ℹ️ The article is from TheBrainyMommy.com and was written by The Brainy Mommy.
Stories hold amazing power – to reflect, to soothe, to connect, to teach. I am thankful that we live in an age where we can access stories from places and people unfamiliar to us, and more so than ever, find ones that we can see ourselves represented in.
In honor of Asian Heritage Month, here are five children’s books written by Asian authors. They are beautiful stories with a connection to Asian culture, but more importantly, tell of the common human need to take pride in our identity and connect to our roots.
1. My Day with Gong Gong
Written by Sennah Yee
Illustrated by Elaine Chen
May doesn’t look forward to the day when her mom drops her off at her Gong Gong (grandpa)’s house. Her Gong Gong doesn’t speak English, and she soon gets tired of running errands with him in Chinatown. But as the day progresses, it’s clear that May’s Gong Gong understands her more than she thinks.
2. The Name Jar
Written and Illustrated by YangSook Choi
Anxious about being liked at her new school, Unhei decides not to introduce herself by her Korean name to her classmates and instead opts to pick a new American name. The kids in the class offer her a jar filled of names to choose from, but Unhei realizes that the name she has already been given suits her best.
3. Willie Wins
Written by Almira Astudillo Gilles
Illustrated by Carl Angel
When Willie needs to bring a savings bank to school, his father gives him an alkansiya, a bank made out of a coconut shell from the Phillipines. A story about the value of things seen and unseen.
4. Watercress
Written by Andrea Wang
Illustrated by Jason Chin
A young girl and her family are driving through rural Ohio when her parents suddenly stop the car to gather wild watercress. She’s embarrassed by the idea of foraging for free food by the side of the road and angrily refuses to eat the vegetables during dinner that evening. The story her mother shares with her in response makes her see how much she doesn’t know about her family’s past.
Author Andrea Wang & Illustrator Jason Chin talk about their new picture book Watercress in this video.
Pashmina
Written and illustrated by Nidhi Chanani
A graphic novel for middle schoolers and older, Pashmina tells the story of Priyanka, a teenage girl who goes on a journey halfway around the world to learn more about her past and her culture. Its themes may not be fully understood by younger children, but the beautiful illustrations and whimsical fantastical elements will be appreciated by all ages.
Source: TheBrainyMommy.com
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Last Updated on October 30, 2024 by Tania Nizova | Published: August 27, 2024
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