Books by Theme

Celebrating Asian Pacific American History and Culture

A good book can open a child's eyes to new places, new customs. From family stories (Grandfather's Journey) to folktales (Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story) to feeling connected to a new culture (The Name Jar): discover the rich culture, humor, and traditions of Japan, Korea, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Hawaii in this collection of picture books for kids 3-12 years old.

Our sister project, Colorín Colorado, celebrates family traditions and the rich diversity of Asian and Pacific Americans with books, activities, and a variety of resources and ideas for ELL educators. Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage >

A Single Shard

A Single Shard

By: Linda Sue Park
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Tree Ear, a homeless orphan, longs to work as a potter, a respected but competitive employment — especially for a boy who lives under a bridge. Set in 12th century Korea, this Newbery Medal winning novel is as relevant as if it were taking place today. (2002 Newbery Medal Winner)

Alvin Ho: Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace and Other Tourist Attractions

Alvin Ho: Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace and Other Tourist Attractions

By: Lenore Look
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Alvin Ho is back, and this time the young worrier is traveling to China with his family. Not only does Alvin worry, but his actions create worry for his dad and others. Readers, on the other hand, will find lots of humor and just may learn a bit about China, its greatest attractions and some Chinese history.

American Born Chinese

American Born Chinese

By: Gene Yang
Illustrated by: Lark Pien
Genre: Fairytales, Folk Tales, and Tall Tales, Fiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Three storylines — contemporary and mythic — intersect in this tale of a boy who is not comfortable with his culture or himself. This fresh, sometimes surprising, revealing novel is told in image and text. This graphic novel was the first of its format to win the Printz Award for best work of Young Adult Literature.

Apple Pie 4th of July

Apple Pie 4th of July

By: Janet Wong
Illustrated by: Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

"No one wants to eat Chinese food on the Fourth of July," says a young girl to her parents who insist on keeping their Chinese restaurant open on Independence Day. An honest portrayal of the tug between traditions old and new, as well as what it really means to be American.

Archer's Quest

Archer's Quest

By: Linda Sue Park
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Chu-Mong, legendary leader of ancient Korea, suddenly appears — in the flesh! — in 12-year old Kevin's bedroom in his contemporary Dorcester, New York, home. Humor and tension build as ancient and modern come together in order to get Chu-Mong back to his own time and to take his rightful place in history.

Are You an Echo? The Lost Poetry of Misuzu Kaneko

Are You an Echo? The Lost Poetry of Misuzu Kaneko

By: Misuzu Kaneko
Illustrated by: Toshikado Hajiri
Genre: Biography, Poetry
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

This sensitively crafted picture book offers a glimpse into the life and work of Japanese poet Kaneko (1903–30). Accompanied by colorful, soft illustrations, the first half recounts Kaneko's short life along with a selection of her poems that thematically complement the text. The second half is a larger (also illustrated) collection of her poems in English and Japanese.

Asian-Americans Who Inspire Us

Asian-Americans Who Inspire Us

By: Analiza Quiroz Wolf
Genre: Biography, Nonfiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

This book sharesthe stories of 16 trailblazing Asian Americans. The stories bring to life Vietnam Memorial architect Maya Lin, Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, musician Yo-Yo Ma, astronaut Ellison Onizuka, anchorwoman Lisa Ling, activists Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, and more! Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, discover role models, and meet ordinary people who did extraordinary things. Whether they were breaking Olympic records, bringing education to millions of people around the world, or speaking up for the rights of others, these Asian Americans broke stereotypes and took a stand to make the world a better place. 

Auntie Yang's Great Soybean Picnic

Auntie Yang's Great Soybean Picnic

By: Ginnie Lo
Illustrated by: Beth Lo
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

While on a visit to her aunt and uncle in Illinois, the narrator and her family unexpectedly find a field of growing soybeans which begins a 40-year tradition. Based on the author's experiences, text and child-like illustrations reveal a caring, surprisingly modern family story from times past.

Bee-Bim Bop!

Bee-Bim Bop!

