The Best Chinese Americans Books for Kids

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2004

Henry and the Kite Dragon

By Bruce Edward Hall, William Low (Illustrator)

Kids from two rival neighborhoods clash over homemade kites until they finally come face to face.

40 pages· 1,971 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 221 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1920s New York, kids from Chinatown stay out of the park when the kids from Little Italy are there. Henry loves helping his friend Grandfather Chin build kites and fly them over the neighborhood, but Tony Guglione and his friends keep throwing rocks and wrecking them. When Henry and his friends decide enough is enough, the two groups finally come face to face, in a story based on true events.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2022

The Secret Battle of Evan Pao

By Wendy Wan-Long Shang

Evan Pao faces prejudice and secrets in a town clinging to its past.

272 pages· 48,318 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 992 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Evan Pao seeks a fresh start in Haddington, Virginia, escaping his father's past. As a Chinese American, he faces hostility from Brady Griggs and struggles to fit in. When Evan's attempt to join the school's Civil War celebration sparks violence, he must choose between retaliation and a new path. Can Evan find his place in a town steeped in tradition, or will he be consumed by its prejudices? His journey reveals the hidden battles of identity and belonging, challenging him to shape his own future amidst the shadows of history.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

The Way Home Looks Now

By Wendy Wan-Long Shang

A boy's baseball dreams clash with family grief. Can the game heal their broken bonds?

272 pages· 49,404 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 498 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Peter Lee faces a family torn apart by tragedy. His mother is lost in grief, and his father, now the Little League coach, is distant. Peter hopes joining the team will rekindle their shared love for baseball and mend their fractured family. But with his father's strict coaching methods causing tension, Peter wonders if the sport can truly bring them together. Will baseball be the key to healing, or will it drive them further apart? Discover if the game they cherish can lead them back home.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

Rainbow Fair

By Diana Ma

A girl is asked to represent a part of her identity she barely knows.

224 pages· 44,511 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 106 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Sophie Mu's family is Hui, Chinese Muslim, but the Muslim part is something her parents keep private and Sophie knows little about. When an overenthusiastic teacher learns of it, Sophie is put in charge of a booth about Islam at her middle school's Rainbow Fair, on top of the Chinese booth she worked on last year, and she is determined to keep it from her parents. Juggling both booths, she begins to question why she has to choose which part of herself to show.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

The Unbeatable Lily Hong

By Diana Ma

A girl who hates coming second must team up with her rival to save a school.

304 pages

3.9 Goodreads · 106 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Lily Hong can't stand being second best, which is why she and Max Zhang have been rivals ever since he showed her up in a fifth-grade reading challenge. Now her parents' Chinese school and the town's community center are in danger, and Lily will use everything she has to save them: devoted friends, ingenuity, a passion for filmmaking, mediocre dance moves and maybe even her archnemesis.

Sale price

$474

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2010

Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!

By Grace Lin · Ling & Ting series

Identical twins discover their unique differences through shared adventures.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor (2011)CALA Best Book Award (Chinese American Librarians Association) (2010)

48 pages· 1,380 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

3.9 Goodreads · 2,058 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Ling and Ting are identical twins who share everything from brown eyes to pink cheeks. Yet, as they navigate making dumplings, haircuts, and magic tricks, they uncover surprising differences. How can two people so alike be so different? Join their delightful journey to find out.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2027

The Erhu Sings

By Sally Deng

A boy can't stand a sad-sounding instrument, until he needs it most.

48 pages

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: When YeYe plays his erhu, a Chinese instrument known for its mournful sound, Danny can't bear the sad notes, and YeYe puts it away. But when Danny's cousin moves far away and he feels lonely, his grandfather plays again, and this time the music sounds different. A gentle picture book about grief, family and the comfort of sad songs.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2469

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2026

Front Desk (Graphic Novel)

By Kelly Yang, Fumio Obata (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Front Desk: The Graphic Novel series

A young girl juggles motel duties, secret missions, and dreams of writing.

240 pages

4.5 Goodreads · 114 ratings

$25.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Mia Tang, a ten-year-old living in a motel, juggles managing the front desk while her parents clean rooms. They secretly shelter immigrants, risking exposure by the harsh owner, Mr. Yao. Mia dreams of becoming a writer, but her mother insists on math due to language barriers. Can Mia protect her family, help those in need, and pursue her passion? This graphic novel adaptation brings her courageous journey to life, filled with challenges and hope.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2022

I Am Golden

By Eva Chen, Sophie Diao (Illustrator)

A child discovers beauty and strength in their unique heritage and identity.

40 pages· 491 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 1,268 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Mei gazes into the mirror, questioning what she sees. Through a journey of self-discovery, she learns to embrace her Chinese American identity, finding beauty in her eyes, hair, and skin. As Mei navigates her world, she becomes a bridge between cultures, celebrating her heritage with pride. This lyrical tale invites readers to explore the warmth and joy of self-love, encouraging children to see themselves as golden. Will Mei's journey inspire others to find power in their differences? Discover a story that celebrates identity and the immigrant experience with vibrant illustrations and heartfelt prose.

Sale price

$2152

Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2019

Stocking Up for the Storm

By Fran Manushkin, Laura Zarrin (Illustrator) · Katie Woo's Neighborhood series

A young girl prepares for a big storm with her family and checks in with her friends as they all wait for it to pass.

27 pages· 440 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.4 Goodreads · 14 ratings

$22.65Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: As a storm threatens, Katie and her family rush to Mr. Nelson's store to gather essentials. Amidst the chaos, Katie discovers the art of smart shopping. Will they secure enough supplies, or will the storm leave them unprepared? Join Katie on this unexpected journey of learning and survival.

The Best Chinese Americans Books for Kids

Our 10 Favorite Books About Chinese Americans

Henry and the Kite Dragon

The Secret Battle of Evan Pao

The Way Home Looks Now

Rainbow Fair

The Unbeatable Lily Hong

Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!

The Erhu Sings

Front Desk (Graphic Novel)

I Am Golden

Stocking Up for the Storm

Great books, picked for their age.