Books About Korean Americans

The Best Korean Americans Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about korean americans? 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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Korean Americans

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2020

Almost American Girl

By Robin Ha · Book #1 in the Almost American Girl series

A teen's world shifts with immigration, family changes, and a life-saving art class.

230 pages· 18,247 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 15,101 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Robin's life turns upside down when a trip to Alabama becomes permanent. Struggling with language barriers and a new stepfamily, she feels isolated from her Seoul roots. Angry with her mother, Robin finds unexpected hope in a comic drawing class, hinting at a future she never imagined. Can art bridge the gap between her past and present?

Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2020

Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business

By Lyla Lee, Dung Ho (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Mindy Kim series

A young girl starts a snack business to fit in and faces unexpected challenges.

96 pages· 9,421 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 905 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Mindy Kim, a young Asian American girl, dreams of fitting in at her new school, getting a puppy, and making her dad happy. Her dried seaweed snack isn't a hit, but with her friend Sally, they launch the Yummy Seaweed Business. When a classmate sabotages their efforts, Mindy must navigate the challenges of friendship and self-acceptance. Can she find the courage to be herself and achieve her dreams?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2021

Yolk

By Mary H. K. Choi

Estranged sisters must reunite and swap identities to face life-threatening challenges.

390 pages

3.9/5 Goodreads · 31,911 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Jayne and June Baek, once inseparable sisters, are now estranged. June's cancer diagnosis forces them back together, compelling Jayne to help her sister by swapping identities. As they navigate family secrets and personal struggles, will they uncover truths about each other and themselves? Can Jayne face her own hidden illness while trying to save June? This emotional journey tests their bond and reveals unexpected depths in their relationship.

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2001

A Step from Heaven

By An Na

A Korean girl navigates cultural clashes and family turmoil in America, seeking her own identity.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2001)Michael L. Printz Award (2002)Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2003)

148 pages· 38,953 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 8,525 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Young Ju moves from Korea to Southern California, expecting a paradise. Instead, she faces cultural barriers, family struggles, and gender biases. As her family fractures, Young Ju must find her voice amidst chaos. A pivotal event challenges her dreams but reveals her inner strength. Can she redefine her vision of heaven and carve out the future she deserves?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2020

Let's Go to Taekwondo!

By Aram Kim

A young girl faces her fear of breaking a board with her grandma's support.

40 pages· 446 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 128 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Yoomi dreams of earning her yellow belt in taekwondo, but breaking a board terrifies her. Her grandma, also tackling a new challenge, becomes her unexpected ally. Together, they learn that persistence and support can conquer any fear. Will Yoomi find the courage to succeed, and what lessons will Grandma impart along the way? This heartwarming tale celebrates determination, family bonds, and the power of encouragement.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

The Last Rhee Witch

By Jenna Lee-Yun · Book #1 in the The Last Rhee Witch series

A haunted camp reveals secrets and challenges everything Ronnie knows.

352 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 300 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Ronnie Miller's first sleepaway camp turns into a supernatural adventure when she encounters a gwishin haunting and a witch-hunting dokkaebi. As secrets unravel, Ronnie must face new friends, foes, and truths that challenge her world. Can she navigate the mysteries of Camp Foster and hold onto what matters most?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

Seoul Food

By Erin Danielle Russell, Tamisha Anthony (Illustrator)

A girl blends her Black and Korean heritage into a unique dish for her grandparents' visit.

40 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 197 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Hana, a young biracial girl, faces a culinary challenge: creating the perfect meal for her visiting grandparents. Torn between her Black and Korean roots, she recalls the savory gumbo from the South and the sweet, spicy stew from Seoul. Inspired by her mother's advice to cook from the heart, Hana crafts a dish that beautifully marries both cultures. Will her creation satisfy her diverse family and honor her heritage? Discover how Hana's culinary journey celebrates identity and love through the universal language of food.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2022

The Last Fallen Moon

By Graci Kim · Gifted Clans series

Riley must restore magic to her clan by venturing into the Spiritrealm.

363 pages· 96,382 words· Est. 10.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,723 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Riley Oh, the Godrealm's last fallen star, faces a daunting task: restore her clan's lost magic. With her sister and a mysterious ally, she must brave the Spiritrealm, confront monsters, and uncover hidden truths. As curses threaten her home and a dark fate looms, Riley races against time to save the gifted community. Can she overcome the challenges and bring back the healing powers her clan desperately needs? The stakes are high, and Riley won't let anything stand in her way.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

The Last Fallen Star

By Graci Kim · Gifted Clans series

A girl must find a mythical star to save her sister from a spell gone wrong.

