Themed Book Collections

MaiStoryBook x Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024: Books, Crafts, + Read Aloud Videos

by MaiStoryBook

May is Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage month (ANHPI Heritage Month). It is a month to celebrate, appreciate, and recognize the culture, traditions, and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Part of recognizing and appreciating a culture and its history is to give it recognition and representation in media. However, according to the The Cooperative Children’s Book Center 2019 children’s book survey, only 8.7% of children’s books feature Asian or Asian American primary characters, and only 0.1% of children’s books feature Pacific Islander primary characters

Additionally, many Asian titles are focused on folk tales and traditional retellings, or focused on teaching cultural elements. While these are important oral histories and cultural connections to pass on and share, representation means that children should see themselves in all adventures and stories, not just in spaces and narratives designated as “their culture.” Children’s illustrated books provide a strong gateway to helping little ones make that connection to character and theme~ the pictures present them with a clear visual of a character and situation they can relate to. For this connection to form, children need to be able to see themselves in stories, to imagine that they too belong in the pages of literature and the realms of fiction, fantasy, and history.

While recently I’ve seen an increase in ANHPI representation in KidLit, there is still a long way to go~ especially for *all* Asian identities, and especially Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander identities, to be represented. Through the resources I’ve curated in this blog post, *mai* goal is to help create home/classroom libraries that truly represent and appreciate different cultures and histories~ to create libraries where each and every little can picture themselves in a story and see someone like them in literature.

But before we get started…

Who counts as Asian/ Asian American?

Asia is broken down into geographic regions: East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, West Asia, Central Asia, and North Asia. However, in America, the term Asian is a racial category, not a geographic category, and thus not all countries in Asia are recognized as Asian. According to the US Census, only the countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent are included in the American definition of Asian.

As of the 2020 census, people from West and Central Asian countries, including Turkish Americans, Armenian AMericans, Assyrian Americans, Iranian Americans, Kurdish Americans, Jewish Americans of Middle Eastern descent, and certain Arab Americans are now categorized as White.

(*Note: North Asia consists of Russia and is not included in the definition of Asian)

Below are the countries in each region that America recognizes as Asian:

East Asia: China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Southeast Asia: Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mien, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Hmong, and Vietnam

South Asia: Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sindh, Sikh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka

Who Counts as Pacific Islander

Pacific Islander refers to people from the Pacific Islands of:

Melanesia: New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands

Micronesia: Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia

Polynesia: New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island

Celebrate ANHPI Heritage Month with MaiStoryBook All Month Long!

Check out the May Calendar below for MaiStoryBook’s lineup of ANHPI festivities all month long! Subscribe to MaiStoryBook YouTube for a NEW Asian/ Native Hawaiian Interactive Read Aloud Video every Friday! Plus, follow @MaiStoryBookLibrary Instagram for Book Giveaways and a Book Bundle Giveaway Every Tuesday in May!

Books

How this Book collection is organized

Here is MaiStoryBook’s recommended reading list of Asian and Asian American Children’s books, sharing quality books with Asian American/ Asian representation. Below you will find the collection broken down into categories by region: East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Islander. Within each category you will find a highlighted selection of books, and a link to view/shop the full collection. You will also find a category of books that represent Groups of Asians or Collections of Asian stories from various countries.

These are not exhaustive lists ~ there are more books out there that I do not have yet in mai own collection, but am hoping to add soon! If you have any recommendations, please comment below and share your own API reading favorites for us to check out. Together, let’s promote diverse representation in children’s literature and share Asian and Pacific Islander voices and stories ~*

Additional Book Lists:–

**It’s also important to support Asian & Asian American authors and illustrators and all their works. Being Asian does not mean they have to exclusively work on Asian projects. Click Here for a List of Children’s Books written and/or illustrated by Asians / Asian Americans that aren’t focused on Asian identity.

For more Book Recs and API Bookish Fun this May, follow @Maistorybooklibrary on IG.

