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10 picture books by AAPI authors you should add to your bookshelf

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) in the United States. In May, we celebrate the histories of Americans hailing from across the Asian continent and from the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.

The legislation to annually designate May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was instigated by two key dates: May 7 and 10. May 7, 1843, marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. May 10, 1869, or Golden Spike Day, recognizes the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S., which had significant contributions from Chinese workers. We use this month as an opportunity to learn and educate our community about the history, food, culture, and music of Asian Pacific Islanders and their contributions to the United States.

As an AAPI children’s author of Cora Cooks Pancit, Kailani’s Gift (coming in 2024), and mother of avid readers, it’s important to me to have books on our shelves from a diversity of authors. My daughters read in a variety of genres, including picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, fantasy, contemporary fiction and more. This list focuses on new and old picture books that are favorites in our collection. We hope this list introduces your family to some great new reads. Truth be told, we could have added dozens of books to this particular list. These books will appeal to kids of all ages and make great gifts.

10. Rapunzel by Chloe Perkins & illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan

This is a story of a girl locked away in a tower, the witch who climbs her heair, and the prince who falls in love with her. Rapunzel follows her dream to see the outside world and takes readers with her! This timeless tale is set in India with vibrant illustrations as part of the Little Simon Fairy Tales board book series. We also love the Snow White board book set in Japan.

9. Bindu’s Bindi’s by Sypriya Kelkar & illustrated by Parvati Pillai

Bindu has different bindis for every mood. And Bindu especially loves to wear matching bindis with her Nani. When Bindu signs up for the Talent Show along with Nani, she finds she doesn’t want to wear her bindi in front of her. Will she ever be brave again. This beautiful book focuses on the bond between granddaughter and grandmother and the joy of celebration their culture together.

8. Niki Nakayama: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites by Jamie Michalak & Debbi Michiko Florence & illustrated by Yuko Jones

When Niki was a kid, she hungered to create her own life story. She loved designing her own recipes. She went on to become one of the most celebrated chefs, earning two Michelin stars for her dynamic take on traditional Japanese cuisine. This is the story told in 13 bites of how one little girl grew up to prove the critics wrong.

7. Filipino Celebrations: A Treasury of Feasts and Festivals by Liana Romulo & illustrated by Corazon Danan-Albano

In the Philippines, people love to celebrate! Holidays are filled with music and dancing, sometimes wonderful costumes, and always great food. This book gives readers a glimpse into the major holidays and family gatherings celebrated by many Filipino families. From these pages, children will learn the history of each holiday, its cultural influences and the variety of ways people celebrate across the regions.

6. Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji by F. Zia & illustrated by Ken Min

When Aneel’s grandparents come from India to live with his family, he delights in their customs, stories, an especially their tradition of abking homemade roti. Here’s another food story that combines contemporary Indian-American life, good old-fashioned storytelling and delicious eats.

5. Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai & illustrated by Kerascoet

When Malala was a child in Pakistan, she wished for a magic pencil. But as Malala grew, her world changed and so did her wishes. Her right to attend school was threatened – just because she was a girl. Instead of a magic pencil, Malala picked up a real one and wrote in her room about the challenges she faced. People from all over the world read her words. This book is based on a true story about the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

4. Abadeha: The Philippine Cinderella by Myrna J. de la Paz & illustrated by Youshan Tang

As Abadeha wept and prayed, she was a beautiful woman, bathed in radiant light, who appeared to take her worries away. Her fairy godmother walked her through her trials and triumphs as a young girl faces her oppressors. This book is a retelling of the Cinderella story set in the Philippines, which captures the charm of the the indigenous culture of the Filipinos.

3. Hula Lullaby by Erin Eitter Kono

In Hawaii, the warm breeze often carries the sound of ocean waves, the rustling of leaves, and the rhythmic chants of the hula. This book takes readers on a poetic journey, introducing traditional hula dance sounds and instruments. This book features a sweet relationship between mother and child while celebrating Polynesian culture. A wonderful bedtime book to read aloud!

2. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho & illustrated by Dung Ho

A young girl notices that her eyes look different from her friends’. Her eyes kiss at the corners like her mother’s, sister’s and grandmother’s eyes. They help her gain confidence in her own beauty and strength.

1. Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina Lazo Gilmore & illustrated by Kristi Valiant

Cora loves being in the kitchen, but she always gets stuck doing the kid jobs like licking the spoon. One day, however, when her older sisters and brothers head out, Cora finally gets the change to be Mama’s sous chef. She learns to make a traditional Filipino noodle dish called pancit and some family history in the process! We know this one will make you hungry!