By: Linda Sue Park
Illustrated by: Ho Baek Lee
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

What's better than just eating a favorite dish? Anticipating it while preparing it, of course! Rhythmic, rhyming language and playful illustrations capture the joy of making this special Korean dish — and the joy of sharing it.
Country of origin: Korea
 

Boy of the Three Year Nap

Boy of the Three Year Nap

By: Dianne Snyder
Illustrated by: Allen Say
Genre: Fairytales, Folk Tales, and Tall Tales, Myths and Legends, Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Though Taro is known for his laziness, he is also clever and so finds a way to become wealthy. Realistic illustrations place Taro and his mother in a long ago Japan in this spritely retelling of a traditional trickster tale.

Cora Cooks Pancit

Cora Cooks Pancit

By: Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore
Illustrated by: Kristi Valiant
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Cora wants to learn how to cook, but she's too young to do the jobs her older siblings do. One day, however, after the older kids have all gone out together, Cora asks her mother what they can cook together. To her surprise, Cora's mother asks her what she would like to make, and Cora chooses her favorite Filipino noodle dish, pancit. This family story about the importance of sharing tradition is brought to life by Kristi Valiant's charming illustrations and includes a bilingual glossary of Tagalog words.

Crouching Tiger

Crouching Tiger

By: Ying Chang Compestine
Illustrated by: Yan Nascimbene
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

When Vinson's grandfather visits from China, the boy has conflicting feelings about his grandfather's old ways. A visit to Chinatown to experience the lion dancers celebrate the Chinese New Year bring Ming Da (Vinson) and his grandfather closer. Watercolor and ink illustrations add power to the warm, plausible story.

Dia’s Story Cloth: The Hmong People’s Journey to Freedom

Dia’s Story Cloth: The Hmong People’s Journey to Freedom

By: Dia Cha
Illustrated by: Chiie Thao Cha
Genre: Biography, Nonfiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Through a quiet text and a series of stunning images created from embroidered cloth, the author relates her family's often harrowing journey from China to Laos to Thailand, ultimately settling in the United States. An afterward provides additional history and ethnology.

Dragonwings

Dragonwings

By: Laurence Yep
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Moon Shadow joins his father, traveling from China to San Francisco in the early 20th century. Together father and son confront harsh prejudice as well as kindness, and ultimately follow a dream to build a flying machine in this Newbery Honor novel.

El Chino

El Chino

By: Allen Say
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

This remarkable story is based on the life of Billy Wong, a Chinese-American who travels to Europe, becomes fascinated with bullfighting, and decides to become a matador. Eventually, Billy's determination and recognition of what makes him unique helps him realize his dream. Luminous watercolors illustrate this sensitive picture book biography.

Froggy Goes to Hawaii

Froggy Goes to Hawaii

By: Jonathan London
Illustrated by: Frank Remkiewicz
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Once you've joined Froggy and his family on their Hawaiian vacation, find out more about what many have called a tropical paradise in the Pacific Ocean. You can read about the geography of the Aloha State in Hawaii.
Country of origin: Hawaii, USA
 

Good Luck Gold and Other Poems

Good Luck Gold and Other Poems

By: Janet Wong
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Easy-to-understand poems explore what it's like to grow up Asian in America. Readers will see themselves in the everyday activities of the poet who dispels typical notions of how Asians behave and how they excel. Perhaps, too, readers will realize the hurt that words can cause in several sophisticated and quite personal poems.

Grandfather's Journey

Grandfather's Journey

By: Allen Say
Genre: Biography, Nonfiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Say narrates the saga of his grandfather who as a young man travels to the United States in the early 20th century, marries, and returns to Japan. Watercolor portraits of people and places glimpse the contrast of cultures and parallel the lives of grandfather and grandson. It could lead to a discovery of family histories. Country of origin: Japan

Henry's First Moon Birthday

Henry’s First Moon Birthday

By: Lenore Look
Illustrated by: Yumi Heo
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Jen helps her Chinese-American family get ready for the traditional celebration of her brother Henry’s one-month birthday. Lively, stylized illustrations move the story at a quick pace to its satisfying conclusion.

