From gnome shopkeepers to teen leaders in the Oval Office, 10 AAPI children’s books to read all year
While Asian American Pacific Islander Month may officially come to an end with May, there are still 11 other months in which to celebrate the wide history and diaspora with the younger readers in your life. Spanning picture books to Young Adult novels, these 10 new books offer a window into AAPI culture, important life lessons, and gorgeous illustrations and stories that will keep pages turning any time of the year.
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Picture Books
A Banquet for Cecilia: How Cecilia Chiang Revolutionized Chinese Food in America by Julie Leung, illustrations by Melissa Iwai
Long before real-life culinary icon Cecilia Chiang founded her revolutionary fine dining establishment, The Mandarin in San Francisco, she was just a girl who loved food — the sounds, smells, and, of course, the tastes. Readers will explore the dishes from across China that inspired Chiang to introduce American diners to the multifaceted delicacies of the Far East.
A Pond, a Poet, and Three Pests by Caroline Adderson, illustrations by Lauren Tamaki
Inspired by Matsuo Bashō’s famed haiku “The Old Pond,” this twist on the fable follows the poet on an evening walk as an unexpected encounter with a frog forces him to reflect on his art and the pursuit of fame.
Miles Ahead by Minh Lê, illustrations by Lynnor Bontigao
With a new baby cousin on the way, a boy and his dog, Miles, cannot wait to go to the hospital and deliver a present. However, chaos ensues and the present goes missing, setting Miles and his owner out on the case.
Otter Carries On by Maya Tatsukawa
The self-illustrated “Otter Carries On” follows a stubborn Otter who loves collecting rocks all by themself. But, when a big storm comes, Otter has too many rocks and they face a heavy lesson: sometimes you need to ask for help.
Middle Grade
When Tomorrow Burns by Tae Keller
Years ago, best friends Nomi, Vi, and Arthur stumbled upon a book of prophecies. The trio’s memories and closeness lapse as time passes, but when the final prophecy — the one that promises fire and destruction — begins coming true, the friends are forced to band together to prevent calamity.
You’re So Brave, Gracie Weiby Kristen Mei Chase
Gracie Wei and her friends are ready to take the Spin City Spectacular Carnival by storm. On their way to tackle the biggest ride at the fair, the Zipper, the group decides to take a detour and visit the haunted house. When Gracie finds the experience too scary, she begins to grapple with whether friendships can survive if they don’t like all the same things.
The Village Beyond the Mist by Sachiko Kashiwaba, translated by Avery Fischer Udagawa, illustrations by Miho Satake
In the village of Misty Valley, centaurs roam the streets and gnomes shop at spellbook stores. The new English language translation of the classic fantasy novel follows Lina as she explores the magical town on an adventure and uncovers the wonder and danger that lie within.
The Magic Paintbrush: The Guardian’s Quest by Kat Zhang and Eric Darnell, illustrations by Phoebe Zhong
The second book of this fantasy series follows Amy and her magic paintbrush that transports her and her friends to a magical world of Chinese folktales. In Amy’s latest adventure, her paintbrush mysteriously loses power and she’s forced to undergo a trial to prove she’s worthy of being the brush’s guardian.
Young Adult
Young Worldby Soman Chainani
The School for Good and Evil author Soman Chainani’s new political fantasy thriller follows a teenager whose election to the Oval Office sparks a global revolution of young leaders. However, chaos ensues when one newly elected revolutionary is murdered and the new US president is a prime suspect.
Kirby’s Lessons for Falling (in Love): A Graphic Novel by Laura Gao
Once her school’s best rock climber, former “Queen of Balance” Kirby Tan’s world is turned upside down after she suffers an injury that sidelines her for the rest of the season. To fill her time (and get some much needed extra credit) Kirby joins the newspaper club where she meets the astrology-loving Bex Santos. The two couldn’t be more different, but as they begin to fall in love, Kirby unpacks what their relationship means in the context of her family and church community.
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