100 Asian American Children’s Books to Celebrate AAPI Heritage
As a Chinese-Korean American family, we’re honored to share children’s books celebrating Asian Americans! Only 8.7% of children’s books in the United States feature Asian main characters. In contrast, books with non-Asians and anthropomorphic animals are far more accessible. I’ve read and reviewed over 100 picture books for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) History Month and compiled our favorites for kids.
Many websites lump all Asian cultures together, making it tough to assess representation accurately. While we don’t segregate the books on our shelves, categorizing AAPI books by ethnicity is important. It shows that Asia is diverse, reveals potential gaps in your library, and helps you understand new cultures.
Menu: Asian American Biographies | Cambodian | Chinese/Taiwanese | Filipino | Hmong | Korean | Japanese | Indian | Tibetan | Thai | Vietnamese | Multiracial
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Children’s books about Asian American biographies
These picture books are a wonderful way to introduce AAPI leaders to kids.
Yes We Will – Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country
This simple children’s book celebrates Asian American trailblazers through pictures. Leaders in music, politics, art, and more include Franklin Chang-Díaz, Lia Cirio, Tammy Duckworth, Jenny Han, Kamala Harris, H.E.R., Fred Korematsu, Padma Lakshmi, Sunisa Lee, Jeremy Lin, Yo-Yo Ma, Amanda Nguyen, Sandra Oh, I. M. Pei, Mamie Tape, Peter Tsai, Philip Vera Cruz, and Vera Wang.
Amazing: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Inspire Us All
This collection of mini-biographies includes Anna May Wong, Bruce Lee, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kalpana Chawla, Daniel Inouye, Wong Kim Ark, Kathy Jetñil-Kijine and other inspiring AAPI athletes, entertainers, authors, and activists. Each page features a beautiful illustration and a paragraph introducing the person’s passion, perseverance, and motivation to make a difference.
Asian Americans Who Inspire Us Children’s Book
This picture book of Asian American trailblazers features Maya Lin, Kristi Yamaguchi, Yo-Yo Ma, Ellison Onizuka, Lisa and Laura Ling, Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, Duke Kahanamoku, Patsy Takumoto Mink, Tammy Duckworth, Sal Khan, Andrew Youn, David Ho, Margaret Chung, Grace Lin, and Haing Ngor.
The biographies are 2 to 3 pages long and more detailed than the previous two AAPI books. The large font and colorful illustrations are great for elementary school children.
Cambodian American picture books
Cambodian Dancer
This children’s book is based on the true story of Cambodian refugee Sophany Bay, a dancer and teacher who fled the Khmer Rouge. The genocide of most Cambodians included the loss of dance studios and ancient temples. After Sophany arrives in the United States, she finds purpose and healing through teaching children Cambodian dance. The back matter includes a song written in the Khmer language.
Like a Dandelion
What’s it like to be a refugee? This poetic book compares the Cambodian American refugee experience from seeds to blooming dandelions.
Based on the author’s experience as a Cambodian refugee in the United States, this book celebrates bravery and resilience.
Chinese and Taiwanese American children’s books
Sam and the Lucky Money
In this touching tale, young Sam (小善) receives a red envelope with a few dollars from his grandparents. Thrilled to shop with his mother, he’s tempted by sweets and toys. When Sam meets a homeless barefoot man, he realizes the right thing to do is to offer him the lucky red envelope.
English edition:
Traditional Chinese edition:
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners
A little girl notices her eyes are different from her peers. But they are beautiful — just like her mother’s and grandmother’s strong and loving eyes. They kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea. This picture book celebrates Asian American ethnicity with poetic verses and breathtaking illustrations.
How We Say I Love You
In many cultures, “I love you” is felt and experienced rather than said. This children’s book illustrates various acts of love within an Asian American family: a mom cooking a steaming pot of rice, a dad cheering at a soccer game, and a child pouring tea for grandpa. A few Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese Hokkien words are weaved into the book, and translations are included in the back. This picture book would be relatable for many AAPI families.
