The month of May brings us Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month! It’s a month where we, the Little Feminist community, want to affirm all of the Asian diaspora – and it’s important to include all of these acronyms.
As a child, I longed to read books about the life that my paternal grandparents left behind when they emigrated from China. I couldn’t speak Toisanese to my Nyen Nyen, and she couldn’t speak much English to me. Growing up, I was always searching for stories that could better connect us. Despite not being able to communicate with words, I always felt her love and am forever grateful for our time together. As I raise my kiddos today, I am filled with tremendous joy and pride when they see parts of themselves in today’s children’s books.
Heritage months serve as a time to lift up and highlight contributions from different peoples and cultures. “Asian/ Pacific American Heritage Month” was first designated 31 years ago in 1992. May was chosen because of earlier historic milestones: in May of 1843, the first Japanese immigrant arrived, and in May of 1869, the transcontinental railroad was completed, with significant contributions from Chinese laborers. We know though that the richness of the AANHPI experience cannot be limited to these two events.
Each of our own stories are unique, and yet our feelings of otherness are familiar. Immigration is an example of that. Some have families who escaped war and refugee camps. Some have families who emigrated with visas granted because of technical knowledge or skills. Some are transracial adoptees while others have been here for generations because their family came before them. However we arrived, AANHPI stories are those of strength – stories that are now more readily available in books today than they were when I was young. As you look at your kiddos’ bookshelf this month and beyond, we hope that you keep these 3 things in mind:
- Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have contributed to American history. We are American! Beyond stories about incredibly delicious food, what books do you have that highlight contributions made by AANHPI?
- The continent of Asia represents so many different cultures and ethnic groups, which are not bounded by borders. Learn about customs and celebrations, and share them with your community. What books on your shelves represent different AANHPI identities, and what identities are missing?
- In Asian culture, there are often deep intergenerational bonds and connections across generations are rooted in a deep respect for elders. This relationship can sometimes represent a connection to a homeland. A homeland that some may never get to visit. The stories of our elders are oftentimes the start of our own stories. What AANHPI books on your shelf also portray a grandparent, and what have you learned about their relationship?
Below are some of our favorite books for all our age groups, all of which are written by people whose identities match the main characters represented. We hope that you can enjoy these books year-round, and not just during the month of May!
Hina by Gabrielle Ahuli (ages 0-2)
- Why We Love It
Hina, a goddess who watches over us from the moon, models the ability of a person to change their own environment if they don’t feel comfortable. Your little one will be mesmerized by the gorgeous illustrations, which illustrator Jing Jing Tsong created by combining traditional printmaking and painting.
- Things to Know
Storytelling is a way to sustain culture and identity, and author Gabrielle Ahuli’i wanted to make Hina’s story more accessible not only to Native Hawaiian children, but to all children.
Tofu Takes Time by Helen H. Wu (ages 2-5)
- Why We Love It
Helen H. Wu’s rhythmic and playful words paired with Julie Jarema’s whimsical illustrations make this a fun and beautiful read. The love between a grandmother and her child, paired with a lesson in patience will have your kiddo always remembering that “tofu takes time.”
- Things to Know
Helen H. Wu’s author’s note shares that tofu has been eaten for over 2,000 years in China! If your little one has a soy allergy, there is now chickpea-flour based tofu.
Hair Twins by Raakhee Mirchandani (ages 2-5)
- Why We Love It
Packed with love and culture, against a very relatable backdrop of routine, this book will make you and your little one smile from ear to ear. Illustrator Holly Hatam creates vibrant illustrations that portray beautifully accurate and diverse community members.
- Things to Know
Raakhee Mirkandani’s author’s note gives the reader more context into her inspiration for this book, Sikhism, and the culture of wearing turbans.
Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist (ages 5-8)
- Why We Love It
Tyrus Wong may not be a well-known name, but it’s likely that most of us have seen his gorgeous impressionistic artwork in Disney’s Bambi. Julie Leung takes us on a journey of his life in a way that is engaging for kiddos, and Chris Sasaki’s stunning brushstrokes are so clearly inspired by this paper son.
