May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we are thrilled to share this great collection of books by AAPI creators or with AAPI themes. These books are fantastic reads, not just this month but all year round!
Ages 0-2
Diwali Lights by Rina Singh
This dazzling board book introduces little ones to the Indian festival of Diwali through a selection of brilliant sights and sounds.
The Animals of Chinese New Year by Jen Sookfong Lee
In this festive dual-language board book, twelve animals race to see who will represent the Chinese zodiac. In English and Simplified Chinese.
Ages 3-5
Grandmother School by Rina Singh and Ellen Rooney
This brilliantly illustrated picture book tells the story of the Aajibaichi Shala, the Grandmother School, that was opened in Phangane, India, in 2016 to teach local grandmothers how to read and write.
Once Upon an Hour by Ann Yu-Kyung Choi and Soyeon Kim
A child is told a bedtime tale about how the 12 animals of the Korean zodiac came together to save a young child on the quest for a plant known to have healing properties in this gorgeously illustrated picture book.
Mooncakes by Loretta Seto and Renné Benoit
In this picture book, a young girl shares the special celebration of the Chinese Moon Festival with her parents. With a gentle focus on the importance of family, Mooncakes is a perfect book for both parent and child to read together.
Ages 6-8
Genie Meanie by Mahtab Narsimhan and Michelle Simpson
In this partially illustrated chapter book, an eight-year-old girl confronts a bully with the help of a genie she discovers has been living in a spice bottle her grandmother left her.
The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota’s Garden by Heather Smith and Rachel Wada
This gorgeously illustrated picture book tells the story of a young Japanese boy who loses his dad in a tsunami. Based on true events, this poignant tale explores themes of grief, loss and community.
Ages 9-12
Project Bollywood by Mahtab Narsimhan
In this high-interest accessible novel for middle-grade readers, budding filmmaker Salman tries to recreate a Bollywood film for a school project with his friends. But the project is soon in jeopardy when egos start to clash.
Kung Fu Master by Marty Chan
In this high-interest novel for middle readers, everyone assumes Jon Wong is a martial arts expert because he’s Chinese. Jon decides to go along with the rumor, but will he be able to remain true to himself?
Ages 12+
One Earth: People of Color Protecting Our Planet by Anuradha Rao
This nonfiction book for teens profiles 20 environmental defenders of color from around the world. Their individual stories show that the intersection of environment and ethnicity is an asset to protecting our planet.