A Gift for Nai Nai
Lyn Lyn and her grandma, 奶奶 Nai Nai, share a deep bond through their love for crocheting. As Nai Nai’s birthday approaches, Lyn Lyn’s plans to crochet a hat are peppered with worries about mistakes. Soon, she learns that the true value of her gift is within herself. The charming illustrations, adorned with Chinese characters like 愛 (ài/love) and 家 (jiā/family), add cultural richness to the story.
If Lin Can
Have you ever been told that you can’t? In this picture book biography, Jeremy Lin’s Taiwanese American story reminds you that you can. With bravery, perseverance, and hard work, Jeremy Lin defied the odds and reached his dream of playing professional basketball.
Kids may also appreciate the creatively textured orange letters and basketball on this book jacket!
Keep exploring Chinese and Taiwanese American books!
- 50 Picture Books About Chinese and Taiwanese Americans
- 20 Best Chinese New Year Books for Kids
- 10 Best Mid-Autumn Festival Books
Filipino American picture books
Cora Cooks Pancit
Cora is thrilled to have a chance to help her Mama cook in the kitchen! She gets the honor of considering which favorite Filipino dish to cook and decides to make a noodle dish. Through relatable experiences of fun exploring and creating delicious food, we learn a few words in Tagalog and the special family bond.
When Lola Visits
This children’s book about a Filipino American family is filled with love, traditions, and nostalgia. Summer officially begins when Lola (grandma from the Philippines – visits her family in the United States. Upon Lola’s arrival, the senses are stirred with sweet mango jam, calming tunes in Tagalog, and laughter through storytelling.
Dancing the Tinikling
Inspired by his Filipino American grandmother (Lola), Jojo embraces his two cultures by learning the tinkling dance. At first, Jojo trips over the bamboo poles on the dance floor. Encouraged by Lola’s graceful moves and singing in Tagalog, he keeps trying, whirling, twirling, and moving to the rhythm. This AAPI book would be encouraging for all kids to read.
Filipino Celebrations: A Treasury of Feasts and Festivals
Filipino describes the language and people of the Philippines, an island country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. This colorful children’s book features Filipino songs, games, recipes, and other activities for special occasions like birthdays, Christmas, and Independence Day. Flip through this book to learn about important Filipino traditions, holidays, language, and more!
Hmong American children’s books
The Most Beautiful Thing
This touching “own voices” book celebrates the bond between Kalia and her resilient Hmong grandmother. Kailia realizes, “Nobody knows how old grandma is.” As Kalia trims her grandmother’s toenails, readers are invited into their intimate bond and grandmother’s sacrifices. This heartwarming tale evoked fond memories of my own grandmother, sparking conversations and connections with my children.
A Rock in My Throat
This book is based on the author’s childhood experience with selective mutism as an Asian American refugee. At home, she speaks Hmong with his family, but she’s quiet in the English-speaking world after seeing how her mother is disrespected by others. The silence feels like a heavy rock in her throat, palpable for readers to understand the importance of kindness and what happens when compassion is not extended.
Korean American picture books
Tomorrow is a New Year’s Day: Seollal, a Korean Celebration
Mina is thrilled to share Seollal traditions with her school. As her Korean American family prepares to leave, her little brother refuses to wear the traditional hanbok. “Too itchy!” he shouts. Undeterred, Mina and her mom lead the presentation in traditional attire, showcasing bowing and other customs. Later, Mina’s dad brings her grumpy brother to school. Her friends surprise her by cheering him up so everyone can enjoy the festivities.
The Paper Kingdom
In this heartwarming tale, a young boy joins his custodial worker parents on overnight shifts in an office building. To combat his boredom, they weave captivating stories, imparting lessons of responsibility, compassion, and hope. Inspired by the author’s Korean American family, the book celebrates the transformative power of storytelling amidst mundane tasks.