Stay tuned for more lists coming soon! Leave a comment with some of your favorite picture books by AAPI authors!

Have you heard about our Global Glory Chasers membership? Learn more about AAPI culture, food, music and more through this unique program that allows families to travel the world from the comfort of home. Details here.

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May 28, 2022 Categories: Book Reviews, Culture, Featured, GeneralTagged: asian american, children's book, multicultural

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Aloha, friend! If you love stories, you are in the right place. I write about grief, glory, running, food, and more. I hope these words inspire you to chase after God’s glory in your life today!

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👀 Seeing this book baby on Amazon for pre-sale today made my day! I can’t wait to for you to hold her in your hands next Spring when she enters ...

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Aug 15

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👀 Seeing this book baby on Amazon for pre-sale today made my day! I can’t wait to for you to hold her in your hands next Spring when she enters the world! 📚 
📖 When Zayla asks her mom to describe God’s glory, Mama knows it’s time for an adventure! Together, Mama and Zayla discover how sunrises and dancing, daffodils and green peppers, kind words and loving hugs—and more!—are all reminders of God’s glory. ☀️ 
🥳 Huge shout out to @alyssadeasis for creating this gorgeous cover! 
👉🏾Where did you see God’s glory today?
🏷 TAG a friend who might like this multicultural book for kids of all ages! 
Pre-order using this link: https://amzn.to/3dymw2w or DM me and I’ll send it to you!
#kidlit #picturebook #bookcover #bookcoverdesign #glorychasers #weneeddiversebooks #multiculturalbooks @waterbrookmultnomahkids #kidsbooks #christianbook #jesusgirl
151 43

Today I’m walking through Psalm 96 with you. This one kind of just puts a spring in my step. I can hear the music behind the words! 🎶

...

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Aug 12

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Today I’m walking through Psalm 96 with you. This one kind of just puts a spring in my step. I can hear the music behind the words! 🎶 
I’ll be honest. I’ve been feeling wonky and weighted this week. I just turned in my book Tuesday and then had to tackle my mile-long to-do list and get my kids ready to go back to school. 
I woke up feeling down but this praise psalm lifted my head and reminded me who God is. I can lean on him and count on His character when I feel weary.
🌥Friend, how are you on this Friday? How can I pray for you? 
#devotional #prayer #biblestudy #encouragingwords #jesusgirl @incourage #glorychasers #hisword
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I loved this conversation we had on Episode 10, Season 2 of Eat Pray Run with Gena Anderson. Gena is a Jesus-lover, writer, and nurse practitioner who...

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I loved this conversation we had on Episode 10, Season 2 of Eat Pray Run with Gena Anderson. Gena is a Jesus-lover, writer, and nurse practitioner who loves to share wellness information and inspiration to the world around her. She is the author of The Well Woman: A Journey to Wellness Through Loving Jesus. She proudly holds the title of wife, mom, and the world’s most average CrossFitter. She shares why rest and meekness are strengths!
🎧 Listen anywhere you find your podcasts! 🎧
28 7

✏️ First day of school for my 5th, 8th, and 11th graders! We love how our school kicks off the year with a Convocation, including worship, prayer ...

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Aug 11

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✏️ First day of school for my 5th, 8th, and 11th graders! We love how our school kicks off the year with a Convocation, including worship, prayer and encouragement for students (and parents!)
I will miss my girls - as I always do this time of year - but I’m excited for what God has in store for them this school year! 
👉🏾Are your kids back in school? What grades are they going into this year? 📚
#backtoschool #schoolgirl @fresnochristianschools #fresno #jesusgirl
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📚 This summer I helped co-lead a book club for women leaders with @sybilkolbert & @mari.tuten We read Ruth Haley Barton’s 📖 Strengthening ...

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Aug 11

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📚 This summer I helped co-lead a book club for women leaders with @sybilkolbert & @mari.tuten We read Ruth Haley Barton’s 📖 Strengthening The Soul of Your Leadership. 📚  This was such a powerful book that both challenged and inspired our group. 
Ruth Haley Barton invited us to an honest exploration of what happens when spiritual leaders lose track of their souls. Each chapter included a spiritual practice for soul nourishment. 
I loved the way she unpacked the story of Moses and his leadership journey. This book came right on time as I’m discerning next steps and next projects. 
👉🏾Do you have a process for discernment? What are you saying yes and no to this fall? 
@ruthhaleybarton #discernment #jesusgirl #leadershipdevelopment #leadership #womenleaders @leadloved #leadon #sabbath #soulcare
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