Books About East Asia

The Best East Asia Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about east asia? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About East Asia

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2000

The Kite Fighters

By Linda Sue Park

Two brothers' kite skills catch a king's eye, challenging tradition and family honor.

144 pages· 24,202 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 3,201 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In 15th-century Korea, brothers Kee-sup and Young-sup share a passion for kites. Kee-sup crafts them with unmatched beauty, while Young-sup flies them with mastery. When the king selects Young-sup to fly the royal kite in a prestigious competition, tradition and family expectations clash. Can Young-sup uphold the family's honor against all odds? This tale of skill, tradition, and sibling bonds unfolds in a world of vibrant kite fighting.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Dumpling Days

By Grace Lin · Book #3 in the Pacy Lin series

A trip to Taiwan challenges Pacy's identity and art skills.

272 pages· 51,228 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,782 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Pacy embarks on a month-long journey to Taiwan, eager to explore her artistic talents in a Chinese painting class. Yet, she faces unexpected challenges: a language barrier, difficulty making friends, and struggles with her art. As she navigates these obstacles, Pacy accidentally eats chicken feet, receives a fortune teller's blessing, and embarks on a quest for self-discovery. Amidst cultural confusion and delicious dumplings, she learns what truly matters. Will Pacy find her place in a world where she looks like everyone else but feels like a stranger?

Sale price

$1895

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2019

The Moose of Ewenki

By Gerelchimeg Blackcrane, Jiu Er (Illustrator), Helen Mixter (Translator) · Aldana Libros series

A hunter bonds with an orphaned moose calf, but must eventually let go.

60 pages· 1,313 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 198 ratings

$19.95Save 5%

Summary: Gree Shrek, a Mongolian elder, accidentally leaves a moose calf orphaned. Naming it Xiao Han, he forms a deep bond with the calf as they journey through the Ewenki way of life, herding reindeer and exploring the forest. As Xiao Han grows, Gree Shrek faces the heart-wrenching decision to return his beloved companion to the wild. Will he find the strength to say goodbye? This tale of friendship and cultural tradition offers a poignant glimpse into a vanishing lifestyle.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2014

Hunt for Jade Dragon

By Richard Paul Evans · Book #4 in the Michael Vey series

A group of teenagers with electric powers must rescue a young girl from the clutches of an evil organization.

319 pages· 77,436 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 17,545 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Michael and the Electroclan race to Taiwan to rescue Jade Dragon, a child prodigy with secrets about their powers. Captured by the Elgen, she holds the key to Hatch's dark ambitions. Can they save her before it's too late?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Cold War Correspondent

By Nathan Hale · Book #11 in the Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series

A journalist defies orders to report from the Korean War frontlines.

128 pages· 10,567 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,392 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: In 1950, Marguerite Higgins becomes the Far East bureau chief amid the Korean War's chaos. Trapped in enemy territory, she risks everything for the story. Ordered out by the Army, she appeals to General MacArthur, who lifts the ban on female correspondents. Will her courage change history?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2018

The Turtle Ship

By Helena Ku Rhee, Colleen Kong-Savage (Illustrator)

A boy's dream hinges on designing an unsinkable battleship inspired by his pet turtle.

32 pages· 1,137 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 192 ratings

$18.95Save 5%

Summary: In ancient Korea, young Sun-sin dreams of sailing the world, but poverty stands in his way. When a royal contest seeks the best battleship design, Sun-sin seizes the chance to change his fate. Despite repeated failures, inspiration strikes from an unlikely source—his pet turtle, Gobugi. Can Sun-sin's newfound idea lead to victory and fulfill his dream of sailing the seas? Discover a tale of innovation and determination, loosely based on the legendary Admiral Yi Sun-sin and his iconic Turtle Ship, as Sun-sin navigates challenges to create a battleship that could alter history.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2001

A Single Shard

By Linda Sue Park

An orphan's quest to deliver a potter's masterpiece risks everything for a royal commission.

Newbery Medal (2002)Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor (2003)

152 pages· 33,928 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 43,392 ratings

Summary: In 12th century Korea, orphan Tree-ear dreams of mastering the art of celadon pottery. Under the stern guidance of master potter Min, he faces grueling challenges. When tasked with a perilous journey to present Min's work to the royal court, Tree-ear's determination is tested. Will he succeed in securing a royal commission, or will he arrive with nothing but a single shard? This tale of perseverance and passion unfolds as Tree-ear navigates obstacles and discovers the true essence of craftsmanship.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2016

A Piece of Home

By Jeri Watts, Hyewon Yum (Illustrator)

A boy finds connection in a new land through a familiar flower.

Ezra Jack Keats Award (2017)

32 pages· 719 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 581 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Hee Jun's world shifts when his family moves from Korea to West Virginia. Struggling with language and feeling out of place, he finds solace in a familiar flower, the Rose of Sharon. As he learns English and makes friends, Hee Jun discovers that home can be wherever you plant your roots. Will this piece of home help him embrace his new life?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Tiny Feet Between the Mountains

By Hanna Cha

A small girl must save her village and a spirit tiger from darkness.

40 pages· 781 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 342 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In a village of giants, tiny Soe-In faces a daunting task. When the sky turns dark, she ventures into the mountains, discovering a spirit tiger who has accidentally swallowed the sun. To save her village and the tiger, Soe-In must devise a clever plan, proving that even the smallest can be the bravest. Can she restore the light and show her true strength?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Rice from Heaven

By Tina Cho, Keum Jin Song (Illustrator)

A girl defies borders to deliver hope and rice to the hungry.

40 pages

4.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 298 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In South Korea, young Yoori learns of her father's past in North Korea, where hunger prevails. Determined to help, she joins a secret mission to send rice-filled balloons over the border. Despite opposition, Yoori's courage inspires her community to act. Will their efforts reach those in need?

The Bookroo Book Club