25 Amazing Children's Books Celebrating Asian Culture
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Looking for ways to introduce your child to the rich tapestry of Asian American cultures? Dive into the wonderful world of Asian American children's books! These captivating stories not only spark a love for reading but also offer a vibrant window into diverse traditions, languages, and experiences.
Whether you're searching for folktales filled with fantastical creatures, heartwarming tales of family bonds, or inspiring adventures that celebrate individuality, there's an Asian American children's book waiting to be discovered.
In this blog post, we've curated a list of 25 must-read Asian American children's books that will engage young minds and nurture a sense of cultural pride. From celebrating delicious foods like dim sum to embracing unique physical features like almond-shaped eyes, these books offer a wealth of opportunities for conversation and connection.
At Joeydolls, we offer a beautiful selection of Asian dolls that can help children celebrate their heritage or learn about new cultures. In this post, we've listed 25 amazing children's books celebrating Asian culture. As you read these stories with your child, consider getting a Joeydoll that complements the book's theme or characters.
So, grab a cozy blanket, cuddle up with your little one, and embark on a literary journey through the vibrant world of Asian American children's books!
25 Books That Help Kids Celebrate Asian Culture & Embrace Their Heritage
1: Dim Sum for Everyone
This book has written by Grace Lin, a Taiwanese-American children's writer. As everyone knows, Dim Sum is a traditional Chinese food. Due to this reason, Grace Lin wrote this book to present the Chinese tradition and culture.
2: Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
This magnificent book has written by Joanna Ho and illustrated by Dung Ho. She composes this book to glorify the eyes of Asian people, especially girls. The chief purpose of this book is to celebrate individuality, who you are, and your presence while expressing the beauty of Asian eyes.
3: The Name Jar
Yangsook Choi is the writer of this incredible book. This book celebrates the names of Asian American people. The writer raises awareness about culture and friendship and gives a lesson about self-love. This book is an amusing story for Asian American kids.
4: Laxmi's Mooch
This joyful Asian children's book has written by Shelly Anand. This book is about the story of a young Indian American girl who accepts her body hair and survives her painful journey. The way she embraces herself is the key element that every kid should learn.
5: Front Desk
This book has written by Asian American writer Kelly Yang. This story is based on the writer's own story as she was a young Chinese immigrant like Mia Tang, the protagonist. This book talks about racial intolerance and immigrant exploitation.
6: Yoko
This children's book is about the diversity of Asian food and has written by Rosemerry Wells.
7: No Kimchi for Me
This exciting book is about Korean food "kimchi" and has written by AAPI author Aram Kim. This book suggests trying out new cultural foods.
8: Dear Juno
This unique Korean children's book has written by Soyung Park. This story shares the experience o toddler and a grandmother and how they overcome cross-cultural hindrances.
9: Crouching Tiger
This book has written by award-winning Chinese American author Ying Chang Compestine. This book introduces Chinese culture through the meditation practice of Tai Chi.
10: The Great Wall of Lucy Wu
This book speaks about the story of a young girl Lucy Wu who deals with a split cultural identity. This masterpiece has written by middle-grade author Wendy Wan-Long Shang.
11: Stand Up, Yumi Chang!
This comic book has written by Jessica Kim. This book is about a young girl who wants to become a stand-up comedian. This book exemplifies the beautiful relationship between the American child with her Asian immigrant parents.
12: When You Trap a Tiger
This Asian children's book has written by Tae Keller. This story represents the theme of family history, identity, and storytelling. Also, the tale of Tiger and Lily describes how the stories have the power to change someone.
13: All Thirteen
The author of this incredible book is Christina Soontornvat. This book shares the culture and religion of Thai Communities. Also, how the Asian people tell their own stories rather than someone else telling them.
14: Any Day With You
This is Asian American kid's book written by Mae Respicio. This book depicts the beautiful relationship between a girl and her grandfather. Also, she wishes to win the filmmaking contest.
15: Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things
This book deals with the theme of anxiety, especially from the school. A boy named Alvin is shy in school but loud at home. This multi-series book has written by Asian children's book authors Lenore Look.
16: Too Many Mangoes
This story has written by Tammy Paikai. This book gives the lesson of sharing. Kama and Nani help their grandfather pick mangoes in the fields of Hawaii. Then, they deliver the mangoes to their neighbors and friends.
17: Keep It Together, Keiko Carter
This book highlights toxic friendship and family drama. It is normalizing in Asian American society. This heartwarming book has written by Debbi Michiko Florence.
18: Kudo Kids, Mystery in Manhattan
This fun-filled book has written by Alex Shibutani, Maia Shibutani, and Michelle Schusterman. This book is about the journey of two young boys who explore the city of Japan while finding the dress.
19: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
This book has written by Grace Lin, inspired by Chinese Folklore. The protagonist of the story, Minli, decides to change her family's fate by following the Chinese tradition.
20: Hot Hot Roti for Dada-ji
This Asian children's book has written by F. Zia. This book explores delicious cultural food.
21: Soul Lantern
This book is based on the events of WWII and has written by Japanese author Shaw Kuski. This book tells how WWII has left disastrous impacts on the people.
22: Ichiro
This book depicts the nature of the Iraq war and has written by comic artist Ryan Inzana.
23: Count Me in
This book tells the story of three people who have to face racial assault and their struggle to overcome hatred and prejudice. This masterpiece has written by Varsha Bajaj.
24: The Magic Fish
This is the autobiographical novel written by Trung Le Nguyen. This is the story of a boy who fights to talk about his sexuality while teaching the English language to his mother.
25: Luck of the Titanic
This book illustrates the journey of Chinese passengers on the titanic and the survival struggle of the protagonist, Valora. This adventurous novel has written by an American writer Stacey Lee.
To celebrate the Asian American cultural heritage and demolish the racism, colorism, and plenty of more differences, creating a habit to read Asian authors’ books is a great option. You should read books and know about your history, culture, and heritage. If you will not make a habit of reading books, then you will not able to acquaint yourself with your traditions and customs. To make yourself aware of your identity, you must read books.
Celebrate Asian Culture with Diverse Joeydolls and Book Pairings
We've listed 25 amazing children's books celebrating Asian culture above. As you read these stories with your child, consider getting a Joeydoll that complements the book's theme or characters.
For instance, if you're reading "Dim Sum for Everyone", a great Asian American children's book by Grace Lin, a Joeydoll dressed in traditional Chinese clothing would be a perfect match!
Here are some other examples:
- Pairing the book "Eyes That Kiss in the Corners" with a Joeydoll with beautiful almond-shaped eyes can help children embrace their unique features.
- Reading "Laxmi's Mooch" alongside a Joeydoll with dark hair can celebrate individuality and self-acceptance.
Joeydolls come in a variety of skin tones, hair types, and facial features, so you can find a doll that reflects your child's heritage or background. Asian American children's books are a great pairing to bring to life Asian heritage for your children.
Ready to help your child celebrate their Asian heritage? Visit our website today to browse our selection of diverse Joeydolls!