Books About Asia · 827 titles considered

The Best Asia Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about 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 Asia

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Orange for the Sunsets

By Tina Athaide

Two friends face a regime's ultimatum, testing their bond and redefining home.

336 pages· 49,862 words· Est. 7 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 963 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: In Uganda under Amin's rule, Asha and Yesofu's friendship transcends cultural divides. But when Indians are ordered to leave, their world shatters. As tensions rise and soldiers patrol, Asha clings to the familiar, while Yesofu is torn between loyalty and a hopeful future. With their friendship on the line, can they find the courage to let go?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2019

They Called Us Enemy

By George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott, Harmony Becker (Illustrator)

A boy's childhood unfolds in WWII American camps, questioning identity and resilience.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2020)

204 pages· 12,726 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 57,001 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: George Takei's childhood is upended when his family is forced into WWII American camps. As a young boy, he navigates the harsh realities of life behind barbed wire, grappling with questions of identity and justice. His mother's sacrifices and father's unwavering belief in democracy shape his future. How does one find hope in a world of legalized racism? This graphic memoir explores the courage and resilience needed to redefine what it means to be American. Join Takei on a journey through history that challenges the very essence of freedom and belonging.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2019

Patron Saints of Nothing

By Randy Ribay

A teen seeks the truth behind his cousin's murder in a war-torn land.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2019)

352 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 20,981 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Jay Reguero's plans for a carefree senior year shatter when he learns of his cousin Jun's murder in the Philippines. Determined to uncover the truth, Jay embarks on a journey that forces him to confront family secrets and his own role in the tragedy. As he delves deeper, Jay must navigate the dangerous waters of a country embroiled in a brutal war on drugs, all while grappling with his identity and the bonds of faith and family. Will he find the answers he seeks, or will the truth prove too devastating?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2021

Iron Widow

By Xiran Jay Zhao · Book #1 in the Iron Widow series

A girl defies a deadly system, seeking revenge and power in a world of giant robots.

CALA Best Book Award (Chinese American Librarians Association) Honor (2022)

394 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 113,848 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Zetian, a determined 18-year-old, becomes a concubine-pilot to avenge her sister's death. Unexpectedly, she kills her partner through their psychic link, earning the title Iron Widow. Paired with the formidable Li Shimin, Zetian must navigate a treacherous world where girls are sacrificed to power mecha. As she battles for survival, she seeks to unravel the misogynistic pilot system and save future girls from the same fate. Will Zetian's newfound power be enough to change a world that fears her strength?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

Any Day with You

By Mae Respicio

A girl uses filmmaking to keep her great-grandfather from leaving for the Philippines.

216 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 562 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Kaia, a creative young filmmaker in California, faces a heart-wrenching challenge: her beloved great-grandfather, Tatang, plans to return to the Philippines. Determined to keep him close, Kaia enters a filmmaking contest, crafting a movie inspired by his cherished Filipino folktales. As she and her friends dive into the world of special effects and storytelling, Kaia hopes their film will be enough to convince Tatang to stay. Will her creative vision be powerful enough to change his mind, or will she have to say goodbye to the man who brings magic to her life?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

The Bridge Home

By Padma Venkatraman

Homeless kids find hope and freedom, but illness threatens their fragile world.

Golden Kite Award (2020)

208 pages· 34,537 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,979 ratings

$16.99

Summary: In the bustling streets of Chennai, runaway sisters Viji and Rukku find refuge with two boys under an abandoned bridge. As they form a makeshift family, they navigate the harsh realities of survival. But when illness strikes, Viji faces a heart-wrenching choice: seek help from strangers or protect their hard-won independence. Can they hold onto hope in a world that seems so unforgiving?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

By Grace Lin · Book #1 in the Where the Mountain Meets the Moon series

A girl seeks the Old Man on the Moon to change her family's fortune.

Newbery Honor (2010)The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2010)

278 pages· 42,343 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 55,457 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: In a valley where hope is scarce, young Minli embarks on a daring quest to find the Old Man on the Moon, seeking answers to alter her family's fate. Guided by folktales and joined by a flightless dragon, she encounters magical beings and faces challenges that test her courage and faith. Will Minli's journey bring prosperity to her home, or will the secrets of the moon remain hidden? Discover a world where adventure and folklore intertwine in a tale of friendship and destiny.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Night Diary

By Veera Hiranandani

A young girl navigates a divided land, seeking identity and hope amidst India's partition.

Newbery Honor (2019)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2019)

304 pages· 50,124 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 21,208 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1947, as India splits into two nations, twelve-year-old Nisha, half-Hindu and half-Muslim, becomes a refugee. Her family flees their home in Pakistan, embarking on a perilous journey to find safety. Through letters to her deceased mother, Nisha grapples with her fractured identity and the chaos around her. Can she find a place to belong in a world torn apart? The Night Diary is a poignant tale of resilience and the search for home in a divided land.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2017

Mochi Queen

By Debbi Michiko Florence, Elizabet Vukovic (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Jasmine Toguchi series

Jasmine defies tradition to pound mochi before her sister. Can she succeed?

128 pages· 10,033 words· Est. 2 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,174 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi is determined to do something special before her sister. As her family prepares for New Year's, Jasmine plans to break tradition by pounding mochi rice with the men. But the task is harder than it seems, and it's usually reserved for boys. Can Jasmine prove herself and make her mark before the celebration begins?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

When You Trap a Tiger

By Tae Keller

A girl must decide: make a deal with a magical tiger or risk losing her grandmother.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2020)Newbery Medal (2021)Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2021)

297 pages· 53,745 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 20,961 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Lily's world changes when a magical tiger from her grandmother's Korean folktales appears, demanding the return of a stolen treasure. In exchange, her grandmother's health hangs in the balance. With her sister and friend Ricky, Lily must navigate this mystical challenge, uncover family secrets, and find her courage. Will she risk everything for a deal that might not be what it seems? Dive into a tale where folklore and reality intertwine, and the power of stories could be the key to saving her family.