Bee-Bim Bop
This fun children’s book celebrates the famous Korean bee-bim bap dish with catchy rhymes and cute pictures. This story will make you smile as you see the little kid trying to help in the kitchen, preparing the yummy ingredients with her family.
The Name Jar
Unhei is a Korean girl who just immigrated to America, worried about introducing herself to her classmates. Instead of sharing her Korean name, she asks everyone to help her pick a new one from a jar. When none of the names feel right, Unhei realizes that true friends will appreciate her Korean name.
Rice From Heaven
Why are North and South Korea different countries? A little girl joins her family on a mission to bridge the gap by sending balloons of rice north of the border.
Keep exploring Korean American books for kids!
- 30 Realistic Picture Books About Korean American Families
- 10 Favorite Korean Lunar New Year Books for Kids
- 5 Best Children’s Books About Korean Chuseok
Japanese American children’s books
Mochi Makers
Mochi is a sticky, colorful, and delicious Japanese rice cake. A girl, Emi, and her grandmother, Obaachan, will make it together. Grandma shares the special family recipe with Emi, along with special memories. They grow closer together, mixing, pounding, and molding the rice into tasty mochi treats.
Grandfather’s Journey
This Caldecott medal-winning children’s book is a tribute to the author’s Japanese American family. The illustrations capture emotions like old photographs, and we learn how his grandparents balanced Japanese and American culture. The book describes “yellow men and red men,” but readers should discuss why these words are offensive. In addition, the Japanese child in the book has a blond and blue-eyed doll, the only option during this time in history. This can be a discussion point about diversity in toys.
Suki’s Kimono
Suki loves her blue cotton kimono, a gift from her grandmother. Her sisters try to discourage her when she plans to wear it on the first day of school. Thankfully, Suki stays strong with her excitement. She proudly wears her kimono to school while sharing her special summer with her grandmother. Her joy is contagious and inspiring for kids to be proud of their heritage.
The Piano Recital
This is a cute story about a girl, Momo, who’s nervous about her first piano recital. As she tries to reassure herself, “I’ll be okay … I’ll be okay …” she hears a little mouse saying the same words! Momo discovers a tiny theater with fancy mice performing; she keeps the little mouse company but then realizes she was the one performing all along!
South Asian American picture books
Holi · Festival of Colors
Holi — the Festival of Colors — is a popular Hindu holiday. This children’s book is a fun introduction to an important South Asian American festival and how Holi colors are made from natural flowers. Eage page features a gorgeous splatter of colors that will make any child curious about South Asian traditions!
Where Three Oceans Meet
This multigenerational story celebrates a journey from the United States to the southern tip of India, where three oceans meet. The land is familiar for the mother and grandmother, their prior home. For the child, Pati, everything is new as she visits markets, tries delicious meals, and grows closer to her family and culture
Hair Twins
In this heartwarming book, a Sikh father and his daughter share a special bond over their hair. Their morning ritual includes Papa combing his daughter’s hair with coconut oil, just as he cares for his hair. They also enjoy exploring different hairstyles, including a bun that Papa wears under his turban.
Diwali – Celebrate the World
This board book introduces Diwali with stunning illustrations and simple explanations. Each page is filled with colorful traditions during the five days of Diwali: praying, lighting lanterns, and celebrating with family.
The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name
This encouraging story follows an Indian American boy, Zimdalamashkermishkada, who tries to use the nickname “Zim” when he meets new people. But the shorter name doesn’t feel right. When he makes a friend who helps him learn to skateboard, he realizes he can be proud of who he is, and others can learn to say his long name.
Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea
This South Asian American picture book is based on a childhood memory of Vice President Kamala Harris and her sister, Maya. The family is Indian and Black American, and the story highlights their childhood passion and perseverance for creating a lovely community play space!
