Tween Reads: Fantasy Novels for AANHPI Heritage Month

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month this May, here’s a select list of thrilling middle grade novels. The fantasy tales on this list are inspired by folklore, fairy tales, and mythology from different Asian and Pacific regions and cultures. Many of the books are the first in a series.


Updated April 14, 2026
Lewisville Public Library Lewisville Public Library
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Tween Reads: Fantasy Novels for AANHPI Heritage Month

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month this May, here’s a select list of thrilling middle grade novels. The fantasy tales on this list are inspired by folklore, fairy tales, and mythology from different Asian and Pacific regions and cultures. Many of the books are the first in a series.


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Tessa Miyata is no hero
Abe, Julie
Paper Book
This thrilling and charming middle grade fantasy steeped in Japanese lore and mythology follows Tessa after she breaks a precious family heirloom, sending her on a wild adventure to save herself, her family--and all of Tokyo. Tessa Miyata has never fit in....
A brush with magic
Ahn, Flora
Paper Book
A heartfelt, magical middle grade adventure-inspired by Korean folklore and set in modern-day Seoul-about sisterhood and belonging, perfect for fans of Kelly Yang and Janae Marks. What if an ancient ink brush, oceans away in Korea, could unlock long-buried family secrets? ...
Aru Shah and the end of time
Chokshi, Roshani
Paper Book
Best-selling author Rick Riordan introduces this fantasy adventure by New York Times best-selling author, Roshani Chokshi, inspired by the great epics she grew up on. Named one of 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time by Time magazine! Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has a...
The boy, the mountain, and the serpent who ate the moon
Cruz, Caris Avendan?o
Paper Book
From the author of Marikit and the Ocean of Stars, a magical middle grade adventure about three Filipino children who must find their way through a mystical land filled with monsters and gods from Filipino lore. The town of Santo Cristo is known for two things--their...
Lalani of the distant sea
Kelly, Erin Entrada
Paper Book
"A lush and mysterious fable, full of beauty, full of wonder."--Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Reach Me Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly's debut fantasy novel is a gorgeous, literary adventure about bravery, friendship, self-reliance, and the...
Nura and the immortal palace
Khan, M. T.
Paper Book
The last Rhee witch
Lee-Yun, Jenna
Paper Book
A 2025 Children's Book Council Favorites Award Winner in three categories: Middle-Grade, Teacher, & Librarian! For fans of The Last Fallen Star, Witchlings, and Ghost Squad, a heartfelt middle grade debut where Korean folklore is all too real and summer...
The spindle of fate
Lim, Aimee
Paper Book
When Evie Mei discovers that her recently passed mother was the head of a guild of magical weavers, she enters the Chinese netherworld to try and bring her back in this middle-grade debut. AN EDGAR AWARD NOMINEE Twelve-year-old Evie Mei Huang...
The gate, the girl, and the dragon
Lin, Grace
Paper Book
A New York Times and IndieBound bestseller! A Boston Globe Best Book of the Year! A Kirkus Best Book of the Year! A BCCB Best Book of the Year! From award-winning and bestselling author...
Kiki Kallira breaks a kingdom
Mandanna, Sangu
Paper Book
Kiki Kallira is more of a worrier than a warrior - but today she will learn to be a hero. The mythical beasts she loves to draw have come to life, and she is the only one who can defeat them. A middle-grade fantasy inspired by Hindu legends about anxiety, creativity and finding your own...
Lei and the fire goddess
Maunakea, Malia
Paper Book
Malia Maunakea's thrilling Hawaiian debut-now in paperback! Curses aren't real. At least, that's what twelve-year-old, part-Hawaiian Anna Leilani Kamaʻehu thinks when she listens to her grandmother's folktales about sacred flowers and family guardians....
The fight for the hidden realm
McDermott, Siobhan
Paper Book
WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE MONTH 'A soaring, luminous new world ... An absolute delight!' Jessica Townsend 'An incredibly original and immersive fantasy adventure' L.D. Lapinski 'An absolute feast for the senses'...
Momo Arashima steals the sword of the wind
Sugiura, Misa
Paper Book
Read the first book in a thrilling new fantasy series for readers aged 9+ - perfect for fans of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, Dragon Mountain and Mia and the Lightcasters! Momo Arashima just wants an ordinary life. But she's about to become legendary . ....
Farrah Noorzad and the ring of fate
Zargarpur, Deeba
Paper Book
A 12-year-old girl discovers her true jinn heritage when a birthday wish gone wrong traps her father in a magical ring, sending her on an epic quest to free him. This richly imagined fantasy series inspired by Persian mythology and Islamic lore is filled with action, magic, and self-discovery.
The magic paintbrush
Zhang, Kat
Paper Book
In this highly illustrated series launch, Amy, an Asian American girl picks up an ancient paintbrush and unwittingly unleashes the power to make her art real and sometimes dangerous. Perfect for fantasy readers who love Dragons in a Bag and the Dragon Pearl series. ...
The dragon warrior
Zhao, Katie
Paper Book
"An exhilarating tale. . . Readers will be enthralled." --J.C. Cervantes, New York Times bestselling author of The Storm Runner A debut novel inspired by Chinese mythology, this middle-grade fantasy follows an outcast as she embarks on a quest to save the...
Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor
Zhao, Xiran Jay
Paper Book
'Fast-paced, furiously funny and utterly fantastic.' A.F. Steadman 'Culture and technology clash as Zachary Ying takes adventure to a new level!' Kwame Mbalia Percy Jackson meets Yu-Gi-Oh in this hilarious, action-packed fantasy adventure. Zachary Ying has never had...
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