AAPI Heritage Month Books Your Child Will Love!
15 AAPI Heritage Month Books for Kids and Preschoolers
Celebrating culture, family, identity, and storytelling through childrenβs books
May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
At Open Minds, we believe stories are a powerful way to help children build curiosity, empathy, and respect for the world around them. Books give children the opportunity to see themselves, learn about others, ask meaningful questions, and celebrate the many cultures that make up our communities.
For young children, learning about culture can begin in simple, age-appropriate ways through stories about family, food, clothing, music, dance, traditions, kindness, and identity. This month, weβre sharing a list of childrenβs books that families can read together to honor and celebrate AAPI Heritage Month.
Why Representation in Books Matters
Children learn about the world through the stories they hear. When children see different cultures, families, languages, foods, and traditions represented in books, they begin to understand that the world is beautifully diverse.
Reading diverse books with your child can help support:
Cultural awareness
Empathy and kindness
Language and vocabulary development
Identity and belonging
Curiosity about the world
Respect for different traditions and experiences
These books are a great starting point for meaningful conversations at home.
AAPI Heritage Month Book Recommendations
1. Cannonball
By Sacha Cotter, illustrated by Josh Morgan
Pacific Islander / Pasifika
Ages: 1 β 6 years old
This fun and energetic story is all about confidence, courage, and trying again. With playful language and movement-filled storytelling, Cannonball is a great read-aloud for young children who love expressive stories.
π Amazon
2. The Most Beautiful Thing
By Kao Kalia Yang, illustrated by Khoa Le
Hmong / Hmong American
Ages: 4 β 8 years old
This tender intergenerational story highlights family, love, and finding beauty in meaningful places. It offers a gentle way to talk with children about relationships, gratitude, and the wisdom shared between generations.
.π Amazon
3. Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao
By Kat Zhang
Chinese / Chinese American
Ages: 2 β 5 years old
Amy wants to make the perfect bao, but it takes patience, practice, and persistence. This sweet food-and-family story introduces children to Chinese culture while also sharing an important message about trying again.
π Amazon
4. Maiβs Γo DΓ i
By Thai Nguyen & Monique Truong, illustrated by Dung Ho
Vietnamese / Vietnamese American
Ages: 3 β 7 years old
This beautiful story celebrates family, TαΊΏt, heritage, and the meaning behind the Γ‘o dΓ i. Children are introduced to Vietnamese culture through clothing, tradition, and family connection.
π Amazon
5. Danbi Leads the School Parade
By Anna Kim
Korean / Korean American
Ages: 3 β 7 years old
Danbi is starting school in a new place and finding her way through friendship, play, and sharing her culture. This sweet story is perfect for young children learning about belonging and making friends.
π Amazon
6. Bilal Cooks Daal
By Aisha Saeed, illustrated by Anoosha Syed
Indian / South Asian
Ages: 2 β 7 years old
Bilal is excited to share daal with his friends, but waiting for it to cook takes patience. This gentle story celebrates food, sharing, friendship, and community.
π Amazon
7. Sukiβs Kimono
By Chieri Uegaki, illustrated by StΓ©phane Jorisch
Japanese / Japanese American
Ages: 3 β 7 years old
Suki proudly wears her kimono to school and shares a special memory connected to it. This joyful story celebrates confidence, tradition, and being proud of who you are.
π Amazon
10. Mela and the Elephant
By Dow Phumiruk, illustrated by Ziyue Chen
Thai / Thai American
Ages: 1 β 6 years old
Inspired by Thai culture, this bright story follows Mela as she learns about kindness, helping others, and making thoughtful choices.
π Amazon
11. Tala Learns to Siva
By Kealani Netane, illustrated by Dung Ho
Samoan / Pacific Islander
Ages: 4 β 7 years old
This joyful story centers on siva, a Samoan dance, and celebrates family, culture, and movement.
π Amazon
12. Aloha Everything
By Kaylin Melia George, illustrated by Mae Gallery
Native Hawaiian
Ages: 5+ years old
This vibrant book celebrates Hawaiian culture, aloha, and identity. It is full of color, movement, and meaning, making it a beautiful choice for families exploring Native Hawaiian stories.
π Amazon
13. Hoβonani: Hula Warrior
By Heather Gale, illustrated by Mika Song
Native Hawaiian / Gender Identity & Hula
Ages: 4 β 8 years old
This powerful story celebrates courage, identity, hula, and Hawaiian culture. It encourages children to be brave and proud of who they are.
π Amazon
14. The Cambodian Dancer
By Daryn Reicherter, illustrated by Christy Hale
Cambodian / Cambodian American
Ages: 4 β 9 years old
This picture book shares a story of dance, resilience, and cultural tradition. It is best for older Pre-K children and early elementary learners with adult guidance.
π Amazon
15. We Are Water Protectors
By Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
Pacific Islander / Environmental Connection
Ages: 3 β 7 years old
This beautifully illustrated book shares a child-friendly message about caring for water and protecting the Earth. Illustrator Michaela Goade is Tlingit, and the story offers a strong connection to environmental responsibility.
π Amazon
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with children can begin with something as simple and meaningful as reading together.
Through books, children can explore new cultures, recognize shared experiences, and build respect for the people and communities around them. These stories help little learners understand that every family, tradition, and identity has value.
At Open Minds, we are proud to support learning experiences that encourage curiosity, kindness, connection, and appreciation for the diverse world our children are growing up in!
This month, we invite families to choose a book, read together, and celebrate the many beautiful stories that make up Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.