Picture book with Tibetan protagonists
Seed of Compassion
This “Own Voices” book was written by the 14th Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 and the US Congressional Gold Medal in 2007. In this autobiographical picture book, he presents himself humbly as a regular child growing up in a small village in Tibet. He credits his mother as his first great teacher of compassion. Realistic illustrations show the Dalai Lama in traditional Buddhist attire talking to diverse children about the importance of kindness.
Thai American picture books
Mela and the Elephant
This adorable fable is about a girl, Mela, who explores the river outside her village but ends up lost when her boat ends up in a jungle. She asks for help from various animals and offers them a reward. However, they all take Mela’s reward without helping her. Finally, she meets an elephant who volunteers to help without asking for anything in return. This AAPI book is a great way to teach kids about kindness and generosity.
Hush! A Thai Lullaby
Shhhh…This beautiful children’s book is calming and peaceful! Through rhythmic prose, a Thai mother asks various animals to hush because her baby is sleeping. This AAPI book would be a wonderful bedtime story for kids.
Vietnamese American picture books
Drawn Together
A young American boy and his Vietnamese grandfather have trouble communicating and connecting. Grandpa speaks only Vietnamese, while his grandson speaks English. They eat different foods. But one day, Grandpa brings a sketchbook, and the previously distant pair grows close by, creating beautiful art “that even words can’t describe.” Gorgeous illustrations reveal the loving relationship in this Vietnamese American family.
A Different Pond
A young American boy and his Vietnamese grandfather have trouble communicating and connecting. Grandpa speaks only Vietnamese, while his grandson speaks English. They eat different foods. But one day, Grandpa brings a sketchbook, and the previously distant pair grows close by, creating beautiful art “that even words can’t describe.” This children’s book is filled with realistic illustrations that show the connection in this Asian American family.
Multiracial Asian American children’s books
According to Pew Research data, 17% of newlyweds (670,000 people) have married a partner of a different race or ethnicity. These AAPI picture books can help multiracial children feel seen and understood.
The Truth About Dragons
This Caldecott-winning book follows a boy who has two dragons inside him. His family’s imaginative storytelling takes him on lavish adventures to learn the truth about the Eastern and Western dragons and his wonderful blend of cultures.
You Were the First
We got this book just before my second child was born! It’s a beautiful ode to the firstborn, a reminder that they are loved so much even with new younger siblings around. In this picture book, the mother appears Asian while the father is white-passing.
Seoul Food
Drawing from the author’s Black and Korean American background, this children’s book celebrates embracing one’s unique identity. Hana cherishes memories of delicious stews at her Korean grandparents’ home and her Black grandparents’ home. Inspired by these experiences, she concocts a mouthwatering dish that beautifully blends the flavors of both cultures.
Dumpling Soup
This book is a festive celebration of a mixed Asian American family (Korean and White) living in Hawaii. During the Lunar New Year, a young girl, Marisa, worries about her funny-looking dumplings, but Grandma reassures her by featuring her creations. on the dinner table. The back of the book includes a dumpling recipe!
Two Mrs. Gibsons
This children’s book celebrates the author’s biracial family, especially her Japanese mother and Black grandmother. Love radiates from memories of their hugs, singing, and outfits, each with their own personality and culture. This AAPI book would be a heartwarming gift for kids.
Nine Months
This book is based on the author’s brother’s family: a Chinese American father, a pregnant Mexican American mother, and their curious child. The book opens with a family of three sitting on a bed reading a book titled “Hola!” The illustrations are stunning and detailed, with science facts that will intrigue curious kids.
The Favorite Daughter
This book was inspired by the author’s biracial Japanese-White daughter, Yuriko, whose classmates made fun of her name. Even the teacher accidentally calls her “Eureka!” When she wants to rename herself “Michelle,” her father patiently listens and guides her through this difficult time.
Let’s Go on a Hike! 我们去远足吧! 我們去遠足吧！
This cute rhyming picture book features a mixed-race Asian American boy who enjoys hiking and exploring nature with his mom and did.