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Browse by age

Asia Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about asia for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$899

Rapunzel

Ages 2–5 · 2017

A girl with long hair is trapped in a tower in a vibrant Indian retelling.

Sale price

$1599

Mahatma Gandhi

Ages 0–3 · 2019

A rebellious youth becomes a symbol of peace, uniting a nation.

Sale price

$1599

Bruce Lee

Ages 1–3 · 2019

A young martial artist defies Hollywood's barriers to become a film legend.

Sale price

$799

Up to My Knees!

Ages 0–2 · 2020

A sunflower grows taller. How high will it reach?

Sale price

$995

Holi Colors

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover Holi's vibrant colors and joyful celebrations.

Sale price

$799

What Do You Wear?

Ages 0–3 · 1980

Discover animals in playful outfits, making dressing up fun for toddlers.

Sale price

$899

Diwali

Ages 2–4 · 2018

Discover Diwali's magic, where light triumphs over darkness.

Sale price

$899

Lunar New Year

Ages 2–4 · 2018

Discover the vibrant traditions of Lunar New Year in this festive celebration.

Sale price

$799

First Book of Sushi

Ages 0–3 · 2001

Discover Japanese cuisine through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations.

Sale price

$699

Bringing In the New Year

Ages 0–3 · 2008

Join a family as they prepare and celebrate the vibrant Lunar New Year.

Sale price

$995

Toddler Two

Ages 3–4 · 2000

Two toddlers explore their world, discovering everything that comes in twos.

Sale price

$799

12 Lucky Animals

Ages 2–4 · 2018

Discover your lucky animal in this bilingual journey through the Chinese zodiac.

View all asia board books

Browse by age

Asia Picture Books

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

Sale price

$895

Book Uncle and Me

Ages 7–10 · 2012

A young girl named Yasmin visits a free library on the corner and returns a book about doves and their king, who gets stuck in a hunter's net.

Sale price

$1999

Stone Soup

Ages 4–8 · 2003

Strangers inspire a wary village to create a feast from stones.

Sale price

$1799

Sakamoto's Swim Club

Ages 6–10 · 2021

A teacher transforms plantation kids into Olympic swimmers using innovative techniques.

Sale price

$1695

In the Tall Grass

Ages 2–8 · 2007

Tiny explorers uncover hidden wonders in a magical grass world.

Sale price

$1799

Manjhi Moves a Mountain

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A man carves a mountain path, transforming his village's future.

Sale price

$1899

Watercress

Ages 4–7 · 2021

A roadside discovery reveals a family's hidden heritage and unites past and present.

Sale price

$1799

Malala's Magic Pencil

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A young girl's desire for a magic pencil leads her to discover the power of her own voice and the importance of education.

Sale price

$1899

A Bowl Full of Peace

Ages 6–11 · 2020

Survive the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and find hope in a miraculous discovery.

Sale price

$1799

Danbi Leads the School Parade

Ages 3–7 · 2020

A new girl turns silence into a joyful parade, bridging cultures with imagination.

Sale price

$1699

Snow Leopard

Ages 5–8 · 2019

Follow tracks in the snow to uncover the elusive snow leopard's hidden world.

Sale price

$1799

Our Favorite Day

Ages 3–7 · 2019

A grandfather's routine transforms on special Thursdays with his granddaughter.

Sale price

$1699

Yoko

Ages 3–6 · 1998

A school lunch sparks a lesson in embracing differences.

View all asia picture books

Browse by age

Asia Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about asia for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

Inside Out & Back Again

Ages 8–12 · 2011

A young girl flees war-torn Vietnam, seeking hope in America.

Sale price

$999

Bronze and Sunflower

Ages 9–12 · 2005

Two children find solace and friendship amidst loss and hardship.

Sale price

$1099

The Astonishing Color of After

Ages 14–18 · 2018

A girl seeks her mother's spirit in Taiwan, uncovering family secrets and confronting her grief.

Sale price

$1999

Yolk

Ages 14–18 · 2021

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

Sale price

$1799

Paper Wishes

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A girl clings to hope as her family is uprooted during wartime.

Sale price

$1899

Everything, Everything

Ages 12–18 · 2015

A girl allergic to the world risks everything for a forbidden love next door.

Sale price

$1099

The Jungle Book

Ages 10–14 · 1894

A boy raised by wolves must outwit a vengeful tiger in the jungle.

Sale price

$1299

Harley in the Sky

Ages 12–18 · 2020

A teen defies her family to chase her circus dreams, facing harsh truths and sacrifices.

Sale price

$1699

Lalani of the Distant Sea

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A girl braves a perilous sea quest to save her mother and her future.

Sale price

$899

Kira-Kira

Ages 12–15 · 2004

A sister's illness challenges Katie to find hope in a world that seems to dim without her light.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

American Born Chinese

Ages 12–18 · 2006

Three lives collide in a surprising twist, challenging identity and stereotypes.

Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

Sale price

$799

Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

Ages 6–9 · 2008

A young boy struggles to navigate school and friendships while dealing with his own anxieties and fears.

View all asia chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about death, grief, and bereavement Books about immigration and emigration Books about prejudice and racism Books about Chinese folklore Books about courage Books about culture Books about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse Books about evacuation and relocation

Our 10 Favorite Books About Asia

Great books, picked for their age.

Asia Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Asia Picture Books

Asia Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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