- Things to Know
“Paper sons” are a part of our American history – a time when our country excluded Chinese people under the Chinese Exclusion Act, the only U.S. federal law that explicitly banned a specific ethnic group. Julie Leung’s author’s note gives more detail about Tyrus Wong as well as the history of “paper” sons and daughters who arrived in our country between 1910 and 1940.
Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom (ages 5-8)
- Why We Love It
We absolutely love that Mama and Baba Wu supported Chien Shiung in her dreams, even if it took her further away from their family home, and that they named her “courageous hero.” Author Teresa Robeson shows us that the “queen of physics” is an inspiration to all of us in perseverance and optimism, and Rebecca Huang’s illustrations help show pride and strength.
- Things to Know
Chien Shiung was passed over not once, but three times for the Nobel Prize and this is such a great discussion with your kiddo. Why does your kiddo think that two men received the Nobel Prize and not her?
Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall (ages 5-8)
- Why We Love It
We love this hopeful reminder that friendship, and in this instance, love, can be found even during challenging times. We love that author Maggie Tokuda-Hall intentionally highlights joy when sharing the true story of her grandparents meeting in Minidoka, a Japanese internment camp. Yas Imamura’s soft yet sharp illustrations set the stage for the 1940’s, a time not so long ago.
- Things to Know
Your kiddo may have questions about Japanese internment and you can read the author’s note to learn more. We at Little Feminist believe that kiddos are never too young to learn about history and racism, and that learning our history can hopefully lead to compassion, empathy, and action.
Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story by Paula Yoo (ages 7-9)
- Why We Love It
Anna May Wong was the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood, and this story brings to light an important figure in our history. Paula Yoo’s text doesn’t shy away from the struggles faced and Anna’s resolve later in her career to only play roles that positively portrayed Chinese Americans. Lin Wang’s gorgeous realistic illustrations bring the reader back into the 1920’s and beyond.
- Things to Know
A trailblazer, the name Anna May Wong, should be known to anyone who enjoys movies. Last fall of 2022, the U.S. Mint put Anna May Wong on the quarter – see if you and your kiddo can find one!
Astrid and Apollo and the Starry Campout by V.T. Bidania (ages 7-9)
- Why We Love It
Hmong twins Astrid and Apollo have never camped before and we love that they discover the power of trying a new experience, instead of relying on assumptions. We appreciate the Hmong words and facts that this book series includes, and the bright and cheerful illustrations by Evelt Yanait.
- Things to Know
Author, V.T. Bidania was born in Laos and grew up in Minnesota, where the fictional twins live! The Hmong people are an indigenous ethnic group, with specific culture and customs.
Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party by Saadia Faruqi (ages 7-9)
- Why We Love It
We love that this book teaches readers about perseverance, managing expectations, and ultimately that what may seem dull could actually end up better than imagined. Illustrator Ani Bushry brings Marya to life with fun black-and-white doodles and expressions.
- Things to Know
Author Saadia Faruqi cleverly starts each chapter with a word of the day and a definition, all of which are related to Marya trying to get her family to agree to the party of her dreams.
The Nguyen Kids: The Secret of the Jade Bangle by Linda Trinh (ages 7-9)
- Why We Love It
Exploring and understanding one’s culture and identity is an important part of your sense of self and self-confidence. We love how Linda Trinh creatively pieces together ancestors, culture, and family, and how Clayton Nguyen’s detailed illustrations portray the emotions of each character so clearly.
- Things to Know
This may be one of the first books that explicitly shows your child what anti-Asian racism can look and sound like. And it’s our hope that like in this book, you can support your child – whether it be with family support or allyship.
Did you find any books new to you? You can support our work by signing up for the Little Feminist Book Club. We send new favorites to our members each month!
in Oakland, CA