AAPI Books for Kids

There is joy in seeing yourself reflected in books and there is knowledge in reading other’s stories. This list is a selection of books featuring characters and cultures of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Updated June 25, 2026
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The yellow áo dài
Bui, Hanh.
Paper Book
Lovingly illustrated by Minnie Phan, Hanh Bui's debut picture book, The Yellow Áo Dài, is a warm story of family, identity, and remembering those who came before. Naliah is excited to perform a traditional Vietnamese Fan Dance at her school's International Day. When she...
When Cherry Blossoms Fall
Goldsaito, Katrina
Paper Book
Celebrate springtime and the beauty of life with this hopeful and inspiring picture book. "We wait for so long, and when they finally come, the petals fall so quickly. Mono no aware, ne?"   "What does that mean, mono no aware...
Many things at once
Hiranandani, Veera
Paper Book
In this poignant picture book about family and belonging, the child of a Jewish mother and a South Asian father hears stories about her family history. Sometimes she doesn't feel Jewish enough or South Asian enough, but comes to realize you can feel--and be--many things at once. AN...
Navigating Night
Leung, Julie
Paper Book
A girl guides her dad on his route delivering Chinese take-out food in this touching picture book -- written by an APALA award winner and illustrated by a Caldecott Honor winner -- that celebrates the unique bond between immigrant parents and their children. Every night, a girl...
My footprints
Phi, Bao, 1975- author.
Paper Book
Every child feels different in some way, but Thuy feels "double different." She is Vietnamese American and she has two moms. Thuy walks home one winter afternoon, angry and lonely after a bully's taunts. Then a bird catches her attention and sets Thuy on an imaginary exploration. What if she could...
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,...
Thread of love
Sehgal, Kabir author.
Paper Book
Three siblings enjoy the Indian festival of Raksha Bandhan--a celebration of the special relationship between brothers and sisters--in this vibrant reinterpretation of the classic song Frère Jacques (Are You Sleeping) from New York Times bestselling mother/son duo Surishtha...
Punky Aloha
Tuiasoa, Shar
Paper Book
Meet Punky Aloha: a girl who uses the power of saying "aloha" to experience exciting and unexpected adventures! Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. She doesn't feel brave enough. So when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous...
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...
Spicy spicy hot
Wen, Lenny author, illustrator.
Paper Book
A heartwarming and humorous story about one girl determined to embrace the spice of sambal in order to connect with her grandmother and heritage--perfect for fans of Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao and Thank You, Omu! When Lintang finally gets to taste her...
Kapaemahu
Wong-Kalu, Hinaleimoana
Paper Book
An Indigenous legend about how four extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit, or Mahu, brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, based on the Academy Award-contending short film. A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Century In the 15th...

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