Hot, Hot, Roti for Dada-ji

Hot, Hot, Roti for Dada-ji

By: F. Zia
Illustrated by: Ken Min
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Aneel's active grandparents bring stories, special foods, and fun with them from India.

How My Parents Learned to Eat

How My Parents Learned to Eat

By: Ina Friedman
Illustrated by: Allen Say
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

When an American sailor meets a Japanese woman, they both try in secret to learn the other's way of eating. Their courtship and growing love culminates in marriage. This realistic family story explores cultural similarities and differences and is told with humor and honesty by the couple's daughter.

Hush! A Thai Lullaby

Hush! A Thai Lullaby

By: Minfong Ho
Illustrated by: Holly Meade
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

A loving mother asks animals from a water buffalo to a lizard to "hush" so her baby can sleep. Once the noises stop, the mother herself sleeps — and the baby is now awake! Textured illustrations evoke the Thai setting and convey the understated humor of this unique bedtime book.

Kamishibai Man

Kamishibai Man

By: Allen Say
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

An elderly kamishibai man travels the route on which he once told stories using his paper theater. Though the city is now crowded and noisy, the children — now grown — remember and stop once more. A note about kamishibai and stunning illustrations create broad reader appeal.

Kimonos

Kimonos

By: Annalore Parot
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Traditional wooden Kokeshi dolls inspired this introduction to Japanese words and culture while presenting a participatory book with flaps to lift, fold-outs and more.

Kite Flying

Kite Flying

By: Grace Lin
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

The young narrator describes how she and her family each contribute to a handsome kite which they then enjoy flying. Signature illustrations show traditional Chinese kite designs combined with an author's note about kite history. The result is the celebration of an ebullient family tradition that readers may want to take up themselves!

Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel / Si Lakas at ang Makibaka Hotel

Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel / Si Lakas at ang Makibaka Hotel

By: Anthony Robles
Illustrated by: Carl Angel
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

This engaging story of how one community comes together to save their home is told in English and in Tagalog. Bright illustrations help move the story of successful resistance along while conveying a bit of Filipino history and culture.
Country of origin: Philippines
 

Lalani of the Distant Sea

Lalani of the Distant Sea

By: Erin Entrada Kelly
Genre: Fiction, Fairytales, Folk Tales, and Tall Tales, Fantasy
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Lalani and her mother live on Sanlagita, an island under constant threat from the mountain Isa. Lalani’s quest begins when her mother falls gravely ill. Steeped in Filipino lore, this is a riveting fantasy, enhanced by evocative illustrations in a handsome format. Lalani confronts and overcomes all odds for a satisfying conclusion.

Listen, Slowly

Listen, Slowly

By: Thanhha Lai
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Twelve-year old Mai is reluctant to travel with her grandmother from California to Vietnam to learn more about her roots and to help Ba, who is going back to find out what really happened to her husband during the Vietnam War. Mai struggles to understand the language and culture of her family's heritage in this poignant, often funny novel of being part of two cultures.

Lon Po Po

Lon Po Po

By: Ed Young
Genre: Fairytales, Folk Tales, and Tall Tales, Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Striking illustrations highlight the drama of this Chinese version of Red Riding Hood. Instead of one girl, three sisters confront and ultimately confound the fearsome, hungry wolf who pretends to be the girls’ grandmother.

My Name Is Yoon

My Name Is Yoon

By: Helen Recorvits
Illustrated by: Gabi Swiatkowska
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Yoon narrates the difficulty she experiences when her family moves to the United States from Korea. Her struggle with the transition focuses on the moment when she must learn to write her name in English rather than in Korean, and she remains resistant to learning a new language. Her imaginative voice is child-like and plausible, augmented by inventive illustrations.

New Clothes for New Year's Day

New Clothes for New Year’s Day

By: Hyun-Joo Bae
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

A little girl gets ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year in this gentle and stunningly illustrated book first published in South Korea. Excitement mounts as she details how she dresses for this engaging celebration with universal appeal.