East Asian

Click Here to View/Shop the Full East Asian Collection

Or check out the featured NEW releases highlighted below:

Eyes that Weave the World’s Stories by Joanna Ho // A young girl, adopted into a family of a different race, embraces her Asian heritage by learning to love her distinctive eyes. She finds deep familial connection and meaning through them, recognizing that her birth culture and her adopted family’s culture are both integral parts of her identity.

Roar-Choo! by Charlotte Cheng // While dragons are typically known for their fierce nature, this particular dragon is constantly plagued by sneezing fits, making roaring nearly impossible. Despite the friendly advice of Phoenix to rest and recuperate with some orange ginger tea or bone broth soup, the stubborn dragon refuses to pause. It’s only when the dragon realizes that Phoenix has also fallen ill that they both understand the importance of taking a break.

A Gift for Nai Nai by Kim-Hoa Ung // As Nai Nai’s birthday approaches, Lyn Lyn is determined to crochet a special lucky hat for her beloved grandma. In the end, Lyn Lyn learns that the perfect gift for Nai Nai is not just about the craftsmanship of the hat, but also about the love and thoughtfulness behind the gift.. This heartwarming tale celebrates the power of determination and the beauty of heartfelt gifts.

The Blue Bowl by Flo Leung // Max loves his family’s Cantonese meals but sometimes craves foods like French fries and tacos. For his birthday, he hopes for spaghetti and meatballs but expects a traditional Chinese meal at his grandparents’ house. To his delight, his family combines both cultures, serving dishes that include all the foods he loves.

Growing Up Under a Red Flag by Ying Chang Compestine // In 1966, Ying Chang Compestine was a young girl when Mao launched his Cultural Revolution in China, aiming to consolidate power and eradicate non-communist ideals. This tumultuous period was marked by the persecution and arrest of dissenters, the banning of foreign literature, and the enforcement of uniform dress and possession of Mao’s “Little Red Book” among children. Lasting until Mao’s death in 1976, this era was defined by fear, chaos, and scarcity. Despite the challenges, Ying’s parents secretly educated her and kept her dreams for visiting America alive. This is her story.

Chinese Menu by Grace Lin // Organized like a Chinese menu, these tales blend real history with folklore, featuring squabbling dragons, magical fruits, and hungry monks. Explore the fascinating stories behind your favorite Chinese dishes, from fried dumplings to fortune cookies. Delve into the fun connection between scallion pancakes and pizza, learn how dumplings saved a village’s frostbitten ears, and uncover how wonton soup relates to the creation of the world.

Piper Chen Sings by Phillipa Soo // Piper Chen adores singing. She sings to the sun, the moon, her stuffed animals, and the birds outside her window. When her music teacher invites her to sing a solo in the Spring Sing, she eagerly accepts. However, as practice progresses, doubt sets in, and Piper’s confidence wavers. With butterflies in her stomach, Piper seeks solace with her grandmother, Nai Nai, who has always shared her love of music. Luckily, Nai Nai knows just the thing to help her overcome her nerves and shine at the Spring Concert.

Dim Sum Palace by X. Fang // Liddy is excited about going to Dim Sum Palace with her family. Unable to sleep, she is lured by a delicious smell and discovers an actual palace of dim sum in her house. While exploring, she falls into a bowl of dumpling filling and is mistaken for a dumpling herself by the busy chefs.

Take me to LaoLao by Kelly Zhang // Lili adores the Spring Lantern Festival, but this year is bittersweet without her lăolao. As she drifts off to sleep, she wishes her grandmother were there to enjoy the festival’s traditions with her. That night, guided by the full moon, Lili embarks on a magical journey to visit the Dragon King and the Jade Emperor where she hopes to reunite with her grandmother before the night ends.

LaoLao’s Dumplings by Dane Liu // Millie loves cooking dumplings with her grandmother, LaoLao, using fresh ingredients from Chinatown. As LaoLao grows tired with the changing seasons, Millie wonders if she can make dumplings on her own. This heartwarming story celebrates family, food, and the various ways we show love.

