Books About Pakistani Americans · 57 titles considered

The Best Pakistani Americans Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about pakistani 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.

Unsettled
Drawing Deena
More to the Story
Golden Girl
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Pakistani Americans

Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Unsettled

By Reem Faruqi

A girl navigates a new life in America, facing cultural challenges and sibling rivalry in her quest for belonging.

352 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,804 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Nurah moves from Karachi to Georgia, struggling to fit in with her accent and attire. In the pool, she finds solace and ambition, aiming to outshine her brother, Owais. But a moment of betrayal alters their paths. As Nurah battles bullies and self-doubt, she discovers her strength and the courage to stand up for herself. Will she find her place in this unfamiliar world, or will her choices haunt her? Dive into this heartfelt tale of family, identity, and the quest for belonging.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2018

Meet Yasmin!

A young girl named Yasmin navigates various challenges and adventures in her daily life, learning valuable lessons and growing as a person.

96 pages· 2,146 words· Est. 17 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,411 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Yasmin, a spirited second-grader, navigates life's little challenges with her big imagination and creative thinking. Inspired by her surroundings, she faces each situation with boldness, but will her imagination lead her astray? Join Yasmin and her Pakistani American family on delightful adventures that inspire and entertain. Discover how Yasmin's unique perspective turns everyday problems into exciting opportunities for growth and learning.
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2018

Yasmin the Builder

A class of students work together to build a city using various materials.

24 pages· 508 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 299 ratings
$5.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Yasmin's second-grade class is buzzing with creativity as they build a city in their makerspace project. While her classmates construct houses and castles, Yasmin feels stuck without an idea. But during recess, inspiration hits, leading her to create something that unites everyone. What will Yasmin build that brings her class together?
Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2022

All My Rage

Two friends face shattered bonds and hidden pasts in a quest for redemption.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2022)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2022)Michael L. Printz Award (2023)
400 pages
4.5/5 Goodreads · 67,827 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In Juniper, California, Salahudin and Noor's friendship shatters after a devastating fight. As Sal struggles to save his family's motel amidst personal turmoil, Noor dreams of escaping her oppressive life. Together, they must confront their pasts and redefine their bond. Can they overcome the shadows that threaten to consume them, or will their shared history be their undoing? A tale of love, loss, and the power of forgiveness unfolds across generations and continents.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Drawing Deena

A young artist battles anxiety while using her creativity to help her family, but success brings unexpected challenges.

240 pages· 46,595 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 442 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Deena, a young Pakistani American artist, grapples with anxiety as her family's financial struggles intensify. To help, she uses her artistic skills to promote her mom's clothing business. As her efforts gain traction, tensions rise with her cousin Parisa, turning Deena's creative escape into a source of stress. Can Deena find balance and support to transform her anxiety into something beautiful? Discover the journey of self-discovery and the power of asking for help in this heartfelt tale.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

More to the Story

A young journalist's ambition clashes with family challenges and friendship dilemmas.

272 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,142 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Jameela Mirza dreams of journalistic fame, but her editor-in-chief blocks her ideas. Tasked with profiling a mysterious new student, she faces a bigger challenge when her father moves overseas and her sister falls ill. As Jameela strives to impress her absent dad, she risks losing a budding friendship. Can she balance ambition with what truly matters, or will her dreams unravel? Discover how Jameela navigates family, friendship, and her passion for writing in this heartfelt tale of resilience and self-discovery.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2022

Zara's Rules for Record-Breaking Fun

A young girl must reclaim her neighborhood crown by breaking a world record.

144 pages· 17,240 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 322 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Zara Saleem, the self-proclaimed queen of her neighborhood, faces a challenge when new neighbor Naomi arrives with her own fun ideas. Determined to regain her influence, Zara plans to break a Guinness World Record. But as her quest isolates her, Zara wonders if sharing the spotlight and making a new friend might be the real victory. Can Zara balance her ambitions with the joy of friendship?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Golden Girl

A girl must choose between her bad habit and saving her family.

336 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,292 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Seventh grader Aafiyah Qamar loves tennis and quirky facts, but her secret habit of 'borrowing' pretty things complicates her life. When her father is wrongly accused of a crime, Aafiyah devises a plan to clear his name. However, her plan might require indulging in her troublesome habit. Can Aafiyah reunite her family without losing herself? This heartfelt tale explores the challenges of doing what's right amidst personal flaws and family turmoil.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Amina's Song

Amina struggles to connect her two worlds after a life-changing trip.