Red Kite, Blue Kite

Red Kite, Blue Kite

By: Ji-li Jiang
Illustrated by: Greg Ruth
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Tai Shan and his father fly kites from "the tippy-top of our triangle roof" where they are free like the kites. Tai Shan's is small, nimble, and red while Baba's is a strong, large blue kite. The widow and his son are separated during China's Cultural Revolution though are ultimately reunited. A difficult period is touchingly presented while remaining child-friendly.

Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee

Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee

By: Marissa Moss
Illustrated by: Carl Angel
Genre: Biography, Nonfiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The true story of one of only two Chinese-American women to fly for the U.S. Air Force during World War II, is told as though by Maggie Gee herself. Her dream of flying became reality because of a dream and determination. An author's note provides a short glimpse into where and what the actual Maggie Gee does today as well as period photographs.

Tales Told in Tents: Stories from Central Asia

Tales Told in Tents: Stories from Central Asia

By: Sally Pomme
Illustrated by: Sophie Herxheimer
Genre: Fairytales, Folk Tales, and Tall Tales, Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Where do you find needles? All over the world, of course! Readers will recognize many things in these stories from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian countries where stories, riddles, and more are told at mealtimes to feed the soul as well as the body. As with many folktales, readers recognize what they share with people in another part of the world while celebrating what makes them unique.

Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo

Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems)

By: Linda Sue Park
Illustrated by: Istvan Banyai
Genre: Poetry
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Like haiku, sijo – a little known, brief poetic form from Korea – looks at everyday activities from breakfast to the weather. Sophisticated illustrations complement the seemingly simple language to delight readers and listeners.

Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

By: Grace Lin
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

A family shares a nighttime picnic with traditional mooncakes and other foods to honor the moon. Each silently shares a wish that is sent to the moon. The quiet celebration is presented through Lin’s signature illustrations and simple text. An endnote provides a bit more information about the festival.

The Great Wall of Lucy Wu

The Great Wall of Lucy Wu

By: Wendy Wan-Long Shang
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

In this humorous and heartfelt story about a split cultural identity, nothing goes according to plan for sixth-grader Lucy Wu. She's ready to rule the school, go out for captain of the basketball team, and take over the bedroom she has always shared with her sister … until she finds out that Yi Po, her beloved grandmother's sister, is coming to visit and will be staying in Lucy's room. Lucy discovers that life often reveals silver linings in the most unexpected of clouds.

The Green Frogs: A Korean Folktale

The Green Frogs: A Korean Folktale

By: Yumi Heo
Genre: Fairytales, Folk Tales, and Tall Tales, Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Have you wondered why frogs croak on the edge of streams? It all started long ago with two disobedient frog brothers who decided to obey their long-suffering mother only after her death. Humor and grimness combine for a memorable Korean pourquoi tale.
Country of origin: Korea
 

The House Baba Built: An Artist's Childhood in China

The House Baba Built: An Artist's Childhood in China

By: Ed Young
Genre: Biography, Nonfiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

With war approaching, Baba (the author's father) builds a sturdy home for his family in Shanghai. The family, their activities, and house unfold in stunning, varied art and lyrical language in an expansive format to reveal a glimpse of an historical time through the lens of one family.

The Land of Forgotten Girls

The Land of Forgotten Girls

By: Erin Entrada Kelly
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Soledad and Ming have migrated to Louisiana from the Philippines. Their father has returned to their homeland leaving the girls with Vea, the girls’ unhappy, mean-spirited stepmother. As their world expands and fact and fantasy collide, the real world, friendships, and understanding also expand.

The Name Jar

The Name Jar

By: Yangsook Choi
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

The new kid in school needs a new name! Or does she? Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her.

The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story

The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story

By: Tina Cho
Illustrated by: Jess X. Snow
Genre: Fairytales, Folk Tales, and Tall Tales, Myths and Legends
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Dayeon wants to be a haenyeo just like Grandma. The haenyeo dive off the coast of Jeju Island to pluck treasures from the sea — generations of Korean women have done so for centuries. To Dayeon, the haenyeo are as strong and graceful as mermaids. And when Grandma suits up for her next dive, Dayeon grabs her suit, flippers, and goggles. A scary memory of the sea keeps Dayeon clinging to the shore, but with Grandma's guidance, Dayeon comes to appreciate the ocean's many gifts.

