Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Celebrating AAPI Voices and Stories

Celebrating AAPI Voices and Stories

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor the vibrant and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities. This month, we’re celebrating through stories that reflect AAPI experiences, family values, and the resilience that shines in these beautifully crafted books. From picture books that introduce cultural identity to chapter books exploring the challenges of immigration and belonging, these titles offer windows into the AAPI experience for readers of all ages.

Here are three powerful books that invite young readers to explore AAPI stories and celebrate the beauty of diverse voices.

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho

An Empowering Story of Self-Love and Embracing Cultural Identity

“Eyes That Kiss in the Corners” is a breathtaking picture book that follows a young girl who notices that her eyes are different from her classmates’. She learns to see beauty in her unique features, passed down through her family, and comes to understand how they connect her to her mother, grandmother, and younger sister. This story encourages children to embrace what makes them unique and provides a message of self-love and pride in cultural heritage.

Joanna Ho’s poetic text, combined with Dung Ho’s vibrant illustrations, makes this book a perfect read for helping children appreciate their own identities and develop empathy for others. It’s a heartwarming reminder of how family bonds shape our self-image and connect us across generations.

A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin

A Sweet, Imaginative Story Celebrating Tradition and Family

Inspired by the Mid-Autumn Festival, “A Big Mooncake for Little Star” follows Little Star, a curious girl who’s just baked a big, delicious mooncake with her mother. She’s told not to eat it, but each night, she sneaks a little bite until the mooncake becomes smaller and smaller, mirroring the phases of the moon. Through this playful story, Grace Lin introduces readers to the joy of tradition and the warm bond between a mother and her daughter.

With its magical illustrations and simple yet captivating narrative, this book is a great way to introduce children to cultural traditions. Lin’s story combines universal childhood curiosity with a celebration of family rituals, making it a delightful read that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

An Uplifting Middle-Grade Novel on Immigration, Resilience, and Finding One’s Voice

“Front Desk” tells the story of ten-year-old Mia Tang, whose immigrant family manages a motel in California. As Mia helps her parents run the front desk, she faces challenges and prejudice but remains determined to pursue her dreams. Throughout the story, Mia’s resilience and courage shine as she learns to advocate for herself, her family, and the immigrant community.

Kelly Yang’s novel is inspired by her own experiences as a young immigrant and presents an honest look at the difficulties faced by immigrant families in America. This heartfelt story captures themes of friendship, resilience, and the importance of standing up for what is right. It’s a great choice for young readers looking to explore themes of identity, family sacrifice, and the complexities of the immigrant experience.

Additional Recommendations for AAPI Heritage Month

To expand the celebration, here are a few more titles that showcase AAPI voices and experiences:

Additional Recommendations for AAPI Heritage Month

• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin – An enchanting novel that weaves Chinese folklore into an adventurous story about family and hope.

• Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhà Lai – A moving verse novel about a young girl’s journey from Vietnam to the United States and her experience adapting to a new life.

• They Called Us Enemy by George Takei – A graphic memoir recounting Takei’s childhood experience in Japanese internment camps, offering important historical insights for older readers.

Ways to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Kids

Books are just one way to honor AAPI Heritage Month with young readers. Here are a few other activities to inspire and engage kids in celebrating AAPI cultures:

• Explore AAPI Art and Music: Introduce children to traditional and contemporary AAPI art, crafts, and music to deepen their appreciation of cultural diversity.

• Cook a Traditional AAPI Dish Together: Try making dumplings, sushi, or other AAPI dishes that are fun to prepare and teach children about different cuisines.

• Learn Basic Words in Different AAPI Languages: From “thank you” in Tagalog to “hello” in Japanese, learning a few words from various AAPI languages can help spark curiosity and respect for other cultures.

  
  

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month through stories and activities can help foster empathy, curiosity, and appreciation in children. These books and experiences remind us that each story, tradition, and voice adds something special to our world.

Happy AAPI Heritage Month! Let’s celebrate and explore the richness of AAPI stories together!