The following books are great resources about Asian Pacific Islander history and culture. Some titles are available for free at the Cottonwood Lending Library (designated as LL below) or on Sora through NorthNet Library (designated as NN below). You must add NorthNet Library to your Sora account to access the books designated NN. To add NorthNet Library system, go to Sora. Under the Explore heading on the left, click the caret next to The Cottonwood School, then click Add Library, and enter NorthNet Library in the search bar. You’ll then be able to view the available titles.
111 Trees: How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl
Author: Rina Singh
Grade Level: K-3
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: Based on the true story of a boy in India who decided to celebrate the birth of every girl in his village by planting trees. Not only did this change how girls were valued, but it also helped reforest his village.
Resources: 111 Trees Teaching Guide
Binny’s Diwali
Author: Thrity Umnigar
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: Binny is excited to talk to her class about her favorite holiday, Diwali. With excitement, she shares about the fireworks, food, and diyas.
Resources: Binny’s Diwali Teacher Education Guide
A Different Pond (NN)
Author: Bao Phil
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: While Bao and his father are fishing for their dinner on a small pond in Minnesota, his father tells him about another pond in Vietnam.
Resources: A Different Pond Reader’s Guide
Drawn Together (LL)
Author: Minh Le
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: A young boy is frustrated by not being able to communicate with his grandfather. But then something magical happens when they start drawing together. (Vietnamese)
Resources: Drawn Together Discussion Guide
The Firekeeper’s Son
Author: Linda Sue Park
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: In Korea in the 1800s, the king knew all was well in the countryside when he saw the fires. This is a tale of the son of the village firekeeper, who has to light the fire one night.
Resources: Firekeeper’s Son Unit Study
A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India
Author: Meera Sriram
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: A young girl enjoys exploring all the items and vibrant colors in an Indian street market as she searches for a gift for her mother.
Resources: A Gift for Amma Teacher’s Guide
How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock Climbing Champion
Author: Ashima Shiraishi
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: A true story of strength and perseverance from one of the youngest and most accomplished rock climbers. Challenges readers to tackle their own problems and rise to greater heights.
Resources: How to Solve a Problem Activity Guide
Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen
Author: Linda Sue Park
Grade Level: 1-3
Topic: fiction
Summary: The first book in a series about spunky 8-year-old Japanese-American, Jasmine. Jasmine sets out to prove that she pound the mochi, a boy traditionally reserved for the men.
Resources: Jasmine Toguchi Book Companion
Kiyoshi’s Walk
Author: Mark Karlins
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: Eto takes a walk around the neighborhood with his grandfather and learns the beauty of everyday events can inspire haiku poetry.
Resources: Kiyoshi’s Walk Teacher’s Guide
A Map Into the World (NN)
Author: Kao Kalia Yang
Grade Level: K-3
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: A young Hmong girl settles into her new home. As the seasons change, so does the world around her.
Resources: A Map Into the World Educator Discussion Guide
My Day with Gong Gong
Author: Sennah Yee
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: A day in Chinatown takes a surprise turn when a bored little girl makes a connection with her grandpa.
Resources: My Day with Gong Gong Lesson Plan
The Ocean Calls: An Haenyeo Mermaid Story (LL)
Author: Tina Cho
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: Dayeon wants to be haenyeo just like her grandmother and free dive off the coast of Korea, plucking treasures from the sea.
Resources: Ocean Calls Teacher’s Guide
Ohana Means Family
Author: Ilima Loomis
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: Join the fmaily, or ohana, as they farm taro for poi for a traditional luau. Told in verse.
Resources: Ohana Means Family Lesson Plan
Ojiichan’s Gift
Author: Chieri Uegaki
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: fiction
Summary: Every year Mayumi tends the rock garden when she visits her grandfather in Japan. Then Ojiichan gets too old to care for his place and moves. How will Mayumi keep the memory of the garden alive for them?
Resources: Ojiichan’s Gift Teaching Guide
Mountain Chef: How One Man Lost His Groceries, Changed His Plans, and Helped Cook Up the National Park Service
Author: Tina Cho
Grade Level: K-2
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: The true story of a Chinese-American man who fed 30 people for 10 days in the wilderness and helped inspire the creation of our National Park system.
