“ My eyes crinkle into crescents moons and sparkle like the stars. It’s a sensory, lyrical celebration of Asian eyes a body-positive ode filled with self-acceptance and confidence as a little girl shares her thoughts on who she is and who the women in her family are, including her little sister and her Amah. “ I have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea.” I can’t get enough of this beautiful book.

“ Hot pot, hot pot, let’s have a hot pot!“Įyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho This meal brings many people by preparing and sharing a meal. Lyrical, simple, and repetitive language narrates the story of a young boy whose neighbors contribute ingredients and tools to make a hot pot communal meal. East Asia(Books set in China, Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Taiwan)Ĭhildren’s Books to Read for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) Picture Books for AAPI Heritage Month.

Southeast Asia (Chapter & middle-grade books set in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh).To that end, I also have other book lists representing more specific AAPI countries and areas of the world: Model that you are a kind person and help your child know that you want them to show kindness and support towards people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent.Īsia and the Pacific Islands are comprised of many countries and cultures. If the culture is new to readers, ask children, “What did you learn about the characters or culture?”įinally, in the wake of violence against Asian Americans, it’s more important than ever to discuss kindness towards other people, all people.

You’ll find picture books, chapter books, middle grade books, and a few YA books, all of which I’ve personally read and reviewed.īefore, during, and after reading, TALK about these AAPI heritage month stories.Īsk children, “What do you have in common with the characters?” Not only are the books beautiful and well-written stories, but they also are tools for inclusivity, education, and empathy building. May 1 begins Asian American Pacific Islander American Heritage Month (AAPI month)! To celebrate, you can read these brilliant children’s books with Asian and Pacific Islander representation.

Kiss the Girl by Melissa Brayden