My Lost Freedom by George Takei // In 1942, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared anyone of Japanese descent an enemy of the United States. Four-year-old George Takei and his family, though American in every way, were forced from their California home to live in internment camps. Despite the difficult conditions, George’s parents worked to keep the family safe. In this true story, George Takei looks back at his own memories to help children today understand what it feels like to be treated as an enemy by your own country. 

Tokyo Night Parade by J.P. Takahashi // Eka eagerly anticipates the night parade in Tokyo, her favorite evening of the year. Living in New York makes it difficult to travel to Japan, so she cherishes each moment of the parade, knowing it may be her last for some time. She joins the festivities with gusto, singing, dancing, and celebrating with her yokai friends until sunrise.

Where’s Joon? by Julie Kim // In this highly anticipated sequel to *Where’s Halmoni?*, siblings Jin and Joon will once again traverse through Halmoni’s magical portal into the wondrous world of Korean folktales.This time, Jin is on a mission to find Joon~ who disappeared while they were preparing for the birthday celebration in the garden. While in the magical land of enchantment, Jin and Joon once again encounter the curious creatures of Korean Folklore as they embark on a mission to fix Halmoni’s magic pot.

Slippery, Spicy, Tingly by Yangsook Choi // Keo adores kimchi and his grandmother, Halmoni. But when she visits and starts digging a hole in the backyard, Keo wonders if she’s burying a secret treasure. This heartwarming and humorous story by Yangsook Choi is filled with mystery, cabbage, and a lot of love.

Seoul Food by Erin Danielle Russell // Hana has a problem: Both sets of her grandparents are coming over, and she needs to make the *perfect* dinner for their special visit. But everything she thinks of just isn’t yummy or special enough for all four grandparents…Hana’s mama tells her to cook what makes her heart happy~ so Hana comes up with the brilliant idea to mix the *best flavors of her two cultures* in her own unique dish that reflects her own biracial identity!

Southeast Asian

Click Here to View/Shop the Full Southeast Asian Collection

Or check out the featured NEW releases/ Old Favorites highlighted below:

My Grandfather’s Song by Phùng Nguyên Quang & Huynh Kim Liên // This picture book tells the story of Grandfather, who came to a new land where he built a house with his own hands. Despite the challenges, the land provided for him, and it became his home. Decades later, his grandson inherits not just a house, but a legacy of memories, skills, and values.

Words Between Us by Angela Pham Krans // Despite the language barrier—Felix speaks English and Grandma speaks Vietnamese—Felix and his grandma find common ground through their shared love of pizza. When Grandma gets lost and struggles to ask for help, Felix decides to teach her English. Through their efforts and mutual teaching, they learn to communicate not just with words but with love and understanding.

Simone by Viet Thanh Nguyen // Simone and her mom are awakened by a wildfire threatening their home, leading to a journey to a high school gym for shelter. They pass firefighters from a prison unit on the way and Simone’s mom shares her own experience of evacuation in Vietnam. In the shelter, Simone, an aspiring artist, encourages children to draw. When they return home, Simone realizes the power of collaboration and dreams of a sustainable future.

Built to Last by Minh Ke // Two friends build elaborate worlds from blocks and cardboard, finding humor in their creations crashing down. However, when their latest masterpiece falls apart, they must confront their frustration and trust in the solid foundation of their friendship.

Som Tum and Sticky Rice by Jay Pun // A young girl celebrating her Thai culture by making her favorite dish with her mother.

Our Nipa Hut by Rachell Abalos // Yelena and her father care for their traditional Filipino nipa hut, which reciprocates by providing shelter for them. However, when a tropical storm approaches, their preparation and unity are tested.

Caged by Kao Kalia Yang // A young Hmong girl lives in a camp with her family, never venturing outside. She often plays with her cousins, imagining they can fly away. When their papers are approved, she’s unsure about leaving. However, her aunt, Golden Flower, assures her, “Your wings have arrived.”

Dancing Hands by Joanna Que //
Sam notices her new neighbors communicating in a language she doesn’t understand. She meets Mai, who teaches her Filipino Sign Language. Through this, they discover the joy of becoming best friends.

