Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) books carry important messages of acceptance and pride in both your culture and religion. If you're looking to expand a school or home library, then look no further! These books teach young readers about differing cultures, cuisines, and heritage and allow AAPI children to feel a sense of belonging. Read-aloud books help students build a strong connection between written and spoken word and thus build confidence.
We've compiled a list of 33 awe-inspiring AAPI reads for you to choose from so get going and get learning!
1. We Are All Welcome
This special read teaches us to celebrate differences and welcome people from diverse backgrounds with open arms. This picture book is the perfect addition to each and every young learner's classroom.
Learn More: Target
2. Hair Love
Loving your natural hair isn't always the easiest if you have trouble styling it but fear not Zuri, your dad's here to help! Teaching your little ones to love who they are and feel confident in their skin is what this book is all about.
Learn More: Target
3. The Proudest Blue
Hatem Aly and Ibtihaj Muhammad come together to relay a common story in the Muslim world. A young girl is excited about her first day of wearing her beautiful hijab to school, but in the face of nastiness, she finds renewed confidence to be who she is.
Learn More: Target
4. The Kindest Red
A follow-on from The Proudest Blue, finds Faizah and Asiya coming together despite their physical differences. The beauty of this close-knit family's experience inspires kindness and acceptance across all boundaries.
Learn More: Amazon
5. I Am Golden
I Am Golden celebrates Chinese American immigration. Each and every childhood experience is unique in nature, but when acceptance and the freedom to be oneself are at the fore, joy will always triumph.
Learn More: Amazon
6. We Are Water Protectors
We Are Water Protectors is an ode to North American heritage and customs. It cries out for the protection of natural resources and describes precious years-old customs.
Learn More: Amazon
7. What Can You Do With A Paleta
What Can You Do With A Paleta celebrates Mexican and Mexican-American heritage. The book encourages readers to celebrate the versatility of not only the beloved sweet treat but also people from different cultural backgrounds.
Learn More: Target
8. Fry Bread
This native American family story depicts the assimilation of long-standing traditions into modern society and everyday life. Gorgeous illustrations bring the pages of this book to life.
Learn More: Kids Books
9. The Name Jar
Honoring the sanctity of a name is The Name Jar. This read is about a little girl who, with a bit of help from a friend, learns to treasure and be proud of her Korean name.
Learn More: Amazon
10. Luli And The Language Of Tea
Brought together over a pot of tea, Luli and her international classmates bond over the treasured pastime that is sharing a cup of tea. Children of all backgrounds learn to communicate and cherish their differences in this cute reader.
Learn More: Amazon
11. Mixed: A Colorful Story
This fun book carries a very important message of acceptance, tolerance, and coming together despite our differences.
Learn More: Amazon
12. Eyes That Kiss In The Corners
Looking back at our mothers and grandmothers often provides a sense of self-acceptance like never before. This book is an ode to Asian pacific American people and encourages readers to love themselves despite how they may differ from their classmates.
Learn More: Amazon
13. Little Dumplings
Advocating against Asian-directed racism, Little Dumplings invites readers to celebrate rather than frown upon cultural differences in modern society.
Learn More: Amazon
14. The Most Beautiful Thing
The Most Beautiful Thing is a true story about an immigrant family. The book tells a tale of learning to love and accept yourself as you are and not seeking change in order to find happiness.
Learn More: Amazon
15. Gibberish
Gibberish is a beautifully-narrated picture book about a boy who learns to communicate even though experiencing a nerve-wracking language barrier on his first day at a new school.
Learn More: Amazon
16. American Desi
Celebrating Indian families in the United States, American Desi is an amazing book. It takes readers on an insightful journey of loving both one's cultural upbringing as well as the modern-day cultural world you may find yourself a part of.
Learn More: Amazon
17. Eyes That Speak To The Stars
Eyes That Speak To The Stars encourages readers to dig deep and appreciate their heritage. Chinese history is celebrated in this book as readers are inspired to look to previous generations for comfort and acceptance.
Learn More: MaiStoryBook
18. A Different Pond
A Different Pond is a heart-warming read inspired by a Vietnamese family's immigration and continued traditions.
Learn More: Commonsense Media
19. Yasmin In Charge
Not only taking charge of her history but also allowing it to shine in present-day situations, is Yasmin- a spirited Pakistani girl who learns to lead.
Learn More: Commonsense Media
20. Beautifully Me
Beautifully Me advocates that true beauty comes from accepting and loving yourself as you are. Bangladeshi little Zubi learns to do so with the help of her family and her loved ones- soon inspiring those around her to love their unique qualities and differences as well.
Learn More: Commonsense Media
21. The Chinese Emperor's New Clothes
Charming illustrations come alive in this beautiful book. The Chinese Emperor's New Clothes carries a message of trusting yourself and being honest.
Learn More: Kobo
22. Always Anjali
Despite being teased about having a unique name, Anjali learns to cherish her name and the special meaning it carries.
Learn More: Amazon
23. Bilal Cooks Daal
Bilal decides to share the yumminess of daal with his friends, but as the dish comes closer to being cooked he wonders if they will love it as much as he does. Follow along as we celebrate the special South Asian dish.
Learn More: Amazon
24. Under My Hijab
Under My Hijab is the story of a contemporary Muslim girl who dreams of the possibilities her future and faith will bring. The book memorializes pride in your culture and faith- no matter how different it may be from that of a friend's.
Learn More: Amazon
25. Festival Of Colors
Commemorating the beauty of Holi, the Indian festival of colors is this special book written by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and this book is the perfect way to introduce learners to differing cultures.
Learn More: Amazon
26. Where Are You From?
The perfect book for readers who feel displaced by their current surroundings. Where Are You From helps readers feel powerful and capable despite their differences.
Learn More: Amazon
27. Like The Moon Loves The Sky
Like The Moon Loves The Sky celebrates a parent's love for their children. The story provides readers with insight into Muslim traditions and beliefs and honors the acceptance of those with differing beliefs.
Learn More: Amazon
28. Lotus & Feather
Written by acclaimed Chinese author, Ji-li Jiang, Lotus & Feather is a precious story about the bond between animals and humans.
Learn More: Amazon
29. The Whole World Inside Nan's Soup
The Whole World Inside Nan's Soup is about a Chinese girl who comes to realize the interconnectedness of the world and the people in it. One person may be able to produce something special, but when cultures and people combine, the product is even more noteworthy!
Learn More: Amazon
30. Ohana Means Family
Ohana Means Family is on every teacher's book list. The book celebrates Hawaiian culture and introduces readers to Hawaiian terminology.
Learn More: Amazon
31. Amy Wu And The Perfect Bao
Amy Wu And The Perfect Bao follows a little girl on her journey to mastering the perfect Bao bun. It's an awesome book if you're looking to introduce your little one to Chinese cuisine.
Learn More: Amazon
32. In My Mosque
Hatem Aly's illustrations only help further celebrate the message conveyed in the pages of this book. In My Mosque celebrates Islam and introduces non-Muslim readers to the special time spent in a mosque.
Learn More: Amazon
33. Tofu Takes Time
Rounding off our collection of AAPI read-alouds is Tofu Takes Time. The book teaches us to appreciate everything and not to judge those who are different from us, but rather appreciate them as they are.
Learn More: Amazon
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