These beautifully illustrated children’s and young adult books highlight powerful stories from Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander voices, offering young readers meaningful journeys through identity, imagination, and history. Each title brings a unique perspective to life through the work of talented authors and illustrators.
With recommendations from Laura Sager at Third Place Books, these must-read picks are perfect for sparking curiosity, building empathy, and celebrating the richness of AANHPI storytelling.
“We Are Golden”
Written by Eva Chen | Illustrated by Sophie Diao
Share these amazing Asian role models from science, fashion, entertainment, government, science and more with your toddler! Lots of quick bios and dashing illustrations to inspire the youngest of readers.
(Image courtesy Macmillan Publishers)
“Aloha Everything”
By Kaylin Melia George and Mae Waite
In this absolutely gorgeous picture book written in lilting rhyme, a girl learns about the stars, the journeys, the plants and animals of her island from the stories and tradition of hula. Lovely as a lullaby!
(Image courtesy Red Comet Press)
“Eyes that Kiss in the Corners”
Written by Joanna Ho | Illustrated by Dung Ho
A warm picture book tells the story of a young girl who recognizes that her eyes are different from those of her friends. They are like those of her little sister, her mother, and her grandma. And don’t miss Joanna Ho’s new book, “Becoming Boba”, coming this summer. It’s perfect for kids, and tweens and teens, who need to know this sweet origin story of their favorite treat!
(Image courtesy Harper Collins)
“Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando”
Written by Andrea Wang | Illustrated by Kana Urbanowicz
This short biography is popular, because who doesn’t like Cup Noodles? Kids will enjoy reading about Momofuku Ando and how he was inspired to create instant ramen. His culinary creations were designed to easily feed hungry people in need, and now they’re eaten around the world!
(Image courtesy Simon and Schuster)
“Listening to Trees: George Nakashima, Woodworker“
Written by Holly Thompson | Illustrated by Toshiki Nakamura
In addition to working and traveling internationally, George Nakashima was an architect and woodworker here in Seattle. Nakashima was Nisei — born here in the U.S. to his Japanese immigrant parents. As a young man during World War II, he and his wife and baby were incarcerated at Minidoka, along with thousands of other Japanese Americans. This picture book details how George created beautiful furniture from ancient fallen logs, including his series of peace altars.
(Image courtesy Penguin Random House)
“A Child’s Introduction to Asian American and Pacific Islander History“
Written by Naomi Hirahara | Illustrated by Sarah Demonteverde
This non-fiction picture book for ages 7-11 is packed with facts about AAPI cultures, geography, people and history. With maps, key terms, short bios, cultural celebrations, arts, activism, and so much more, this intro is a fantastic foundation to AAPI cultures, peoples, and history.
(Image courtesy Hatchett Book Group)
“Front Desk”
By Kelly Yang
Mia Tang is 10, and her family manages a small motel. Mia works at the front desk, greeting customers and making friends. The world Yang creates is believable, compassionate and community-centered – and Mia is both fun and relatable. Just a wonderful contemporary series for middle grade readers!
(Image courtesy Scholastic)
“Lei and the Fire Goddess“
By Malia Maunakea
Anna Leilani Kamaʻehu is excited to embark on a vacation in Hawai’i to visit her grandma. But when she insults Pele, the fire goddess, Anna finds herself battling creatures and outwitting the gods to save her friend. A great adventure read — and there’s a book 2!
(Image courtesy Penguin Random House)
“Legend of Auntie Po”
By Shing Yin Khor
This critically-acclaimed graphic novel is set in the 1880s in a lumber camp in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Mei’s father is a cook, and Mei bakes pies for the crew of Chinese immigrant laborers. Mei weaves tall tales of her legendary Auntie Po, a giant and strongwoman (stronger than Paul Bunyan!), who cared for her lumber crews and who travels with an enormous, blue water buffalo. Filled with rich details. For ages 10-14.
(Image courtesy Penguin Random House)
“Last Night at the Telegraph Club“
By Malinda Lo
Set in the 1950s in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Malinda Lo has crafted a nuanced love story of teens Kathleen Miller and Lily Hu. The book is a National Book Award Winner and was named a Kirkus Best Young Adult Novel of the Century.
(Image courtesy Penguin Random House)
“All My Rage”
By Sabaa Tahir
Sal’s mother, Misbah, arrived in the Mohave Desert from Pakistan to run a small motel, and as she becomes ill, Sal struggles to save the business. His best friend Noor has aspirations for college and leaving their small town behind. This award-winning novel by Sabaa Rahir is a sophisticated, multi-generational novel for teens, exploring love, grief, and the wrenching pull of friendship.
(Image courtesy Penguin Random House)