Mali Under the Night Sky by Youme // This is the true story of Malichansouk Kouanchao, a Lao American artist. Forced to leave Laos due to war, Mali recalls her idyllic early life in a safe and loving community. Despite having to flee at five years old, she fondly remembers her adventures in nature and the strength of Lao culture.

Panjang: The Tall Boy Who Became Prime Minister by Shing Huei Peh // This book tells the childhood story of Goh Chok Tong, Singapore’s second prime minister and the tallest kid around. Despite his self-consciousness, he learns to embrace his height, eventually becoming a leader. This inspiring tale encourages children to embrace their differences.

Burmese Favorite Children’s Stories by Pascal Khoo Thwe //
This beautifully illustrated children’s book features traditional tales passed down for generations, as told to author Pascal Khoo Thwe by his grandmother. The stories include handsome princes, squabbling siblings, greedy crocodiles, and evil ogres, all set in traditional Burmese village life.

Spicy Spicy Hot by Lenny Wen // Lintang tries her nenek’s sambal, a spicy Indonesian sauce, but finds it too hot. She wants to connect with her Indonesian heritage and fit in with her family, so she tries many different types of sambal. With the help of her nenek, Lintang learns how to enjoy the spicy flavor and embrace her cultural roots.

Balinese Children’s Favorite Stories by Victor Mason, Illustrated by Trina Bohan-Tyrie // A charming collection of well-loved myths and tales from Bali. Includes 12 stories that have been told by mothers to children over the centuries.

Building a Dream by Darshana Khiani, Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk // In the village of Koh Panyee in Thailand, a group of boys who loved soccer had no place to practice. They decided to build their own floating soccer field, even though their neighbors laughed at them. With determination and hard work, the boys built the field and transformed their community.

The Cambodian Dancer by Daryn Reicherter, Illustrated by Christy Hale // Biography of Sophany, a refugee Cambodian dancer, who followed her passion for dance and taught Cambodian dancing to Cambodian girls in America. A beautiful story about keeping hope and your spirit alive.

Like a Dandelion by Huy Voun Lee // Based on the author’s own experience of immigrating to the US as a Cambodia refugee, this inspiring story follows a young girl and her mother as they take flight, and put down roots in their new adopted country. Soon, just as a dandelion plant, they blossom in their new home.

Into the Mangroves by Jessie Haliluddin // Mr Boatman takes a mum and her kids on a tour of the Brunei mangroves. While on their journey, they encounter some of the wildlife and learn of the local legends.

Boys Don’t Fry by Kimberly Lee // Jin eagerly anticipates the Lunar New Year family reunion dinner, filled with the aromas and sounds of the bustling kitchen where his grandmother, Mamah, is cooking. Although initially shooed away by his aunties, who believe he’ll get bored or be in the way, Jin is invited by Mamah to help prepare the special meal, showcasing his skills in distinguishing between ginger and galangal.

South Asia

Click Here to View/Shop the Full South Asian Collection

Or check out the featured NEW releases/ Favorites highlighted below:

My Mother’s Tongues: A Weaving of Languages by Uma Menon // Sumi’s mother is fluent in two languages, Malayalam and English, seamlessly switching between them depending on the situation. To Sumi, it seems like a superpower. The story recounts her mother’s migration from India and how she came to speak two tongues, which she now blends effortlessly.

Once Upon a Sari by Zenia Wadhwani //
Avani is delighted exploring her mother’s collection of saris but accidentally makes a mess. Instead of scolding her, Avani’s mother sits down and shares memories associated with each sari, including weddings, celebrations, and family history passed down through generations.

A Bindi Can Be… by Suma Subramaniam // A young girl learns about bindis from her grandmother, Paati, who shows her how to make one using turmeric, sandalwood powder, and ghee. They mix the ingredients until the mixture turns bright red. The girl learns that a bindi can be big or small, and shaped like a star, flower, or half-moon. She can wear it to celebrate festivals like Diwali or on regular days to stay centered and calm, realizing that her bindi is more than just a dot.

