by Hyunjin, Kristine, and Sophie

Representation matters every day. In this list and #LibrariesRespond: Understanding and Fighting Racism for Kids and Teens lists, you'll find books by creators of diverse Asian ethnicities for children, tweens, and teens. The Chinese American, Filipino American, Hmong American, Indian American, Japanese American, Korean American, Pakistani American, Taiwanese American, Thai American, and Vietnamese American storytellers on our lists share their rich and unique perspectives allowing readers to listen closely to understand and build empathy for the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities experiencing a long history of xenophobia in the United States. The Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach continues to strongly condemn racism and is committed to uplifting the voices and stories of our entire community.

Find an abundance of resources to better understand Anti-Asian racism and celebrated literature by Asian creators by visiting:

• COVID-19 Anti-Asian Racism Resources for K-12: created for the APALA & ALA ODLOS webinar “Confronting Xenophobia and Supporting Asian and Asian/Pacific American Communities during COVID-19” (May 1, 2020) by Sarah Park Dahlen, Ph.D., Associate Professor Master of Library and Information Science Program at St. Catherine University
• Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association Literature Awards: “The goal of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature is to honor and recognize individual work about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage, based on literary and artistic merit.”

Visit our #LibrariesRespond shelves on cloudLibrary to access many of these (plus many more!) titles online or click on each title to see the library's holdings in all formats.

For Preschoolers and Elementary Schoolers

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho; illustrated by Dung Ho

"A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother's, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self love and empowerment. This powerful, poetic picture book will resonate with readers of all ages and is a celebration of diversity." -- from the publisher

Drawn Together by Minh Lê; illustrated by Dan Santat

"When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens-with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words. With spare, direct text by Minh Lê and luminous illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, this stirring picturebook about reaching across barriers will be cherished for years to come." -- from the publisher

Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist by Julie Leung; illustrated by Chris Sasaki

"Before he became an artist named Tyrus Wong, he was a boy named Wong Geng Yeo. He traveled across a vast ocean from China to America with only a suitcase and a few papers. Not papers for drawing--which he loved to do--but immigration papers to start a new life. Once in America, Tyrus seized every opportunity to make art, eventually enrolling at an art institute in Los Angeles. Working as a janitor at night, his mop twirled like a paintbrush in his hands. Eventually, he was given the opportunity of a lifetime--and using sparse brushstrokes and soft watercolors, Tyrus created the iconic backgrounds of Bambi." -- from the publisher

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji by Farhana Zia; illustrated by Ken Min

"Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji is a whimsical story of a young Indian American boy's adventures with his grandfather. When Aneel's grandparents come to stay with his family it means good times and great stories are ahead." -- from the publisher

A Map Into the World by Kao Kalia Yang; illustrated by Seo Kim

"A heartfelt story of a young girl seeking beauty and connection in a busy world. As the seasons change, so too does a young Hmong girl's world. She moves into a new home with her family and encounters both birth and death. As this curious girl explores life inside her house and beyond, she collects bits of the natural world. But who are her treasures for?" -- from the publisher

A Different Pond by Bao Phi; illustrated by Thi Bui

"A 2018 Caldecott Honor Book that Kirkus Reviews calls 'a must-read for our times,' A Different Pond is an unforgettable story about a simple event - a long-ago fishing trip. Graphic novelist Thi Bui and acclaimed poet Bao Phi deliver a powerful, honest glimpse into a relationship between father and son - and between cultures, old and new. As a young boy, Bao and his father awoke early, hours before his father's long workday began, to fish on the shores of a small pond in Minneapolis. Unlike many other anglers, Bao and his father fished for food, not recreation. A successful catch meant a fed family. Between hope-filled casts, Bao's father told him about a different pond in their homeland of Vietnam. Thi Bui's striking, evocative art paired with Phi's expertly crafted prose has earned this powerful picture books six starred reviews and numerous awards." -- from the publisher

For Elementary Schoolers

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

"Mia Tang has a lot of secrets. Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests. Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they've been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed. Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language? It will take all of Mia's courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?" -- from the publisher

