May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and to celebrate we’ve rounded up some of our favorite resources and books for readers and educators alike. Read books by AAPI authors and illustrators, uplift AAPI voices, and support AAPI activists and organizers—not just this month, but all year round.
Ten Blocks to the Big Wok by Ying-Hwa Hu:
This charming bilingual English/Mandarin counting book uses a stroll through Chinatown to introduce readers to the numbers one through ten in Chinese . . . and will leave you hungry besides!
Juna and Appa written by Jane Park, illustrated by Felicia Hoshino:
From the creators of the award-winning picture book Juna’s Jar comes a new magical tale where Juna embarks on a journey to help her biggest hero—her appa!
Bonnie’s Rocket written by Emeline Lee, illustrated by Alina Chau (coming September 2022):
As Bonnie’s father works on the Lunar Module for the Apollo 11 mission, Bonnie is building her own model rocket . . . but will it ever fly? Inspired by the experiences of the author’s grandfather, Bonnie’s Rocket celebrates the diverse team that contributed to one of the United States’s greatest achievements.
Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story written by Paula Yoo, illustrated by Lin Wang:
The true story of Chinese American film star Anna May Wong, whose trail-blazing career in Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s broke new ground for future generations of Asian American actors.
Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story written by Ken Mochizuki, illustrated by Dom Lee
The true story of Chiune Sugihara, the “Japanese Schindler,” who, with his family’s encouragement, saved thousands of Jewish people in Lithuania during World War II.
Only One Year written by Andrea Cheng, illustrated by Nicole Wong
Three Chinese American children learn to trust and love one another again after the youngest child returns from a year living in China with extended family. For chapter book/early middle grade readers.
Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh by Uma Krishnaswami
Nine-year-old Maria Singh learns to play softball just like her heroes in the All-American Girls’ League, while her parents and neighbors are struggling through World War II, working for India’s independence, and trying to stay on their farmland.
Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame by Supriya Kelkar
When a rebellion against British colonizers spreads in 1857 India, thirteen-year-old Meera must choose between relative safety in a British household or standing up for herself and her people.
The Magnolia Sword: A Ballad of Mulan by Sherry Thomas
Bestselling writer Sherry Thomas weaves an enthralling retelling of a story that has thrilled readers for centuries: the ballad of Mulan.
Ink and Ashes by Valynne Maetani
In this heart-pounding YA mystery, teenager Claire Takata stumbles on a secret from the past and must race to outrun her father’s dangerous legacy.
AAPI Book Collections
Asian Pacific American Heritage Collection
India Culture and History Collection
Hmong Culture Collection
Philippines and Filipino Culture Collection
Asian American Collection Grades PreK-2
Asian American Collection Grades 3-5
Asian American Collection Middle School
Asian American Collection High School
What books and resources are you sharing for AAPI Heritage Month? Share in the comments below!