336 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,526 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Riley Oh, an adopted Korean-American girl without magic, faces a daunting quest when her sister Hattie's spell backfires, endangering Hattie's life. To save her, Riley must find the elusive last fallen star. As she navigates a world of mythical creatures and unexpected allies, Riley uncovers secrets that challenge her beliefs about family and belonging. Can she succeed in her quest and discover her true place in the magical world?

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2020

Pippa Park Raises Her Game

By Erin Yun · Pippa Park series

A scholarship offers Pippa a fresh start, but anonymous threats risk unraveling her new life.

261 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,112 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Korean American Pippa Park seizes a chance to reinvent herself with a mysterious scholarship to Lakeview Private. Balancing friendships, a crush, and academic pressure, she hides her family's laundromat from her elite peers. But when anonymous messages threaten her new identity, Pippa must decide if she can keep her worlds apart or if she should embrace her true self. As secrets unravel, will Pippa's carefully crafted life come crashing down?

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Korean Americans Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about korean americans for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$899

The Name Jar

Ages 3–7 · 2001

A young girl navigates her first day of school in a new country, struggling to fit in and find her place.

Sale price

$1899

My Name Is Yoon

Ages 4–8 · 2003

A girl navigates identity and belonging in a new country through the power of names.

Sale price

$1695

Good-bye, 382 Shin Dang Dong

Ages 3–5 · 2002

A young girl faces the challenge of moving from Korea to America.

Sale price

$1795

Juna's Jar

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A young girl uses her imagination to cope with the loss of her best friend.

Sale price

$799

Dear Juno

Ages 4–7 · 1999

A boy and his grandmother communicate across cultures through letters and drawings.

Sale price

$1899

Danbi's Favorite Day

Ages 4–7 · 2023

A girl's grand celebration plans falter, sparking a creative rescue mission.

Sale price

$1799

Mommy's Hometown

Ages 3–7 · 2022

A boy visits his mother's homeland, discovering unexpected changes and timeless connections.

Sale price

$1899

Wish Soup

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A girl races to eat soup, but learns growing up is more than bowls consumed.

Sale price

$1899

My Tree

Ages 3–6 · 2021

A boy's cherished plum tree falls, sparking imaginative adventures and new beginnings.

Series

Sale price

$1899

Sunday Funday in Koreatown

Ages 3–7 · 2021

A day in Koreatown teaches resilience through unexpected mishaps.

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Browse by age

Korean Americans Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about korean americans for developing and independent readers.

#4 in Series

Sale price

$599

Mindy Kim, Class President

Ages 6–9 · 2020

Can Mindy overcome her fear of public speaking to win the class presidency with kindness and snacks?

#3 in Series

Sale price

$599

Mindy Kim and the Birthday Puppy

Ages 6–9 · 2020

A girl must prove she's ready for a puppy before her birthday.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$699

Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade

Ages 6–9 · 2020

A young girl navigates her first Lunar New Year without her mother, finding comfort and new traditions with her father and friends.

Sale price

$1699

Stand Up, Yumi Chung!

Ages 9–12 · 2020

A mistaken identity at comedy camp forces a shy girl to choose between truth and her dreams.

Series

Sale price

$599

Horrible Harry and the Drop of Doom

Ages 7–9 · 1998

Will Harry conquer his fear of the Drop of Doom or endure endless teasing?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

A Sky of Paper Stars

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A wish gone wrong turns Yuna's world upside down. Can she reverse it before it's too late?

Series

Sale price

$1799

Gigi Shin Is Not a Nerd

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A girl starts a tutoring club to fund her dream art camp, but chaos ensues.

Series

Sale price

$1355

The Chicken Pox Panic

Ages 7–9

Can Abby keep her birthday cake surprise under wraps?

Series

Sale price

$399

The Double Dabble Surprise

Ages 6–8 · 1993

A plane lands without expected passengers. Where are the missing sisters?

Sale price

$1599

Xoxo

Ages 13–+ · 2021

A cellist risks her dreams for forbidden love with a K-pop idol.

Sale price

$1099

Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream

Ages 8–12 · 2011

Can Clara Lee's luck turn in time for the pageant?

Sale price

$1799

I'm Ok

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A boy's quest for quick cash leads to unexpected friendships and challenges.

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Keep exploring

Books about Korean culture Books about sisters Books about cancer Books about drawing Books about eating disorders and body image Books about immigration and emigration Books about martial arts Books about mistaken identity

Our 10 Favorite Books About Korean Americans

Great books, picked for their age.

Korean Americans Picture Books

Korean Americans Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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