In our ever more connected world, it benefits everyone to have more empathy and understanding of how people of different backgrounds and experiences live. One of the ways to teach our children about people who are different from them is through reading books and stories written by and featuring diverse people like Asian authors. After all, reading is literally seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.
Exposing our children to books by Asian authors is important because not only do diverse stories enrich our minds, reading Asian characters written by actual Asians is vital to giving voice to the Asian experience. Plus, Asian authors remind us that Asians can also write books and be creative. We are not boxed into mouldering stereotypes locked into what society expects of us.
“Diversity had to be for every kid,” children’s author Ellen Oh told the Washington Post. “Otherwise we will never learn empathy, and we will never grow.”
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, here are some of the best children books and graphic novels by Asian and Asian American authors.
Picture books for young children by Asian authors
Graphic novels by Asian authors
Not all kids like reading books with a lot of words — and we’re here to help with a few amazing graphic novels.
7) Blame This on the Boogie by Rina Ayuyang
This graphic novel follows the true adventures of Filipino American Rina Ayuyang and how Hollywood musicals got her through school, depression, and parenthood. Ayuyang explores themes of how movies can shape and transform a person, telling her deeply personal stories about how she found her place in the world.
8) Vietnamerica by G. B. Tran
“Vietnamerica” depicts the true family history of G.B. Tran as Tran goes back to Vietnam to discover what his grandparents and parents went through prior to escaping to America. Tran delves into the family stories that were lost within a generation as his parents and grandparents struggled to adapt to America and forget the painful past.
9) Monstress by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda
This art-deco influenced steampunk graphic novel is set in an alternate version of 1900’s Asia. The story follows a teenage girl trying to survive a war — all while being psychically linked to a powerful monster. There is a decent amount of gore, violence, and magic. Definitely for older, more mature kids.