My Name is Long as a River by Suma Subramaniam // Kaveri Thanjavur Jayalakshmi Ganesan thinks her long name is nothing special. However, her grandmother, Paati, explains that her name is inspired by family heritage and the sacred river they cross for the Pushkaram Festival. Through this journey, Kaveri learns to appreciate the beauty and magic in her name.

My Incredible India by Jasbinder Bilan // Experience the beauty of India through the eyes of a little girl named Thara and her grandmother. From elephants bathing in Kerala to ancient cave paintings in Bhimbetka, and bustling streets of Delhi to train rides through the Himalayas, India’s landscapes and culture come alive.

The Great Henna Party by Humera Malik // Noor’s family is celebrating her cousin’s upcoming wedding with a henna party, where they sing, eat, and get their hands painted with henna. Noor looks forward to the henna name game, where the artist hides the name of the person she loves most in her design. As she considers her family members, she realizes she loves them all.

A Little Bit of Everything by Meghana Narayan // Amaya’s identity is shaped by her diverse heritage and experiences. She embodies aspects of her Indian mother, Chinese grandmother, and the elements around her. When her new sibling is born, Amaya confidently expresses her identity and anticipates her sister’s future.

Spice Box by Meera Sriram // Rishi eagerly awaits his grandma’s arrival from India to cook curry with his dad using their family’s spice box. This box holds more than just spices; it contains memories passed down through generations. When Rishi accidentally drops the box, he learns to draw courage and meaning from their shared past to make things right.

A Garland of Henna by Varsha Bajaj // Nikita comes from a family of henna artists, with her grandmother bringing designs from India to the US. Despite a failed first attempt, Nikita is inspired by her mother and grandmother’s artistry. Encouraged by their skill, she wonders if she’ll find the courage to try again.

Kadooboo! by Shruthi Rao // Kabir helps prepares a delicious treat called kadooboo to share with his family. As he hurries home, he faces distractions from friends and fun, making him forget the treat’s name. Will he be able to remember the special treat’s name?

The Light Within You by Namita Moolani Mehra // Diya is thrilled to visit India for Diwali, reuniting with her beloved grandma, Nani, whom she hasn’t seen since moving away. Despite the distance, Diya feels at home with Nani, enjoying their time together shopping and preparing for Diwali. As they celebrate the festival, Diya’s heart is full. However, with her trip ending soon, she wonders if she can carry some of Diwali’s light and magic with her when she leaves.

The Runaway Dosa by Suma Subramaniam // During breakfast, Akka tries to take another dosa before everyone is served, triggering a magical spell that brings the dosa to life. The dosa escapes, and Akka enlists the help of mythological creatures to retrieve her runaway breakfast.

Sunakali: The Messi of the Himalayas by Jennifer Vorms-Le Morvan // Sunakali, a young Nepalese girl, tends goats with her friends in the Himalayas but shares a secret passion for soccer. They play every afternoon. Then one day a visitor from Katmandu proposes to start a national women’s soccer team and coach them for tournaments.

Bravo, Anjali! by Sheetal Sheth // Anjali loves playing the tabla, despite societal notions that it’s for boys. However, she faces challenges when her skills lead to different treatment. She starts downplaying her talent but can’t resist her dream of participating in a music contest announced by her teacher.

Crane Boy by Diana Cohn // Every year, Kinga and his classmates eagerly await the return of the black-necked cranes to Bhutan. The birds fly over the highest mountains to winter in the valley where Kinga lives. Concerned about the declining number of cranes, Kinga seeks a way to help. With permission from the monks, the children create a dance to honor the cranes and remind people to care for them. They watch the cranes closely to learn their movements, practicing diligently until they perform before the king of Bhutan.

Quite Time with My Seeya by Dinalie Dabarera // Sona and her seeya share special moments together, sometimes quiet and sometimes loud. Despite speaking different languages, they communicate through play, cooking, and reading. Every moment they spend together is cherished because they get to be together.