Resources:
Ahimsa (NN)
Author: Supra Kelkar
Grade Level: 3-6
Topic: historical fiction
Summary: A novel about one girl living during the time of Ghandi. Her mother joins the movement to free their country through “ahimsa” (non-violent resistance), and everything changes.
Resources: Ahimsa Teachers’ Guide
Blackbird Fly
Author: Erin Estrada Kelly
Grade Level: 3-6
Topic: fiction
Summary: Apple moved from the Philippines with her mother when she was little. Now her mother chastises her for being “too American.” Apple turns to music.
Resources: Teachers’ Guide for Erin Estrada Kelly Books
Bronze and Sunflower
Author: Cao Wenxuan
Grade Level: 3-6
Topic: fiction
Summary: Sunflower, an only child, is taken in by another family after her father dies. She becomes inseparable from her new brother, Bronze, who was also previously an only child.
Resources: Bronze and Sunflower Classroom Ideas
Dear America: The Story of an Undocumented Citizen (NN)
Author: Jose Antonio Vargas
Grade Level: 3-6
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: Jose tells the true story of how he came from the Philippines to the United States as a 12-year-old to live with his grandparents.
Resources: Dear America Reading Group Guide
Dragon Pearl
Author: Yoon Ha Lee
Grade Level: 4-8
Topic: fantasy
Summary: Min comes from a long line of fox spirits, but her mom won’t let her use fox-magic. She’s waiting to join the Space Forces, but when her brother gets in trouble, she runs away to help clear his name.
Resources: Dragon Pearl Educator’s Guide
Front Desk (LL, NN)
Author: Kelly Yang
Grade Level: 3-7
Topic: fiction
Summary: Mia lives in a hotel. While her parents clean the rooms, Mia manages the front desk and tends to the guests.
Resources: Front Desk Educator Guide
Fish for Jimmy
Author: Katie Yamasaki
Grade Level: 3-6
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: For two boys in Japanese American families, everything changes when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and the US went to war.
Resources: Fish for Jimmy Educator Guide
Iqbal and His Ingenious Idea
Author: Elizabeth Suneby
Grade Level: 3-7
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: Monsoon season in Bangladesh means the family is cooking inside over an open fire. Young Iqbal designs a stove that produces no smoke.
Resources: Iqbal and His Ingenious Idea Teaching Guide
More to the Story
Author: Hena Khan
Grade Level: 3-7
Topic: fiction
Summary: Inspired by the classic Little Women. A story of four Muslim American sisters living in Georgia.
Resources: Curriculum Guide to Hena Khan Books
Nina Soni series
Author: Kashmira Sheth
Grade Level: 2-5
Topic: fiction
Summary: This series is about a loveable, distractable Indian-American girl and her family and friends. Book one is about a school project and a friendship on the rocks.
Resources: Nina Soni Discussion Guide
Pie in the Sky
Author: Remy Lai
Grade Level: 3-6
Topic: fiction
Summary: A laugh-out-loud comedy about an 11-year-old boy’s immigration experience, his annoying little brother, and their cake-baking hijinx.
Resources: Pie in the Sky Teacher’s Guide
Somewhere Among
Author: Annie Donwerth-Chikamatsu
Grade Level: 4-7
Topic: fiction
Summary: An American Japanese girl living in Japan struggles with the feeling of loneliness of being caught between two worlds when the tragedy of 9/11 strikes an ocean away.
Resources: Somewhere Among Reading Group Guide
Stand Up, Yumi Chang
Author: Jessica Kim
Grade Level: 3-6
Topic: fiction
Summary: The endearing and funny story of a young Korean girl’s aspirations to become a comedian.
Resources: Stand Up, Yumi Chang Discussion Guide
The Story of Olympic Diver Sammy Lee
Author: Paula Yoo
Grade Level: 3-6
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: The true story of Sammy Lee, the first Asian American to win an Olympic medal. He became a diver during a time when people of color were only allowed to be in the public pool on specified days.
