AANHPI Voices for Kids

To recognize Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month this May, we've collected fiction and informational texts that amplify the voices of these communities.

Updated May 4, 2026
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Lei and the fire goddess
Maunakea, Malia
Paper Book
"Lei and the Fire Goddess blends preteen angst and beloved Hawaiian moʻolelo in a way that hasn't been done before." -Auliʻi Cravalho, actress and voice of Disney's Princess Moana Curses aren't real. At least, that's what twelve-year-old, part...
Eyes that speak to the stars
Ho, Joanna
Paper Book
New York Times bestselling team Joanna Ho and Dung Ho present Eyes That Speak to the Stars, companion to the acclaimed Eyes That Kiss in the Corners. "A brilliant treatise to love of self and heritage." --School Library Journal (starred review) "A beautifully...
When Lola visits
Sterling, Michelle
Paper Book
Four starred reviews! In an evocative picture book brimming with the scents, tastes, and traditions that define a young girl's summer with her grandmother, debut author Michelle Sterling and illustrator Aaron Asis come together to celebrate the gentle bonds of familial love that...
Isabel in bloom
Respicio, Mae
Paper Book
A middle-school girl discovers a connection between her home in the Philippines and her new home in the U.S. through a special garden in "this sweet and heartfelt novel that explores how bumpy beginnings can offer chances for new growth" (The New York Times) A National Council...
A child's introduction to Asian American and Pacific Islander history : the heroes, the stories, and the cultures that helped to build America
Hirahara, Naomi
Ebook
The perfect primer for kids ages 8-12, A Child's Introduction to Asian American and Pacific Islander History is packed with remarkable stories, groundbreaking events, and inspirational people, that have made a lasting impact on the history and culture of the United States. ...
Aloha everything
George, Kaylin Melia
Audiobook
Yes we will : Asian Americans who shaped this country
Yang, Kelly
Audiobook
From NYT bestselling author Kelly Yang comes a picture book, adapted for audio, about Asian American changemakers doing everything they dreamed of and inspiring all of us to reach for new heights! From creating beautiful music like Yo-Yo Ma to flying to outer space like...
'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...
Lily Xiao speaks out
Chen, Nicole
Paper Book
From the author of It's Boba Time for Pearl Li! comes an empowering, heartfelt middle grade novel about a grunge-loving Taiwanese American tween who must use her voice to fight for ESL support at her school. Lily Xiao can't wait to go to Camp Rock Out this summer, where she'll...
Shining a light : celebrating 40 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who changed the world
Bybee, Veeda
Paper Book
A collective biography of 40 influential Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, from Kalpana Chawla to The Rock to Tammy Duckworth, whose historical contributions readers may not know but whose light shines on, with stunning illustrated portraits by Hugo Award nominee Victo Ngai. Meet...
Made for more
Ward, Chloe Ito
Paper Book
This joyful exploration of immigration and nontraditional beauty pays tribute to the unique identity formed by a girl's Japanese roots and Hawaiian upbringing. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners meets Your Name Is a Song.  From the shores of Japan to the coast of Hawai'i, old...
The takeout
Badua, Tracy
Audiobook
Ho'onani : hula warrior
Gale, Heather (Children's author)
Paper Book
An empowering celebration of identity, acceptance and Hawaiian culture based on the true story of a young girl in Hawaiʻi who dreams of leading the boys-only hula troupe at her school. Ho'onani feels in-between. She doesn't see herself as wahine (girl) OR kane...

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