The Katha Chest by Radhiah Chowdhury // Asiya enjoys visiting her Nanu’s house, where she can explore a chest filled with quilts, each with a story about the bold and brave Bangladeshi women in her family. She considers these hidden histories to be the grandest treasure among all the exciting things at Nanu’s house.

King for a Day by Rukhsana Khan // During Basant, the spring festival, Malik, a Pakisatani boy, is excited to fly his special kite, Falcon, in rooftop battles. He defeats the bully next door and showcases Falcon’s agility, capturing many kites. However, when the bully threatens a girl’s kite, Malik displays kingly generosity by helping her, showing his true character.

Pacific Islander

Click Here to View/Shop the Full Pacific Islander Collection

Or check out the featured Favorites highlighted below:

Little Kiwi’s New Year by Nikki Slade Robinson // During the Maori New Year, a little Kiwi in the New Zealand coastal bush wakes up sensing the celebration. She runs to wake up her friends so they can celebrate together with food and family.

Pulani: A Rhyming Story Book of Guahan by Diane K Aoki // “Pulani” is a rhyming story set in Guam about a Chamorro girl named Pulani. She is tasked with finding an apprentice to teach traditional healing practices, the knowledge of the suruhana. Pulani embarks on a journey accompanied by a flying Ko’ko’, a Duendes, a Ko’ko’ bird, and a deer. Along the way, she faces challenges like a snake, rhino beetle, and attacking trees. Upon reaching Hagatna, she encounters taotaomona and an arrogant chief but eventually finds her apprentice.

I Am a Rainbow by Mark Kanemura, Illustrated by Richard Merritt // Mark enjoys putting on shows, dressing up and dancing, but at school, he gets teased for it. His parents give him a flowing cape that makes him feel invincible and helps him befriend some kids. When the cape goes missing, he loses his confidence, but with the help of his family and friends, he learns that he can always shine, even without the cape.

The Girl Who Heard the Music by Marni Fogelson & Mahani Teave, Illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens // The book is about Mahani, a girl who grew up on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and her love for music. Despite having to leave her home to pursue her dream of becoming a pianist, she never forgot her roots. After touring the world, Mahani returned to Rapa Nui with a new dream: to build a music school using recycled materials and sustainable practices. The book celebrates Mahani’s achievements and her efforts to make her home a better place.

Ho’onani Hula Warrior by Heather Gale, Illustrated by Mika Song // Ho’onani is a girl who doesn’t see herself as a wahine or kane, but rather in-between. When she discovers there will be a school performance of a traditional kane hula chant, she wants to be part of it, but wonders if a girl can really lead an all-male troupe. The book is based on a true story and celebrates Hawaiian culture, while also empowering Ho’onani as she learns to lead and accept who she is.

Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Illustrated by Daniel Sousa // An Indigenous legend about how four extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit, or Mahu, brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii.

Let’s Live Aloha by Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell // “Let’s Live A.L.O.H.A.” is a captivating children’s book that teaches empathy and adaptability through the acronym A.L.O.H.A. It encourages readers to ask questions, listen, observe, act with heart, and adapt to life’s changes.

Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George, Illustrated by Mae Waite // This stunning children’s book tells the story of a young girl who learns to love and care for her home with all her heart. Encounter elements of Hawaiian culture, history, and ecology, such as canoes, royal hawks, and lizard monsters. The book is written in a rhyming scheme and includes hand-printed illustrations that capture the beauty of Hawaii and will inspire curiosity and excitement in young readers.

The Lei Book by April Hail and Hana Augustine // Explore the history and tradition of the Hawaiian lei, an art form that symbolizes the natural beauty and aloha spirit of the islands. LIttles learn about the various materials used to create lei, as well as the occasions for wearing them.

It’s KauKau Time by April Hail and Hana Augustine // Your favorite local-kine grindz…now in book form! It’s Kaukau Time! is a rhyming ode to Hawai’i’s cuisine and a celebration of the cultural diversity of the 808 state. 