Resources: The Story of Olympic Diver Sammy Lee Teacher’s Guide
The Story of Olympic Swimmer Duke Kahanamoku
Author: Annie Donwerth-Chikamatsu
Grade Level: 3-6
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: The true story of Duke Kahanamoku, a six time Olympic champion who also popularized the sport of surfing.
Resources: The Story of Olympic Swimmer Duke Kahanamoku Teacher’s Guide
Amal Unbound (NN)
Author: Aisha Saeed
Grade Level: 5-9
Topic: fiction
Summary: 12-year old Amal wants to be a teacher. But when she accidentally insults a member of her village’s Pakistani leadership, she is forced to work on the family’s estate. Amal must work with the servants to win back her freedom.
Resources: Amal Unbound Teaching Resources
The Bridge Home (NN)
Author: Padma Venkatraman
Grade Level: ages 10+
Topic: fiction
Summary: Four homeless children must use their grit and their instincts to survive life on the streets.
Resources: The Bridge Home Discussion Guide
Checked
Author: Cynthia Kadahata
Grade Level: ages 10+
Topic: fiction
Summary: Conor’s whole life is focused on hockey. But when his dog, Sinbad, gets cancer, Conor must decide between extra hockey lessons and helping pay for Sinbad’s care.
Resources: Checked Curriculum Guide
Crossing the Farak River
Author: Michelle Aung Thin
Grade Level: 7-8
Topic: fiction
Summary: When soldiers invade their village, 14-year-old Hasina and her younger brother, Araf, are forced to flee during the Myanmar refugee crisis.
Resources: Crossing the Farak River Educator’s Guide
Count Me In
Author: Varsha Bajaj
Grade Level: 5-8
Topic: fiction
Summary: When Karina’s grandfather is attacked, Karina and her friend Chris go on a campaign to not let hate win. They start a social media movement to #countmein, which goes viral.
Resources: Count Me In Teacher’s Guide
Enemy Child: The Story of Norman Mineta
Author: Andrea Warren
Grade Level: 5-8
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: Norman Mineta is a typical 10-year-old boy who loves baseball, hot dogs, and Cub Scouts. When Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, his family is forced to leave their home and his life is turned upside down.
Resources: Enemy Child Educator’s Guide
The Legend of Auntie Po
Author: Shing Yin Khor
Grade Level: 5-9
Topic: fiction
Summary: Part historical fiction, part fable, and all adventure. Mei reimagines the myths of Paul Bunyan as a Chinese heroine working in the Sierra Nevada logging camps in 1885.
Resources: The Legend of Auntie Po Educator Guide
The Magnolia Sword: A Ballad of Mulan
Author: Sherry Thomas
Grade Level: 7-12
Topic: fiction
Summary: An epic intense adventure with the female warrior Mulan, who disguises herself as a man to join the emperor’s army.
Resources: The Magnolia Sword Teacher’s Guide
The Night Diary (LL, NN)
Author: Veera Hirandandani
Grade Level: 5-10
Topic: fiction
Summary: India in 1947 was under British rule and there was much tension between the various religions. Takes place in India during the time when India and Pakistan were splitting into two countries. Nisha and her family leave what is now Pakistan to cross over into India to begin a new life.
Resources: Night Diary Educator’s Guide
Outrun the Moon
Author: Stacey Lee
Grade Level: 7-12
Topic: historical fiction
Summary: 15-year-old Mercy Wong is determined to break out of the poverty of living in San Francisco’s Chinatown. She manages to get into St. Clare’s School for Girls, traditionally reserved for rich white students. But then the 1906 earthquake strikes.
Resources: Outrun the Moon Educator’s Guide
Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution (LL, NN)
Author: Ji-Li Jiang
Grade Level: 7-9
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: The true story of one girl’s courage during one of the Cultural Revolution in China.
Resources: Red Scarf Girl Teacher’s Guide
Running on the Roof of the World
Author: Jess Butterworth
Grade Level: 5-10
Topic: fiction
Summary: Tash lives in occupied Tibet, where you must hide being Buddhist from the Chinese government. Tash and his family barely escape a government raid and are on the run in the mountains.
Resources: Running on the Roof of the World Teacher’s Guide
Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story (NN)
Author: Caren Stelson
Grade Level: 7-12
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: The true story of six-year-old Sachiko and her life after the bomb was dropped on Nagasaki during WWII.