English edition:
Simplified Chinese with Pinyin and English:
Simplified Chinese with Pinyin and English:
Asian American children’s books about disabilities
A Friend for Henry
This endearing book is from the perspective of an Asian American boy named Henry trying to make friends. Social discussions are challenging for Henry to decode, and finding a friend compatible with his rules takes time. While his diagnosis isn’t explicitly mentioned in the book, the story was inspired by the author’s son, who has autism spectrum disorder.
Gracie’s Ears
Inspired by the author’s adoptive daughter, this book celebrates a deaf Asian American girl who gets hearing aids. When the little girl, Gracie, receives her hearing device, she’s delighted to hear the new sounds. (Note: While this book is lauded for getting kids excited about hearing amplification, many people in the Deaf community choose to live without hearing devices.)
Related: Living With Hearing Loss and Becoming a Bilingual Audiologist
Tips for reading Asian American books with kids
- Take a “picture walk” and talk about what you see.
- Ask thoughtful questions, such as:
- What emotions did the main character experience? How can you tell?
- What would you have done if you were this person?
- Do you think these biographical summaries are accurate? What information might be missing?
- Are these stories realistic or reinforcing a stereotype?
- What details and patterns do you notice with the text and illustrations?
What are your favorite Asian American children’s books?
Have you read any of these AAPI books with your kids? Do you have other recommendations? Please share your thoughts in the comments below! We’d love to hear what you think.
Thank you Betty for this amazing list of books along with their summary! I also want to share another book called Juna’s Jar by Jane Bahk Juna’s Jar https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1620148315. It’s a sweet book about an Korean American girl. No affiliation, want to pass it on.
Hi Grace1 Thank you so much for the wonderful recommendation! I have added it to my cart and also my book list with Korean Americans!
Hi Betty!
Thank you for such an amazing collection of books. We have some of these ourselves and I would love to see more books that have Asian characters but do not focus on a specifically Asian experience. Perhaps, some Asian Christian literature for kids? Or Asian books that teach about character growth.
Thanks again for the inspo, I’ll be diving into some of those history choices because I’m a former history teacher about to have my 3rd child and I would love to teach my kids about amazing individuals they would never have a chance to learn about in school.
I would also say my recent favorite are Eyes that kiss in the Corners and I dream of Popo. We got both for the kids as Easter gifts and they both touch on issues that they can relate to and understand but written in a simple way, as well as illustrated beautifully.
Our favorite right now is Bee-Bim Bop! We are working on learning new words, and this book really got my son excited to actually try to say words because he loves food. We’ve read it probably 50 times now. I love that there is rhyming and one syllable words that are easy for him to try to say. We are starting to look at other books too, like Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, and I Found It! Thank you for sharing this amazing list. I can’t wait to share these with my son!
Betty, first of all, thank you so much for all the time, effort and hard work you put into posts like this, content you create, and your over arching projects championing diversity in children’s resources – such an inspiration!
To spotlight only a couple out of the amazing books here you’ve recommended, Eyes That Kiss in The Corners by Joanna Ho, and A Different Pond by Bao Phi (as well as Bao’s many amazing works of beautiful diasporic poetry) are two of my favourite children’s books. I am a second generation Chinese-Canadian and both my parents and their families were a part of the hundreds of thousands of refugee boat people who fled Vietnam in the late 1970s. I remember crying when I first read Eyes That Kiss in The Corners – not long ago, because it touched me so deeply and really hit a nail on the head of the sort of representation in books, specifically when I was younger that I didn’t have access to.
As I grow older, I am excited to see more diversity and growth in this area of children’s education because I think it is so so incredibly important, and hope to be able to share and teach my future children. A topic I am looking forward to seeing more content on is kid-friendly history. Specifically around the Vietnam war, the refugees that fled, and hardships and sacrifices that so many families endured.