Cannonball by Sacha Cotter & Josh Morgan // A young boy is determined to discover the secret to performing the perfect cannonball. As he prepares, everyone has advice~ telling him he needs more this, or bigger that. Overwhelmed, the young boy begins to doubt his cannonballing capabilities. But once he finds his own unique style, listens to his own inner-voice, and taps into his heart, he discovers that anything is possible~ and the perfect cannonball just may be within his reach! Maori words are spread throughout the narrative, creating a dual language read, with definitions and cannonball terms provided the glossary at the back.

Surfer of the Century by Ellie Crowe & Richard Waldrep // The incredible biography of Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku, six-time Olympic swimming champion and legendary srufer who popularized surfing around the world. Over his career, Duke struggled with racism and financial troubles, but by the end of his twenty-year Olympic career, he was a six-time medal winner. He is considered the father of modern surfing.

Punky Aloha by Shar Tuiasoa // A Polynesian girl who carries her culture in her heart and in everything she does. Punky loves to do a lot of things—except she doesn’t feel brave enough to meet new friends. So when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother’s magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time.

The Good Song by Penelope Dullaghan & Alexandria Giardino // With the help of his grandpa, a little Hawaiian boy learns to listen for the good song. He finds it in his heart and shares it with the world. This story is inspired by the medley *Somewhere Over the Rainbow x What a Wonderful World*

Ohana Means Family by Ilima Loomis & Kenard Pak // Celebrate Hawaiian land and culture as a family, or ohana, prepares for a traditonal luau. Includes a glossary with Hawaiian terms and an author’s note at the back.

Sakamoto’s Swim Club by Julie Abery & Chris Sasaki // Biography of a little-known teacher who coached Hawaiian swimmers all the way to the Olympics. Maui local science teacher, Soichi Sakamoto devised an innovative coaching technique to train young swimmers. They formed a swim club and began to dominate in swimming events around the world, even winning Olympic Gold!

Sirena: A Mermaid Legend from Guam by Tanya Chargualaf Taimanglo & Sonny K. Chargualaf // A retelling of a classic Chamorro tale: Sirena is a young Chamorro girl who loves nature. She ignores her chores as usual to go swimming in the sparkling river, at a time in Guam’s history when all is pristine. Her mother utters a curse that will forever change Sirena’s life, unless her godmother can help.

Mrs. Coco’s Lemon Trees: The Story of How Guam Got Its Shape by Myer and Tiana Krah // A colorful and exciting take on the legendary Chamorro folktale; How Guam Got its Shape. Avery and Azai are young explorers who find themselves on the island of Guam aiding a few new friends. The island is disappearing and they need to find out why!

Groups of Asians or Collections of Asian stories

We Who Produce Pearls: An Anthem for Asian America by Joanna Ho // This anthem celebrates the richness and diversity of Asian American identity, reminding us of our self-worth, legacy, and destiny. Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya’s vibrant artwork illustrates the strength and power within us, transforming pain and struggle into joy and empowerment.

A to Z Asian American History by Cathy Linh Che // Explore Asian American stories of celebration and resistance, highlighting events like the Third World Liberation Front, the Muslim Ban, and Japanese American incarceration camps

A is for Asian American by Virginia Loh-Hagan // Poetry and expository text celebrate the cultures and contributions of Asian Americans. The book covers topics such as traditions in food, family, social celebrations, key historical moments, and milestone achievements. It highlights the important and ongoing role of the Asian American community in shaping America. The book also includes front and back matter with additional information, including a glossary.

Asian American and Pacific Islander History by Naomi Hirahara // The book features profiles of AAPI trailblazers such as Grace Lee Boggs, Kamala Harris, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, highlighting their contributions to various fields. It also introduces key terms like “Asian American” and “Pacific Islander,” teaches how to pronounce common Asian names, and discusses the discrimination faced by the community. The book explores traditions like Diwali and Lunar New Year, as well as signature dishes like poi and pho, providing greater visibility to Asian Americans for young learners.