Resources: Sachiko Discussion Guide
Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame
Author: Supriya Kelkar
Grade Level: 6-8
Topic: historical fiction
Summary: Set in India during the time of the British occupation. 13-year-old Meera is supposed to go live with the family of her future husband. When he is killed, Meera escapes to freedom, only to find herself being forced into the employ of the British
Resources: Strong as Fire Teacher’s Guide
Vietnam: A History of the War
Author: Russell Freedman
Grade Level: 6-12
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: A comprehensive overview of one of the most controversial wars in history.
Resources: Vietnam Educator’s Guide
Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir (NN)
Author: Robin Ha
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: graphic novel
Summary: It’s always been Robin and her mom against the world. As an only child growing up with her mom in South Korea, the two were very close. But after a visit to the United States, Robin’s mom decides to move to Alabama. Robin is devastated by these changes.
Resources: Almost American Guide Teaching Resources
Butterfly Yellow
Author: Thanhha Lai
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: historical fiction
Summary: In the final days of the Vietnam War, Hang takes her little brother to the airport to try to escape Vietnam. While her brother makes it out, Hang is left behind in Vietnam. Six years later, we follow Hang to the United States in her quest to be reunited with her brother.
Resources: Butterfly Yellow Educator’s Guide
The Downstairs Girl (NN)
Author: Stacey Lee
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: historical fiction
Summary: 17-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady’s maid by day and columnist at night. When her column become popular, she uses the power of her pen to attempt to change perceptions on gender and race.
Resources: Stacey Lee Books Discussion Guide
Dragon Hoops (NN)
Author: Gene Luen Yang
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: fiction
Summary: The true story of the Bishop O’Dowd high school basketball team.
Resources: Using Dragon Hoops in the Classroom
Farewell to Manzanar(LL,NN)
Author: Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: Follows the story of the Wakatsuki family, as told through the eyes of 7-year-old Jeanne, as they are forced from their home in Long Beach into the internment camp at Manzanar.
Resources: Teaching Farewell to Manzanar
Frankly in Love (LL, NN)
Author: David Yoon
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: fiction
Summary: Two friends. One fake dating scheme. What could possibly go wrong. As Frank falls in love for the first time, he has to confront the fact that his parents Korean expectations don’t leave much room for him as an American teenager.
Resources: Frankly in Love Teacher’s Guide
Ink and Ashes
Author: Valynne E. Maetani
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: fiction
Summary: Clara Takata was raised with her step-father. As she is searched for information about her biological father, she encounters information about the Yakuza, a Japanese organized crime syndicate. What does this have to do with her family?
Resources: Ink and Ashes Teacher’s Guide
Lucy and Linh
Author: Alice Pung
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: fiction
Summary: A novel about navigating private school while remaining true to yourself. Lucy is a bit of pushover. Linh is fearless and blunt. As Lucy moves away from her old world, her relationship with Linh reaches the snapping point.
Resources: Laurinda (original name of Lucy and Linh) Teacher Notes
Patron Saints of Nothing (LL)
Author: David Yoon
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: fiction
Summary: A coming-of-age story about grief, guilt, and the risks a Filipino-American teenager is willing to take to uncover the truth about his cousin’s murder.
Resources: Patron Saints of Nothing Discussion Guide
Picture Us in the Light (NN)
Author: Kelly Loy Gilbert
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: fiction
Summary: Danny Change knows his parents have secrets. But when he discovers an old taped up box in the attic, he discovers there is much more to his family’s past than he ever realized.
Resources: Picture Us in the Light Reading Guide
We Are Not Free
Author: Traci Chee
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: nonfiction
Summary: The story of 14 teens who grew up together in San Francisco’s Japantown. Their lives were forever changed when they were forced into internment camps during WWII.
Resources: We Are Not Free Reading Guide
The Weight of Our Sky (NN)
Author: Hanna Alkaf
Grade Level: 9-12
Topic: historical fiction
Summary: A music-loving teen with OCD is doing everything she can to get back to her mother during the 1969 race riots in Malaysia.
Resources: The Weight of Our Sky Reading Guide