You are an inspiration, and I am wishing you the absolute best on your continued journey of sharing and creating this incredibly important work!
This is a really thoughtful and comprehensive listing that you put together! It’s always incredible to see books on inspiring Asians, but love that you’ve incorporated books with Taiwanese (as well as Korean and Philippino) protagonists as well. My parents are from Taiwan, so the country and of course the Chinese language will always be something I treasure as an adult. I didn’t always appreciate my heritage as a child but now that I have a better understanding I hope that one day my children will have the same heart for learning Chinese ♥️
Thanks for compiling such a great list! I have always wonder how to make my child be proud of their origin at a young age. Love the book about lunar new year celebration!
Love to see more activities ideas on the blog/IG! I have been saving many of them on my list☺️
Great book suggestions! Would love to check these out someday and hopefully it will be available in our local library too for diversity! Would love to see more books that shows more the culture and traveling so it would feel like you’re there too and maybe when there’s no more pandemic and be able to visit places mentioned in the book so the LOs able to connect more. Always looking forward to all your book suggestions! ❤️👍🏻
Thanks for the recommendations! It’s helpful to have book titles to search for at the library!
My current recommendation: My cousin recently sent me this book from Taiwan about Chinese New Year: 好棒的農曆新年. It has zhuyin and a rhyming English translation. It’s a board book that has moving/pull out parts, which makes it really fun for my 1.5 yr old!
Thank you for your thorough review! I loved gifting Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao to the daughter of my childhood friend who is Chinese-food historian and cookbook writer and I Dream of PoPo to my nephew who lives across the country from my mom (his grandma) and me. I’m always buying social-emotional intelligence books for my son because that’s the most important thing to learn in life, so any books with Asian American (specifically Chinese or Filipino!) protagonists would be a must-buy for our library.
This is the list that I have been looking for! I remember growing up and having no options when choosing a Barbie that could represent me. Whenever I played Archie comics with my friends, I’d always be Veronica because she had black hair. It’s so nice to finally be represented more in books and movies. I am so happy my daughter will have more available to her than what I felt I had growing up. We’ve entered your contest in instagram! My daughter would love Shark Lady and Queen of Physics! We love the inspiring stories! Also would love to see stories where the hero is Asian, but she’s the hero because of who she is, not just because of her race, if that makes sense?
Some books recs from me:
Japanese Protagonists
Natsumi! by Susan Lendroth
The Sound of Silence by Julia Kuo and Katrina Goldsaito
Chinese Protagonists
Two Bicycles in Beijing by Teresa Robeson
Afghani Protagonists
The Library Bus by Bahram Rahman
Nasreen’s Secret School by Jeanette Winter
Four Feet Two Sandals by Karen Williams and Khadra Mohammed
Nepalese
I, Doko: The Tale of a Basket by Ed Young
Bengali
Grandma and the Great Gourd by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Indian
Wheels on the Tuk Tuk by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal
Hot Hot Roti for Dada-ji By F. Zia
Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani (graphic novel – upper el)
Pakistani
Laila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz
Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan (I LOVE this one and Hena Khan’s books tend to be quite lovely + beautifully illustrated)
Hope you enjoy if you get a chance to read!
This is amazing, Leticia!! Heartfelt thank you for taking the time to share these recommendations. I’m so excited to explore these with my kids!! 😀
<3 <3 Oh I'm so glad!
Ahh I’m so excited about this list! There are a few on here that we’ve read — Holi: Festival of Colors, Bee-Bim Bop, The Name Jar, Dear Juno, and Cora Cooks Pancit. But most are new to me. I am excited about: Eyes that Kiss in the Corner, The Invisible Boy, and Let’s Go on A Hike!
Thank you! What a great list! I also recommend The Day I Woke Up Different by Andy Nguyen. It’s about a Vietnamese boy who discovers the contrasting differences between western school life and his traditional home life.
Thank you so much for the recommendation, Sophia! We’ll add it to our to-read list! 🙂