Children's Book Suggestions | Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2025

A few of our favorite books about Asian & Pacific Islander Americans past and present published in 2024. For more book ideas, check out our Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024 Picture Book and Chapter Book lists, browse the library catalog, or search for the name of a country or ethnic group.

More great books are honored annually with the Asian/Pacific American Literary Award (APALA).

P.S. Stay tuned for our Southeast Asian Heritage Month book list, coming August 2025!

Updated April 17, 2025
LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County) Oregon City Public Library
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Eyes that weave the world's wonders
Ho, Joanna
Paper Book
"Ho now creates a beautiful book about family: what makes individuals and what connects us to one another. This book is a perfect addition to any children's shelf, whether aimed at families, adoption, multicultural stories, or topics of love and ­acceptance." --School Library...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

We who produce pearls : an anthem for Asian America
Ho, Joanna
Paper Book
From the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Joanna Ho, comes an uplifting call to action that highlights Asian American history, paired with vibrant and colorful illustrations by artist and activist, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya.In Joanna Ho's true classic style, she creates a...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

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...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

Gigi and Ojiji
Iwai, Melissa.
Paper Book
"Gigi crafts her Japanese American identity in this ­enchanting early reader. The cuteness, inclusivity, and cross-cultural problem-solving represented will have young ­readers coming back again and again. A must-buy." --School Library Journal (starred review) "The text is...

Early Reader (Level 3)

Best friend!
Fang, Vicky
Paper Book
Brand-new first grader Ava Lin is determined to find a best friend--even if she's a bit unclear on how to go about it--in this launch of a funny, super relatable chapter-book series. Ava Lin is six and a half years old, and she loves bubble tea, finding treasures, and animals...

Bridging Fiction (Grades 2-4)

Magnolia Wu unfolds it all
Miller, Chanel.
Paper Book
An instant New York Times, USA Today, and indie bestseller! A Newbery Honor Book! New York Times bestselling author and artist Chanel Miller tells a fun, funny, and poignant story of friendship and community starring Magnolia Wu, a ten-year-old sock...

Children's Fiction (Grades 3-5)

Gracie under the waves
Park, Linda Sue
Paper Book
An empowering story from #1 New York Times bestseller and Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park starring a young snorkeling enthusiast who draws inspiration for fighting climate change from interacting with her pesty little brother. A Green Earth Book Award Honor Book Inspired...

Children's Fiction (Grades 3-5)

Summer at Squee
Wang, Andrea
Paper Book
From Newbery Honor-winning author Andrea Wang, a new middle grade novel about a Chinese American tween who attends a Boston-based Chinese cultural overnight camp-and the many ways it transforms her. Phoenny Fang plans to have the best summer ever. She's returning to Summertime...

Children's Fiction (Grades 3-5)

Finally heard
Yang, Kelly
Paper Book
From the New York Times bestselling author of Front Desk comes the sequel to Finally Seen "that tackles tweenhood and technology woes head-on" (School Library Journal, starred review) when Lina tries to navigate social media, only to discover not everything online is...

Children's Fiction (Grades 3-5)

Noodle & Bao
Lu, Shaina
Paper Book
Perfect for fans of Animal Crossing and Measuring Up, this whimsical and empowering middle grade graphic novel follows a girl who helps her friend's humble food cart stand its ground against the gentrification of their Chinatown neighborhood. Momo has lived in Town 99 her...

Children's Graphic Novel (Grades 3-5)

Gigi Shin is not a nerd
Lee, Lyla
Paper Book
This first book in a sparkling middle grade series "reminiscent of Ann M. Martin's Baby-Sitters Club books" (Kirkus Reviews) follows a young Korean American girl who starts a business with her best friends to support her artistic dreams. Jiyoung "Gigi" Shin loves to create...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

Pahua and the dragon's secret
Lee, Lori M.
Paper Book
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Lori M. Lee's second Southeast Asian fantasy adventure about a girl who is the reincarnation of the greatest warrior of all time. A snarky cat spirit, a rivalry between two shamans-in-training, a dangerous dragon encounter, and a...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

The unbeatable Lily Hong
Ma, Diana
Paper Book
A smart, funny, and heartfelt middle grade novel about Lily Hong's attempts to save her parents' Chinese school and the town's community center using all the resources she has--devoted friends, ingenuity, a passion for filmmaking, mediocre dance moves (at best), and perhaps even her archnemesis.<...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

The squad
Soontornvat, Christina
Paper Book
Break out your pom poms! The highly anticipated, stand-alone companion to the instant #1 bestseller The Tryout promises even more cheer, higher stakes, and relatable middle-school drama. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier. "Raw, candid, moving, and full of heart." -Betty C....

Young Teen Graphic Novel (Grades 5-7)

Alterations
Xu, Ray
Paper Book
For fans of Gene Luen Yang's American Born Chinese and Svetlana Chmakova's Awkward, this funny yet poignant middle-grade coming-of-age story highlights the struggle of feeling invisible while yearning to be seen by all.  Kevin Lee...

Young Teen Graphic Novel (Grades 5-7)


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