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

"All light in Chattana is created by one man — the Governor, who appeared after the Great Fire to bring peace and order to the city. For Pong, who was born in Namwon Prison, the magical lights represent freedom, and he dreams of the day he will be able to walk among them. But when Pong escapes from prison, he realizes that the world outside is no fairer than the one behind bars. The wealthy dine and dance under bright orb light, while the poor toil away in darkness. Worst of all, Pong’s prison tattoo marks him as a fugitive who can never be truly free. Nok, the prison warden’s perfect daughter, is bent on tracking Pong down and restoring her family’s good name. But as Nok hunts Pong through the alleys and canals of Chattana, she uncovers secrets that make her question the truths she has always held dear. Set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world, Christina Soontornvat’s twist on Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is a dazzling, fast-paced adventure that explores the difference between law and justice — and asks whether one child can shine a light in the dark." -- from the publisher

Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim

"On the outside, Yumi Chung suffers from #shygirlproblems, a perm-gone-wrong, and kids calling her "Yu-MEAT" because she smells like her family's Korean barbecue restaurant. On the inside, Yumi is ready for her Netflix stand-up special. Her notebook is filled with mortifying memories that she's reworked into comedy gold. All she needs is a stage and courage. Instead of spending the summer studying her favorite YouTube comedians, Yumi is enrolled in test-prep tutoring to qualify for a private school scholarship, which will help in a time of hardship at the restaurant. One day after class, Yumi stumbles on an opportunity that will change her life: a comedy camp for kids taught by one of her favorite YouTube stars. The only problem is that the instructor and all the students think she's a girl named Kay Nakamura--and Yumi doesn't correct them. As this case of mistaken identity unravels, Yumi must decide to stand up and reveal the truth or risk losing her dreams and disappointing everyone she cares about." -- from the publisher

The Land of Forgotten Girls by Erin Entrada Kelly

"In this acclaimed novel from Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly, two sisters from the Philippines, abandoned by their father and living in impoverished circumstances in Louisiana, fight to make their lives better." -- from the publisher

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhhà Lai

"Inspired by the author's childhood experience as a refugee—fleeing Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon and immigrating to Alabama—this coming-of-age debut novel told in verse has been celebrated for its touching child's-eye view of family and immigration." -- from the publisher

Mindy Kim series by Lyla Lee; illustrated by Dung Ho

"Fresh Off the Boat meets Junie B. Jones in this first novel in an adorable new chapter book series about Mindy Kim, a young Asian American girl who is starting a snack business!" -- from the publisher

For Tweens and Teens

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott; illustrated by Harmony Becker

"A stunning graphic memoir recounting actor/author/activist George Takei's childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. Experience the forces that shaped an American icon -- and America itself -- in this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love." -- from the publisher

Almost American Girl by Robin Ha

"A powerful and moving teen graphic novel memoir about immigration, belonging, and how arts can save a life—perfect for fans of American Born Chinese and Hey, Kiddo." -- from the publisher

Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park

"Prairie Lotus is a powerful, touching, multilayered book about a girl determined to fit in and realize her dreams: getting an education, becoming a dressmaker in her father’s shop, and making at least one friend. Acclaimed, award-winning author Linda Sue Park has placed a young half-Asian girl, Hanna, in a small town in America’s heartland, in 1880. Hanna’s adjustment to her new surroundings, which primarily means negotiating the townspeople’s almost unanimous prejudice against Asians, is at the heart of the story. Narrated by Hanna, the novel has poignant moments yet sparkles with humor, introducing a captivating heroine whose wry, observant voice will resonate with readers." -- from the publisher

American Panda by Gloria Chao

"Mei, a seventeen-year-old freshman at MIT, navigates family expectations, first love, and finding her voice in this hilarious and heartfelt tale." -- from the publisher

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan

"A stunning, heartbreaking debut novel about grief, love, and family, perfect for fans of Jandy Nelson and Celeste Ng." -- from the publisher

Wicked Fox by Kat Cho

"Set in modern day Seoul, this addictive fantasy-romance novel follows eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung, who is hiding a secret. She's a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive." -- from the publisher

The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee

"Genie Lo is one among droves of Ivy-hopeful overachievers in her sleepy Bay Area suburb. But when her hometown comes under siege from hellspawn straight out of Chinese folklore, acing the SATs become the least of Genie’s worries." -- from the publisher

Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

"Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses from the sun, the moon, and the stars." -- from the publisher