Written by Asma Mobin-Uddin, Illustrated by Laura Jacobsen, Published by Boyds Mills Press, 2007. (Ages 5-9)
I remember pulling this title off the shelf and reading it during a quiet moment between classes. What I appreciate about it, is that it is a rare title that talks about Eid al-Adha which is an Islam celebration that takes place later than Ramadan and centers around the Hajj pilgrimage. You also get to see the protagonist Aneesa practice compassion and generosity. I cannot tell you how important it is to have titles like these can help teach children to be empathetic and thoughtful of others.
BACKGROUND
Aneesa and her grandma enjoy celebrating Eid al-Adha with many gifts and food. However when she finds out that there are some within her community who may not get any gifts, Aneesa finds herself deciding what she really wants to celebrate.
BEST FOR
About a fifteen to twenty minute read aloud. It can been read over several days at a time. A great way to highlight Eid al-Adha, grandparents, compassion, and generosity.
Written by Tina Cho, Illustrated by Jess. X Snow, Published by Kokila, 2020. (Picture book, Ages 5-8)
When I first learned about the diving women in Jeju, Korea I thought that it was absolutely awesome! So I got even more excited to learn that there was a picture book about them! The story is great too. A young girl is scared of her first dive into the ocean, but her grandmother doesn’t downplay her fears and gently helps her to successfully complete a dive.
BACKGROUND
Dayeon wants to be like her grandmother and dive to collect different treasures of the ocean, but when it comes to the actual dive she starts to hesitate. Will the breathing exercises and lessons her grandmother taught her work?
BEST FOR
About a ten minute read aloud that is great for a unit about the ocean, diving, relationships with grandparents, or overcoming fears.
Written and Illustrated by Holman Wang, Published by Tundra, 2019. (Realistic Fiction, Ages 3-5)
Thanks for your patience! I have been slowly working myself back up to normal pace after some travel and getting a new puppy! For father’s day, I wanted to highlight a uniquely illustrated book series by Holman Wang. He makes wool models, sets, and he photographs them against life sized backdrops. As a result, young and older readers alike get to enjoy playful pictures accompanied by a simple narrative.
BACKGROUND
An Asian American father may go to a desk job everyday, but that doesn’t come close to the plethora of jobs he does for love at home with his two kids.
BEST FOR
This three minute read aloud is great for father’s day, discussing caregivers and family members, family relationships, and different types of art.
Written and Illustrated by Kam Mak, Published by HarperCollins, 2001. (Fiction, Ages 5-9)
Chinatown is closely entwined in my childhood memories. I always saw it as a place of comfort and familiarity no matter where I was in the world. It also is a place filled with little wonders and the most delectable treats! Now with my own sons it makes me so happy that they too see trips to Chinatown as a treat. Kam Mak captures the sights, sounds and smells, ubiquitous with Chinatown so perfectly with breathtaking artwork. You can seriously pour over the illustrations for hours.
BACKGROUND
A young boy is homesick for Hong Kong, but as he explores New York’s Chinatown he finds comfort in familiar sights and sounds. #Ownvoices
BEST FOR
About a fifteen minute read aloud that would be great to highlight family, community, and Chinese New Year.
Written by Shaw Kuzki, Translated by Emily Balistrieri, Published by Delacorte Press, 2021. (Historical Fiction, Ages 10-14)
This book blew me away. I picked it up because of its striking cover, then upon reading it found that it was a story of students creating an art exhibit exploring the first hand effects of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on their community. While it addresses World War II, the primary focus is the grief. The older generation had refrained from talking openly about the loss to their children, but the trauma is simply too encompassing and interconnected to ignore. Yes the subject is heavy, but the author does a amazing job facing the ugliness and loss while offering hope and healing. It is rare to find a children’s book about this subject and the author is a second-generation A-bomb survivor. This is a translated edition.
BACKGROUND
Nozomi asks her mother why her family releases an unnamed lantern when honoring their loved ones during Bon. While she is aware that her town of Hiroshima was bombed at the end of the war, what she didn’t know just how many members of her community are still grieving their lost ones. When she brings this up with her classmates they decide to create an art show honoring all who were lost and their stories. #Ownvoices
BEST FOR
This middle grade novel is best for students who look for emotionally poignant stories, Word War II books, with themes of inter-generational trauma, grief, and healing.
Written and Illustrated by Remy Lai, Published by Harry Holt and Company Books for Young Readers, 2020. (Graphic Novel, Ages 9-12)
I don’t see many children’s books with Singaporean protagonists so I was delightfully surprised with this graphic novel narrative. Remy Lai has a very unique voice in the sense that she is not afraid to explore the more awkward and squeamish moments of adolescence while keeping it very entertaining.
BACKGROUND
Remy Lai lives in Australia with his Mom, older sister, and grandmother. Smothered by their attentions he decides to fly solo for the first time to Singapore to visit his father and also answer some life defining questions. No biggie. #Ownvoices
BEST FOR
This middle grade novel/graphic novel is ideal for readers who are looking for an adventure centered around family relationships and school life.
