Read & Uplift Asian Stories
This month and every month, we hope you’ll join us in honoring and celebrating Asian creators with stories both old and new.
Picture Books
Bonnie’s Rocket
By Emeline Lee Illustrated by Alina Chau
“In a fresh perspective on events which changed the universe, Bonnie’s Rocket reveals to readers that STEM is at its most powerful when it is personal.” —Andrea Beaty, New York Times bestselling author of Rosie Revere, Engineer
Teacher’s Guide
Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji
By F. Zia Illustrated by Ken Min
“A natural for reading aloud, laced with great tastes, infectious sound effects and happy feelings.” — Kirkus Reviews
Teacher’s Guide
A Morning with Grandpa
By Sylvia Liu Illustrated by Christina Forshay
“This selection stands out from other yoga picture books for its introduction to tai chi and will circulate well in collections where there is an interest in movement, health, and fitness activities.” — School Library Journal
Teacher’s Guide
Seven Golden Rings: A Tale of Music and Math
By Rajani LaRocca Illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan
“Charming. . . This succeeds both as an entertaining read-aloud and as a teasing introduction to the binary system.” — Booklist , starred review
Teacher’s Guide
Ten Blocks to the Big Wok
By Ying-Hwa Hu
“An immersive bilingual counting tale.” — Publishers Weekly
Teacher’s Guide
Biographies
Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story
By Paula Yoo Illustrated by Lin Wang
“A fascinating account of the life of a determined actress.” — Publishers Weekly
Teacher’s Guide
The Story of Movie Star Anna May Wong
By Paula Yoo Illustrated by Lin Wang
“Excellent chapter book biography for elementary schoolers.” — School Library Journal , starred review
Teacher’s Guide
Also In Spanish
Sixteen years in Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story
By Paula Yoo Illustrated by Dom Lee
“This hero’s inspirational story demonstrates determination and dedication by a man who never gave up and is still an active athlete today.” — Kirkus Reviews , starred review
Teacher’s Guide
The Story of Olympic Diver Sammy Lee
By Paula Yoo Illustrated by Dom Lee
“These well-crafted, insightful biographies provide a useful historical context for each person’s story.” — Booklist
Teacher’s Guide
Wat Takes His Shot: The Life & Legacy of Basketball Hero Wataru Misaka
By Cheryl Kim Illustrated by Nat Iwata
“A multilayered picture book that, like the hero at its center, offers so much strength, personality, and invaluable life lessons in a very dense package. . . Readers of all ages, especially those who love basketball, will rejoice over “Wat’s” triumphs.” — School Library Journal , starred review
Books for Older Readers
Jaya and Rasa: A Love Story
By Sonia Patel
“[Patel] writes with fierce simplicity throughout, allowing the gritty beauty of her story to shine.” — Publishers Weekly
Teacher’s Guide
The Magnolia Sword: A Ballad of Mulan
By Sherry Thomas
“Rich cultural references, intricate political machinations, and thrilling Wuxia elements distinguish this deftly woven Mulan.” — Publishers Weekly , starred review
Teacher’s Guide
Mèo and Bé
By Doan Phuong Nguyen
“Heart-wrenching, hopeful, and heartwarming. Extraordinarily deep and lovely. Please read Mèo and Bé and fall in love like I did.” —Jennifer Niven, #1 New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places
Teacher’s Guide
Rebel Seoul
By Axie Oh
“This action-packed sci-fi novel, with deeper explorations of empathy, humanity, and the capacity to love, is a great choice for most collections.” — School Library Journal , starred review
Strong As Fire, Fierce As Flame
By Supriya Kelkar
“Readers will empathize with this heartbreakingly charming debut about the universal struggle of overcoming fears and biases in order to make the world a better place.” — Booklist , starred review
Teacher’s Guide
A Two-Placed Heart
By Doan Phuong Nguyen
“Doan Phuong Nguyen weaves a lyrical tale across decades and generations that is equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming. . . This book is required reading.” —George Jreije, author of the Shad Hadid series
More Books & Resources
Download a book list highlighting Asian American stories. Check out Pacific Islanders in Publishing for books highlighting cultures and peoples across Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
