Children’s Read-Aloud Books to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month
AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Heritage Month is typically observed in May. We have put together a list of children’s books that celebrate the rich cultural traditions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities around the world!
I Am Golden by Eva Chen
Mei is a Chinese American girl who is made fun of at school for being different and Asian. Her parents reassure her that being unique and Asian holds immense strength and beauty by showing her many ways that she's connected to her family, ancestors, and culture. This uplifting story teaches children about self-love and celebrating their identity.
My Name Is Yoon by Helen Recorvits
Yoon's name means "shining wisdom," and when she writes it in Korean, it looks happy, like dancing figures. However, when she moves to America, she must learn to write her name in English. Yoon isn't sure that she wants to be YOON. At her new school, she tries out different names―maybe CAT or BIRD. Maybe CUPCAKE!
Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore
Cora is a young Filipino-American girl who loves cooking and has always wanted to help her mother in the kitchen. One day, Cora finally gets the chance and cooks her favorite Filipino Dish, Pancit, with her mother’s guidance. This story teaches students how food is an important part of cultural heritage that brings families together.
Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang
Bao is a type of steamed bun in Chinese cuisine. In this delightful and tasty story, little girl Amy learns how to make the perfect bao! A recipe for the bao is also included at the end of the book.
Ohana Means Family by Ilima Loomis
Ohana means family, and family is full of traditions surrounding language and food, which is exactly what this story entails. Through a cumulative rhyme, this story talks about traditional food and the preparation of land within the Hawaii culture. The story follows a family as they prepare kalo (taro) and poi for the ohana lūʻau (a traditional Hawaiian feast).
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho
A young Asian girl notices that her eyes have a different shape compared to those of her peers. Other girls have big, round eyes and long lashes, but her eyes look like a crescent moon. This is a story about self-acceptance and embracing that we are different but all beautiful. This powerful book inspires and encourages students to treasure their uniqueness and appreciate the connections they share with their families.
Eyes that Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho
This is a follow-up to Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho. When a young boy is hurt by a school friend drawing him with two slanted lines as eyes, his father tells him that his eyes "rise to the skies and speak to the stars." Interacting with his father, agong (grandfather) and di-di (younger brother), the boy gains strength and appreciation for his eyes, and for the members of his family. This book is a poetic celebration of body diversity, family, and Chinese culture.
Mela and the Elephant by Dow Phumiruk
Mela is a young girl from Thailand who goes out one day to explore the banks of a river and ends up getting lost and can't find her way back to her village. She ends up meeting an elephant that helps her get back and teaches her a great lesson about kindness and helping people without asking for anything in return.
Suki’s Kimono by Cheer Uegaki
This story is about a young Japanese girl, Suki, who wears her favorite kimono on the first day of school. This kimono is a gift from her obachan (grandma) and it reminds her of the special memories of her grandmother’s visit last summer. In class. Suki shared about the street festival she attended with her obachan. She gets so carried away reminiscing that she's soon humming the music and dancing away, much to the delight of her entire class!