The Seven Chinese Sisters

The Seven Chinese Sisters

By: Kathy Tucker
Illustrated by: Grace Lin
Genre: Fairytales, Folk Tales, and Tall Tales, Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Sisters each use their special talent while working together to save the sister who was snatched by a not-too-scary dragon. Uncluttered illustrations add detail to the crisply told original tale likely inspired by a Chinese folktale.
Country of origin: China
 

The Trip Back Home

The Trip Back Home

By: Janet Wong
Illustrated by: Bo Jia
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Based on the author's experience, a child visits the village in Korea where her mother lived before immigrating to America. The simplicity of the text provides rich details of everyday life in the small Korean village, enhanced by realistic illustrations.

The Ugly Vegetables

The Ugly Vegetables

By: Grace Lin
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

In a neighborhood of flower gardens, a Chinese-American girl and her mother plant what the child considers to be ugly vegetables. The ugly vegetables, however, become attractive and help build community when made into a delicious soup! A recipe is included.

This Next New Year

This Next New Year

By: Janet Wong
Illustrated by: Yangsook Choi
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Janet Wong shares a young boy's hopes and dreams for the New Year — he has had so much bad luck in the past year, but he is certain that this year will be much luckier! A heartwarming and honest portrayal of what the chance to start over means for all of us. An author's note provides insight into her background and this festive occasion.

Toad Is the Uncle of Heaven: A Vietnamese Folktale

Toad Is the Uncle of Heaven: A Vietnamese Folktale

By: Jeanne Lee
Genre: Fairytales, Folk Tales, and Tall Tales, Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

The small toad, with the help of other animals, gets the attention of the Emperor of Heaven to end Earth's drought before all is destroyed. There is humor in this colorfully illustrated, respectful retelling of a traditional folktale.
Country of origin: Vietnam
 

Tree of Cranes

Tree of Cranes

By: Allen Say
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The narrator recalls his first Christmas in Japan and why his mother decorated a tree with a thousand paper cranes as she relives her holidays in California. Based on a family story, Say's illustrations evoke a holiday in two cultures.

Tuko and the Birds: A Tale from the Philippines

Tuko and the Birds: A Tale from the Philippines

By: Shirley Climo
Illustrated by: Francisco Mora
Genre: Fairytales, Folk Tales, and Tall Tales, Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Birds sing the people of Maynilad on the Philippine island of Luzon to sleep at night — until Tuko the haughty gecko prevents the birds from doing their job. Repetition and onomatopoeic animal sounds make this a lively, memorable folktale to share aloud. Tagalog is sprinkled throughout and is included in a glossary.
Country of origin: Philippines
 

Wabi Sabi

Wabi Sabi

By: Mark Reibstein
Illustrated by: Ed Young
Genre: Poetry
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Lyrical text and rich collage illustrations combine to tell the story of a brown cat named Wabi Sabi as he discovers the meaning of his name. As Wabi Sabi's journey unfolds so, too, does the reader's understanding of Japanese culture and sensibility.
Country of origin: Japan
 

What Will You Be, Sara Mee?

What Will You Be, Sara Mee?

By: Kate Avraham
Illustrated by: Anne Sibley O'Brien
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

On Sara Mee's first birthday, her family made sure to have a tol, a celebration based in an ancient custom that includes guests, special foods, and gifts for the child that will predict what the child will be when he or she grows up. Realistic illustrations capture the warmth of Sara Mee's family, her birthday festivity, and the warm relationship shared with her older brother. An author's note and glossary round out this attractive book

Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China

Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China

By: Ai-Ling Louie
Illustrated by: Ed Young
Genre: Fairytales, Folk Tales, and Tall Tales, Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Based on an ancient Chinese story (which pre-dates European versions), a girl overcomes her wicked stepmother to marry the prince. Jewel-like illustrations by Caldecott medalist Ed Young bring this variation of the classic tale to life.
Country of origin: China
 

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