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“Books are sometimes windows … When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror … Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books.” — Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, “Mother” of multicultural children’s literature.
These words, well-known to those in the world of multicultural literature, are a poignant reminder to us all of the power that books hold. If each book is a chance to give our children a glimpse into another world, or to show them a reflection of their place within it, then we want to choose books that show accurate, positive representations of who they are.
And to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month during the month of May, we’re highlighting AAPI books. Here are the 10 picture books for the youngest of readers that feature AAPI Characters.
What AAPI Heritage Month is and how to celebrate through children’s books
AAPI Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of the AAPI community, initiated by Congress in 1978. This community is made up of over 23 million individuals from more than 20 different countries, which underscores a fact that we too often have had to refute: Asians are not all the same.
As an Asian American who grew up looking for my reflection in books, movies, and the approval of others, I can see that progress that has been made. Where I often felt ashamed and limited, I am now seeing more representations I can relate to and take pride in. As a mother, I am optimistic that my daughters will be seen for more than their Asianness… and when they’re not, that they’ll have the confidence to speak up for themselves, and the classmates to stand beside them.
Picture books with Asian characters: Asian leads in engaging stories that aren’t about being Asian
The picture books featured celebrate AAPIs for who they are — people! Unique individuals with dreams and challenges, quirks and joys, insecurities and passions. People who are more than quiet features and a foreign language, more than the foods they eat and the traditions they celebrate, people who are more than their Asianness.
1. Amy Wu And The Patchwork Dragon and Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao
This spunky little girl loves making things her own, and in both of these books children will feel like they are watching a friend overcome challenges by coming up with creative solutions.
2. Ninja
All the “wee little ninjas” out there will be able to connect with Maxwell, who shows readers the way of the ninja while on a secret mission to steal milk and cookies.
3. Snow White (Once Upon a World)
In this retelling of a classic fairytale, Snow White is a beautiful Japanese girl! The little girl in me who longed to be a princess, but thought princess-ing was only for the blonde-haired and blue-eyed, leapt for joy when I first saw my daughter reading this.
4. How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion
This female, world-class rock climber humbly demonstrates how to tackle your problems through rock climbing techniques. Shiraishi is a positive role model for Asian girls, non-Asian girls, and rock climbers all over the world.
Inspiring books for kids of Asian descent: AAPI books that inspire empathy, awe, and pride in heritage
Lead with these books that teach little ones to honor their rich cultures.
5. Laxmi's Mooch
A young Indian American girl feels embarrassed when a friend tells her she has a mustache, but returns to school the next day with pride in her “mooch,” changing the way her whole class feels about body hair. This book had me laughing out loud to myself — I wish I could’ve had Laxmi as a friend when I was younger.
6. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
This book redeems the negative story that has been told about Asian eyes; while they may not be “eyes like sapphire lagoons,” they are “eyes that kiss in the corners,” and so much more than that. Girls will walk away with the message that different doesn’t have to mean less than.
7. The Name Jar
Unhei (Yoon-hey) wants to change her name after being teased for it, so her new classmates try to help by putting new names in a jar. First generation Asians will find a role model in Unhei, and non-Asians will see what it looks like to be a friend to someone who others have deemed an outsider.
8. Drawn Together
With its clever title and vibrant illustrations, this book is about a reluctant boy who only speaks English and a loving grandpa who only speaks Vietnamese, who finally find a connection through art. Through a dragon in a chasm, they show how similarities can conquer differences.
Real Educator-Mom Recommendations
These books have three things in common— they feature kids learning to cook, include recipes, and are loved by real moms and kids.
9. Bee-Bim Bop
“This book is about one of my favorite foods,” Jenney Oh, elementary school teacher and mother of three told Mom.com. “And it’s very fun — the rhythm and flow, the characters, the mess of cooking, the prayer, and the whole family eating together!”
10. Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup
This book, recommended by Stephanie Long, homeschool mother of two, is about Sophie, a half Chinese, half Jewish girl whose two grandmas compete over who makes the better soup. “We love reading books to learn about how people live,” Long told Mom.com. “Culture and curiosity are so important in education.”
Looking for more? Check out these lists of diverse children’s books and 9 best kids books by Asian authors.
