Wunderland News

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! In children’s literature, AAPI authors play a significant role in representing their cultures, identities and experiences through their storytelling. Their contributions help enrich children’s literature and also empower young readers to embrace their heritage and appreciate traditions. Here are our top AAPI children’s books to help you and your child grow in your understanding of this amazing community:

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance by Lisa Yee

A moving story about a Chinese American tween who leaves Los Angeles behind for a summer in Last Chance, Minnesota with her grandparents. There she helps her family in their Chinese restaurant where she faces town bullies and also learns more about her family’s history. This is a great read that offers an important look into Asian-American history and the type of discrimination many immigrants have faced. It’s a fast-paced middle-grade fiction that is packed with mystery, family, and friendship!

When You Trap A Tiger by Tae Keller

This Newbery Medal winner focuses on an 8-year old Korean American girl named Lily and her family. After moving to California to be closer to her halmoni (grandmother), Lily finds herself with a new friend. The only problem is that no one can see this new friend but her and that the unlikely friend is a tiger. Follow Lily as she must bravely trap the tiger in order to save her grandmother from her illness. Readers will enjoy the love between this grandmother and granddaughter duo and will be mesmerized by the fantasy and mythological elements throughout the book. What makes this book so unique is that it features the family’s Korean heritage. Readers will not only take away a little more knowledge about Korean culture but maybe even a few Korean words!

Watercress by Andrea Chin

This picture book is perfect for all ages as it teaches readers about the importance of heritage and passing down tradition. You will follow a Chinese family as they stop on the side of the road to collect watercress. The main character is embarrassed by her family and initially doesn’t understand why her parents can’t get their food from a grocery store. After her parents share stories of their family’s time in China, she soon learns to appreciate the food that her family harvests for their meals. The best part of this book is that it is an autobiographical story of the author as a child. Readers are also sure to appreciate the beautiful Chinese illustrations!

Monsters Born and Made by Tanvi Berwah

This South Asian fantasy novel follows sixteen-year-old Koral and her brother Emrik as they risk their lives to protect their island. If they don’t capture the dangerous monsters then their family will starve. The author takes us to an oceanic world that is swarming with dangerous creatures. These creatures are being captured in order to be used for a deadly chariot tournament. The winner will receive many riches, while others will be lucky to survive. Based on classical mythology, the story is very unpredictable and is perfect for those who enjoyed “The Hunger Games”.

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat

This is another fantasy must-read! Soontornvat takes readers on a journey with a twelve-year old girl named Sai. Sai is an assistant to the most celebrated mapmaker and also plays her part as a well-bred young woman who has a bright future ahead of her. While her father, on the other hand, is a conman, Sai worries that her father might ruin her position in society if the truth got out about him. Sai receives the opportunity to go on an expedition to the Sunderlands, which is filled with dangers, dragons, and riches. This novel is fast-paced and is filled with Thai-inspired fantasy with adventures, action, and betrayal!

Other books we recommend:

• Dim Sum Palace by X. Fang
• My Father, the Panda Killer by Jamie Jo Hoang
• Finding Papaby Angela Phram Kans
• Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey by Erin Entrada Kelly
• The Train Home by Dan-Ah Kim
• Rainbow Shopping by Qing Zhuang

As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month it is important to honor the Asian and Pacific Islander community by recognizing their invaluable contributions to children’s literature. Their stories not only entertain young readers but also empower them to embrace their identities, read accurate cultural representations, and celebrate diversity. Let us continue to lift up these talented authors and support them as they inspire our next generation of readers.