Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Voices: Books for Early Childhood

Updated January 16, 2026
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Drawn together
Le , Minh
Paper Book
When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens - with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words.
Our nipa hut : a story in the Philippines
Abalos, Rachell
Paper Book
★ "Emphasizes the bonds of family and community, as neighbors come together under rainbow skies . . . This well-crafted overview is not only a heartening story, but a good choice for STEM and multicultural studies" - School Library Journal, starred review ...
Sakamoto's swim club : how a teacher led an unlikely team to victory
Abery, Julie
Paper Book
The inspirational and little-known story of a dedicated teacher who coached Hawaiian swimmers all the way to the Olympics, beautifully told in simple rhyme. When the children of workers on a 1930s Maui sugar plantation were chased away from playing in the nearby irrigation ditches, local science...
We are golden : 27 groundbreakers who changed the world
Chen, Eva
Paper Book
Throughout history and to this day, people of Asian descent have been at the forefront of artistic brilliance, scientific advancement, and athletic excellence. From Sandra Oh to Patsy Mink, Bruce Lee to Michelle Kwan, We Are Golden--written by Eva Chen and illustrated by...
Ho'onani : hula warrior
Gale, Heather (Children's author)
Paper Book
Based on a true story, Ho'onani: Hula Warrior is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and an empowering story of a girl who learns to lead and learns to accept who she really is - and in doing so, gains the respect of all those around her.
Aloha everything
George, Kaylin Melia
Paper Book
Winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Winner of the Hawaiʻi Keiki Book Award An ALA Notable Children's Book ★ "A stunning tribute to Hawaiian culture and identity."-starred review, Kirkus ...
Leila in saffron
Guidroz, Rukhsanna
Paper Book
"Glorious." --Kirkus Reviews A colorful journey of self-discovery and identity, this sweet, vibrant picture book follows young Leila as she visits her grandmother's house for their weekly family dinner, and finds parts of herself and her heritage in the family, friends,...
Eyes that kiss in the corners
Ho, Joanna
Paper Book
A New York Times Bestseller and #1 Indie Bestseller · A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year · A School Library Journal Best Book of 2021 · Included in NPR's 2021 Books We Love List · Featured in Forbes, Oprah Daily, The Cut, and Book Riot · Golden Poppy Book Award...
Danbi leads the school parade
Kim, Anna
Paper Book
An Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book Meet Danbi, the new girl at school! Danbi is thrilled to start her new school in America. But a bit nervous too, for when she walks into the classroom, everything goes quiet. Everyone stares. Danbi wants to...
Lolo's sari-sari store
Lee, Sophia N.
Paper Book
A little girl holds lessons learned in her grandfather's sari-sari store close while adjusting to a new home in this sweet picture book about the joy of community, connection, and Filipino culture. For one girl, summers used to mean helping Lolo run his sari-sari store, which was...
The truth about dragons
Leung, Julie
Paper Book
A Caldecott Honor Winner Winner of the Asian Pacific American Award for Literature An unforgettable lyrical picture book that celebrates biracial identity from the award-winning author of Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong,...
A big mooncake for Little Star
Lin, Grace
Paper Book
A gorgeous picture book that tells a whimsical origin story of the phases of the moon, from award-winning, bestselling author-illustrator Grace Lin Pat, pat, pat... Little Star's soft feet tiptoed to the Big Mooncake. Little Star loves the delicious...
'Ohana means family
Loomis, Ilima
Paper Book
Join the family, or ohana, as they farm taro for poi to prepare for a traditional luau celebration with a poetic text in the style of The House That Jack Built.   An American Library Association Notable Children's Book "This is the land that's never...
New
Mata, Nina
Paper Book
Poetic and heartwarming, Geisel Honor-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling creator Niña Mata's first authored picture book stars a young Filipina on her first day of school as she discovers the true and layered meaning of "new." In the big city, everything feels new. ...
Tala learns to siva
Netane, Kealani
Paper Book
A lovingly empowering story about finding courage and strength in your family, history, and community through a traditional and cherished Samoan dance, taualuga. Written by debut author, Kealani Netane, and illustrated by New York Times bestselling illustrator, Dung Ho. Tala wishes that...
Smiling eyes
Park, Linda Sue
Paper Book
From Newbery Medalist and bestselling author Linda Sue Park comes a joyous and inclusive celebration of eyes--showcasing the variety of Asian eye shapes and hues--in lively rhyming text ideal for sharing with any child. For an enthusiastic little boy, an ordinary day is...
Salma the Syrian chef
Ramadan, Ahmad Danny.
Paper Book
"Sure to become a favorite book about overcoming hardships and helping others. This is truly one story not to be missed." --Provo Library Children's Book Reviews 17 awards, nominations, and distinctions! Newcomer Salma and friends cook up a heartwarming dish to cheer up Mama. ...
Bilal cooks daal
Saeed, Aisha
Paper Book
A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2019 An Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book 2019 Six-year-old Bilal introduces his friends to his favorite dish--daal!--in this charming picture book that showcases the value of patience, teamwork,...
Festival of colors
Sehgal, Kabir
Paper Book
Learn all about Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors, in this lush picture book from bestselling mother/son duo Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal with illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Vashti Harrison. Spring is here, and it's almost time for Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors....
That's not my name!
Syed, Anoosha
Paper Book
Bunso Meets a Duwende
Valdez, Rev
Paper Book
o Bunso Meets a Mumu received a positive Kirkus review and added to the ALSC Dia 2024 list! o Tagalog glossary and recipe included. o A Thanksgiving tale told from a seldomly shared cultural lens. This book fills the gap with a Filipino American perspective of Thanksgiving--one that...
Wishes
Van, Muon
Paper Book
An arresting, poetic journey and a moving reflection on immigration, family, and home, from an acclaimed creative team. Wishes tells the powerful, honest story about one Vietnamese family's search for a new home on the other side of the world, and the long-lasting and powerful...
Watercress
Wang, Andrea
Paper Book
Caldecott Medal Winner Newbery Honor Book APALA Award Winner A story about the power of sharing memories--including the painful ones--and the way our heritage stays with and shapes us, even when we don't see it. While driving through Ohio in an old...
A boy named Isamu : a story of Isamu Noguchi
Yang, James
Paper Book
The rock in my throat
Yang, Kao Kalia
Paper Book
Praise for The Rock in My Throat by Kao Kalia Yang, illustrated by Jiemei Lin: Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature Picture Book Honor Booklist Editor's Choice The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Award Heartland Booksellers Award Finalist...

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