Shining a Light: Celebrating 40 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Changed the World by Veeda Bybee // A collective biography of 40 influential Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders: from scientists to sports stars, aerospace engineers to artists, with stunning illustrated portraits by Hugo Award nominee Victo Ngai.

Amazing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who Inspire Us All by Maia and Alex Shibutani & Dane Liu // Featuring thirty-six inspirational Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, such as disabled hero Daniel Inouye, immigrant astronaut Kalpana Chawla, and biracial entertainer Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Yes We Will by Kelly Yang // This book illuminates the power of Asian Americans all over the country, in all sorts of fields. Each spread is illustrated by a different renowned Asian American or Asian artist. Alongside the poetic main text, Yes We Will includes one-line biographies of the person or historical moment featured on the page, with extended biographies at the end.

Asian American Women in Science by Tina Cho // Discover the stories of 15 brilliant Asian American women who broke barriers in science. Perfect for kids ages 8-12

Asian Americans Who Inspire Us by Analiza Quiroz Wolf // A beautifully illustrated collection of 16 trailblazing Asian Americans ~ includes Vietnam Memorial architect Maya Lin, Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, anchorwoman Lisa Ling, activist Larry Itliong and more!

Awesome Asian Americans: 20 Stars Who Made America Amazing by Phil Amara & Oliver Chin & Juan Calle // An action-packed biography anthology featuring 20 noteworthy Asian Americans, filled with 60 colorful illustrations.

Asian Children’s Favorite Stories: Folktales from China, Japan, Korea, India, the Philippines and other Asian Lands by David Conger & Liana Romulo & Joan Suyenaga // A collection of 7 Asian folktales from different countries–China, Japan, Korea, India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Adventures in Asian Art by Sue DiCicco & Deborah Clearwaters // Explore the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco through this children’s book  sharing a series of fun facts about each of the exhibits and explaining the culture, beliefs, and daily life informing each of the beautiful works of art.

Our Folktales: The All-Time Favorite Folktales of Asia by Ruth Wan-Lau // Featuring a collection of eight beloved children’s stories from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines and Singapore.

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Crafts

Celebrate API identities, stories, and traditions with these bookish crafts to extend the learning and play beyond the book. Check out these API bookish-inspired crafts below:

*Click on the Images for Craft Templates.*

Or Check out this Asian American Book Craft Bundle  for a selection of 13 Asian American Bookish Crafts!

Interactive Read Alouds

This May, subscribe to MaiStoryBook YouTube for a NEW Asian American Read Aloud Video Every Friday this May!

Read along with MaiStoryBook YouTube for interactive, shared-reading read aloud adventures where I ask questions throughout the story, point out main themes and ideas, and introduce vocabulary to keep little learns engaged and participating throughout the story.

Below you will find a *Full Month of API Read Alouds Lineup*, complete with the New Release Titles Every Friday, and interactive read aloud suggestions for every day of the month curated from MaiStotryBook’s previously featured API titles.

MaiStoryBook YouTube API Interactive Read Aloud Playlist

*~A special thank you to all the authors, illustrators, and publishers for permissions to share their books and for their commitment to sharing Asian voices. ~*

**Note: This lineup is not representative of all Asian/Pacific islander countries. Selections were based on read aloud and copyright permissions in collaboration with publishers and authors/illustrators. For additional book recommendations representing more API voices and stories, check out @maistorybooklibrary on Instagram.

Click Here for the Full Asian American + Pacific Islander Interactive Read Aloud Playlist.

Or click on the image-link below to read along to some of my favorite individual titles

 Click Here for the Full Asian American + Pacific Islander Interactive Read Aloud Playlist.

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I hope you found some reading recommendations to add to your own shelves and share with your littles this Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Please share any other ANHPI Titles  to add to this themed collection.

*~Also, I’d love to  see and hear about your own reading adventures you are having with your little learners, so please share your story times below in the comments ~ Or Tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary , FaceBook , find me on TikTok, or contact me via email . I’d love to hear from you!~*

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