honor the stories and histories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. In response to the continuing escalation in xenophobia and bigotry resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more necessary to lift up these stories and reckon with this nation's anti-Asian racism.
by Naomi Hirahara and illustrated by Illi Ferandez
There are more than 23 million people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent living in the United States. Their stories span across generations, as well as across the world. We Are Here highlights thirty Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and the impact they’ve had on the cultural, political, and social fabric of the US. Includes profiles of figures like
Amanda Nguyen, Vishavjit Singh, and Craig Santos Perez, among many others. Ages 8–12.
Through personal reflective essays for and about her daughter, scholar OiYan Poon looks at how the debate over affirmative action reveals the divergent ways Asian Americans conceive of their identity. With moving sincerity and insightful study, Poon combines
extensive research with rich personal narratives from both herself and a diverse swath of individuals across the Asian American community to reflect on and respond to her daughter’s central question: What does it mean to be Asian American?
by Joanna Ho and illustrated by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya An anthem for Asian America that celebrates the richness and diversity within the Asian American identity and serves as a reminder of the self worth, legacy and most of all, destiny of Asian American people. Illustrator Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya's signature bold palette brings to light the strength within the community, creating a masterpiece that proves how Asian Americans can shape their pain and struggle into one of joy and power. Ages 4–8.
Asian American history is made up not of one single story but of many that too often go untold. From three-time Newbery Honoree Christina Soontornvat and award-winning historian Erika Lee comes an important new middle grade book that shines a light on the generations of Asian Americans who have transformed the United States
and who continue to shape what it means to be American. Ages 10–14.
In 2012, Jaclyn Moyer—the daughter of a forbidden marriage between a white American father and a Punjabi American mother—leased 10 acres of land in Gold Hill, California, and embarked on a career in organic farming. With a fractured relationship to her heritage, Moyer saw an opportunity for repair when she learned of a nearly lost heirloom wheat variety called Sonora. Its history can be traced back to Punjab, where her own roots are planted. Braiding memoir with historical inquiry, On Gold Hill explores the complexities of the immigrant experience, how
colonialism and capitalism constrain food systems, and what it means to reclaim one’s heritage.
Every day, more and more people fleeing war show up at Kyung Tak's house on the southeastern shore of Korea. The home by the sea is their last chance of refuge and
the house quickly becomes crowded. Kyung wishes everything could go back to the way it was until she has an important talk with her parents, new friend Sunhee, and Sunhee’s father. A poignant picture book about courage and what it really means to care for your neighbors. Ages 4–8.