288 pages· 43,950 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,208 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Amina returns from a transformative trip to Pakistan, eager to share her experiences. But her friends in Greendale seem uninterested, leaving her feeling disconnected. After a school presentation on Malala goes awry, Amina questions where she truly belongs. As she turns to songwriting, she finds solace in a new friendship with Nico, a fellow music lover. Can Amina bridge the gap between her two worlds and stay true to herself?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2020

A Place at the Table

By Saadia Faruqi, Laura Shovan (Author/Illustrator)

Two girls from different worlds must unite in a cooking class to discover friendship and belonging.

320 pages· 71,142 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,531 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Sara, new to a diverse school, and Elizabeth, coping with her mom's depression, meet in a cooking class. Forced together by circumstance, they aim to create a unique dish for a local food show. As they navigate cultural differences and personal struggles, can they forge a true friendship beyond the kitchen?
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Pakistani Americans Picture Books

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

Series
Sale price
$595

Yasmin the Chef

Ages 4–6 · 2019

Yasmin must create a dish to rival her family's spicy cuisine.

Sale price
$799

Yasmin the Fashionista

Ages 4–6 · 2018

A bored girl turns a fashion mishap into a creative rescue mission.

Sale price
$595

Yasmin the Painter

Ages 4–6 · 2018

A young artist finds inspiration in chaos for a school contest.

Sale price
$595

Yasmin the Explorer

Ages 4–6 · 2018

A young girl goes on an adventure with her mother to the farmer's market and learns to navigate using a map.

Bilal Cooks Daal

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A young boy helps his father cook a traditional meal for dinner.

Leila in Saffron

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Leila discovers her unique identity during a family dinner.

Sale price
$3422

Run for a Cause

Ages 0–8 · 2023

A charity run reveals unexpected lessons beyond winning for two organizers after a flood in Pakistan.

Ali the Great and the Robot Meltdown

Ages 4–8 · 2024

Can Ali turn a robot competition meltdown into a teamwork triumph?

Sale price
$2265

Ali the Great and Too Many Cooks

Ages 4–8 · 2024

Ali's cooking day turns chaotic when his brother Fateh disrupts everything. Can Ali find a clever solution?

Sale price
$2265

Ali the Great and the Magic Trick Fix

Ages 4–8 · 2024

Ali's magic tricks fail at show-and-tell. Can he find a way to save the day?

Sale price
$2265

Ali the Great and the Bug Hunt Hazard

Ages 4–8 · 2024

Ali's bug hunt turns into a surprising adventure. Who's really hunting whom?

Sale price
$799

Yasmin the Vet

Ages 5–8 · 2024

Yasmin's dreams of space shift after a museum visit sparks a new idea.

View all pakistani americans picture books
Browse by age

Pakistani Americans Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about pakistani americans for developing and independent readers.

The Partition Project

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A young journalist uncovers her grandmother's hidden past, revealing a story of survival and identity.

#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1599

No Normal

Ages 14–17 · 2014

A Jersey City teen gains powers and faces the legacy of Ms. Marvel.

Amina's Voice

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A girl navigates cultural identity and friendship amid community tragedy.

Power Forward

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A young dreamer defies his parents to pursue basketball stardom.

Marya Khan and the Awesome Adventure Park

Ages 6–9 · 2024

Can Marya conquer the obstacle course and learn the true meaning of fun at the adventure park?

Marya Khan and the Spectacular Fall Festival

Ages 6–9 · 2023

Marya's quest for a trophy at the fall festival tests her priorities.

Give It a Try, Yasmin!

Ages 5–7 · 2021

Yasmin faces school challenges with courage and creativity.

Zara's Rules for Finding Hidden Treasure

Ages 7–10 · 2022

A missing bike leads to a business venture with unexpected challenges.

Anisa's International Day

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Anisa's International Day plans unravel when her best friend turns distant. Can mehndi save the day?

Bounce Back

Ages 7–10 · 2018

Injury sidelines a young basketball dreamer. Can he lead without playing?

Sale price
$699

On Point

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A young basketball player must lead his struggling team and navigate friendship challenges.

Generation Why
#2 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1599

Generation Why

Ages 14–17 · 2015

A mysterious villain threatens Ms. Marvel's future. Can she and her allies stop him before it's too late?

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