May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and there are tons of great children’s books available to introduce young readers to the experiences and cultures of Asian Americans. We were thrilled to check out these kid’s books for Asian Pacific American Heritage month and celebrate Asian American authors and illustrators!

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I Am Able to Shine

Written by Korey Watari and illustrated by Mike Wu

This inspirational book follows a young girl named Keiko as she makes a wish to her paper crane every night. She hopes to change the world, but she often feels misunderstood or invisible. She knows that her kindness, her perseverance, her strength, and her determination will help her to inspire others, give hope, and change the world. The simple text is inspirational, following Keiko as she grows and becomes an adult, eventually having a daughter of her own and passing the same wisdom down to her. The illustrations are full of recognizable situations for kids, and include bits of Japanese culture which the author explains in her note in the back of the book.

I Am Golden

Written by Eva Chen and illustrated by Sophie Diao

This beautiful book is a lyrical tribute to Chinese American children, told from the perspective of parents who immigrated to America. As the narrators speak to their child, they share all their hopes and dreams, and highlight the amazing beauty and power that they see inside her. The accompanying illustrations are beautiful, with bright colors and imaginative images that bring the past and the present together. The back of the book includes notes from the author and the illustrator, sharing their experiences as young Chinese girls growing up in America.

Chinese Kite Festival

Written by Rich Lo

This colorful book uses simple bilingual text to teach kids the names of animals in both English and Chinese. The beautiful, detailed illustrations show a kite version of each animal, while the simple text uses poetic language to describe the kites floating through the sky. The back of the book shares what each of the animals in the book represents in Chinese Culture. This is a great book to introduce animals and Chinese culture to kids, and the soothing text and breathtaking illustrations make this a great read aloud for bedtime.

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Amy Wu and the Warm Welcome

Written by Kat Zhang and illustrated by Charlene Chua

This addition to the Amy Wu series of books finds Amy attempting to befriend the new Chinese boy in her class. She has trouble pulling him out of his shell, but she soon comes up with a plan to make him feel more comfortable. This book revisits the sweet characters from Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao and Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon, and continues to share the Asian American experience in a fun and accessible way. Kids will love the determined Amy, as well as the sweet story of kindness and friendship.

Amah Faraway

Written by Margaret Chiu Greanias and illustrated by Tracy Subisak

This story of family follows a young girl named Kylie as she travels to Taiwan with her mother to visit her grandmother, Amah. When they arrive, Kylie is shy and she is uncomfortable with all the unfamiliar foods and customs. But she soon starts seeing the place through her grandmother’s eyes, and begins to appreciate the things she learns from her. The gentle illustrations are interspersed with speech bubbles showing simple phrases in Taiwanese. The back of the book includes notes from the author and illustrator, as well as information on the Taiwanese foods and Taipei sights featured in the book.

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The Blur

Written by Minh Le and illustrated by Dan Santat

This heartwarming book follows a pair of parents as they watch their young child grow. As their child quickly grows and challenges them, they feel like time is going by in a blur. Every so often, time comes to a stop, but then it speeds off again. Kids will love the idea that the little child flies through life like a superhero, while parents will appreciate the heartwarming reminder to enjoy all the little moments in the speedy rush of time. The illustrations feature an Asian American family, and highlight many important milestones in the growth of a child and a family.

Do you have any favorite kid’s books for Asian Pacific American Heritage month? Share them in the comments below!

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