We Who Produce Pearls
by Joanna Ho ; illustrated by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya
“This uplifting anthem for Asian America celebrates the richness and diversity within the Asian American identity and serves as a reminder of their self-worth, their legacy and, most of all, their destiny, reminding readers to rise up, speak out and step into power.”
Bindu’s Bindis
by Supriya Kelkar
“A little girl who loves her bindis (and the many creative shapes they come in!). The bindis are also a connection to her Nani who lives in India. When Nani comes to visit Bindu and brings the bindis to her, it is just in time to wear something new to the school talent show. Bindu and Nani work together to shine their brightest and embrace their sparkle, even when they stand out from the crowd”
Drawn Together
by Minh Lê
“A boy and his grandfather cross a language and cultural barrier using their shared love of art, storytelling, and fantasy.”
Cat On the Bus
by Aram Kim
“Searching the city for food and shelter, a homeless cat is shooed away by several impatient people, until the cat dashes onto a bus and meets a kind man.”
A Big Mooncake for Little Star
By Grace Lin
“Reimagines the cycles of the moon as a mother bakes a Big Moon Cookie and, despite Mama’s request to wait, Little Star begins nibbling at it every night.”
The Paper Kingdom
by Helena Ku Rhee
“Accompanying his parents to their night-shift jobs as office cleaners, young Daniel reluctantly joins in as they use their imaginations to transform the deserted building into a magnificent paper kingdom where he might one day rule.”
Love in the Library
by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
“Based on a true story of love and resilience at the Minidoka incarceration camp.”
The Heart’s Language
by Lois-Ann Yamanaka
“A young mute boy and his parents learn the language of love.”
A Gift for Amma
by Meera Sriram
“A young girl explores the vibrant rainbow of items for sale in a southern Indian street market as she searches for a gift for her mother. Includes facts about the items mentioned and markets around the world, as well as photographs taken by the author in her hometown of Chennai, India.”
Magic Ramen
by Andrea Wang
“Shares the story of how Ando Momofuku created instant ramen noodle soup in an effort to feed hungry people.”
Seven Golden Rings
by Rajani LaRocca
In ancient India, a boy named Bhagat travels to the rajah’s city, hoping to ensure his family’s prosperity by winning a place at court as a singer. Includes author’s note about binary numbers.
Do You Even Know Me?
by Reem Faruqi
“My name is Salma, which means peace. Islam also means peace. I wish more people knew that. Salma is Muslim, an identity she takes pride in. But not everyone understands Salma’s religion the way she does, including news reporters, and even a boy in her class, who bullies Salma for belonging to the culture and faith she loves. However, when things go too far, Salma says, “Enough is enough!” and finds the courage to defend herself while also spreading a message of peace”