Written by Yoon Ha Lee, Published by Rick Riordan Presents, 2019. (Science Fiction, ages 8-12)
I’m not going to lie, it has been tough especially this last week. When you hear from friends and family of growing harassment and violence then to see it culminate in a hateful event with lives lost, it’s devastating. My family is still processing, but one of the things I have clung to is to think of the victories no matter how seemingly small they are. A few of these victories I look to is when I read a children’s book that is unapologetically authentic and unique. It’s so empowering to me and for readers everywhere to read stories that aren’t written to “fit” in a certain narrative and quietly gives permission to go ahead and be different. So here’s to all of you who, despite the message that someone’s story is less valued or purposely overlooked by others, are totally unafraid to be your authentic self and to share your story. What you really end up doing is giving everyone a wondrous gift. Thank you.
BACKGROUND
Min is a gumiho, a Korean fox spirit that can shape shift. Life seems bleak on her desolate planet Jinju, but when her older brother Jun is rumored to defect to look for the powerful Dragon Pearl, Min thinks it sounds suspicious. She takes it upon herself to prove his innocence. #Ownvoices
BEST FOR
This middle school novel has Korean folklore interwoven throughout the story. It would best suited for readers looking for a high action, science fiction, gritty (but not too gritty!) read.
Written by Christian Trimmer, Illustrated by Melissa van der Paardt, Published by Simon & Schuster, 2016. (fiction, ages 3-5)
The Lunar New Year is approaching and while there are many books that talk about the celebration, there are even fewer that talk about the folktale that explain the animals in the zodiac. Based on the Chinese folktale, the Jade Emperor, or ruler of heaven, held a race for all the animals. The first twelve that crossed the finish line were included in the calendar in the order they placed. The rat was cunning and tricked its way to first place and managed to exclude the cat, hence the reason why the cat is not in the zodiac and why the two are natural enemies. It is important to note that the Lunar New Year is celebrated in numerous Asian countries and although the animals in the zodiac are similar, there are variations. For example, unlike the Chinese, the Vietnamese zodiac does include the cat, but does not include the rabbit.
BACKGROUND
A lighthearted version of the Chinese folktale. When Shu the rat receives the invitation to the Great Race it is up to his smarts and know how to make sure that he and his best friend Mimi the cat win the race. Mimi agrees to go along with Shu, although her focus is getting the promised cupcakes at the finish line.
BEST FOR
About a five minute read aloud that would be great for a Chinese New Year celebration. It would also be appropriate for a folktale unit, or just a silly and entertaining read aloud.
Written by Linda Sue Park, Published by Clarion Books, 2020. (historical fiction, ages 8-11)
This was the honor title for the APALA children’s literature award for 2020. Not only is it a fascinating read, but if you read the author’s note Park reveals that this story was personal. She grew up loving Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books but struggled with the racism towards Natives as well as the lack of representation of Asians in that setting. As a result she wrote the book that she wished she had as a girl.
BACKGROUND
Hanna and her Pa move to the Dakota Territory in 1880. She dreams of fulfilling her late mother’s wishes of finishing school and becoming a dressmaker. However when you are the only half White half Asian girl in the territory, she must carefully overcome the racism and distrust of the community in order to accomplish her dreams.
BEST FOR
An intriguing middle grade read for those that love the slice of life frontier genre.
Normally I would have another book trailer released and I’m still working on one for this week. However, the Youth Media Awards presented by the ALA (American Library Association) was announced this morning and I wanted to highlight a few titles! Also a special shoutout to all my peeps that served on the APALA Literature Award Committee on a job well done!
Illustrated by Michaela Goade, Illustrated by Carole Lindstrom, Published by Roaring Brook Press
This is the first time a Native has won the Caldecott Medal so a big thank you and a very hearty congratulations to Michaela Goade for your award and for paving the way for more Native creators!
Written by Tae Keller and published by Random House Children’s Books
Lily must navigate a new town when her family moves to be closer to her sick grandmother. This magical realism title touches on family relationships, grief, and Korean folklore.
Written by Saadia Faruqi & Laura Shovan and published by Clarion Books
Sixth graders Sara, a Pakistani American, and Elizabeth, a Jewish English American, find friendship through their school’s cooking class and their shared experience of their moms taking the US citizen test. This realistic fiction is great for readers who love food!
Written by Christina Soontornvat and published by Candlewick Press
Pong, an orphan in Thailand escapes from prison hoping to change his doomed fate. However he struggles to escape his past running from Nok, the prison warden’s daughter, and the dark and powerful governor. This fantasy is an action packed adventure.
Written by Ernesto Cisneros and published by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
When Efren’s mother gets deported, he finds himself taking care of his younger siblings on very little funds while still balancing school life. While he and his Papa try to bring Mama back he struggles to hold everything together. This realistic fiction touches on immigration, family, activism, and friendships.
Written by Linda Sue Park and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers
When Hanna moves to the Dakota territory in 1880 with her father, there is one thing she notices, she is the only half Chinese girl in the entire town and probably terrority. This historical fiction addresses racism, family dynamics, friendships, and never giving up on your dreams.
WINNER OF THE SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD FOR MIDDLE GRADES
Written by Ann Clare LeZotte and published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.
Mary is deaf and has always felt safe in her largely deaf community on Martha’s Vineyard island in the 19th century. However things start changing when an outsider comes to study her community. This historical fiction talks about family relationships, Native history, Deaf history and sign language.
This is just a tasting (ha!) of the many wonderful titles honored today. Congrats to all the creators! Here is a link to the official Youth Media Awards including a full list of all winners.
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