Books About Asian Americans · 313 titles considered

The Best Asian Americans Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about asian 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.

Ruby Lu, Brave and True
#1 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Asian Americans

Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2004

Ruby Lu, Brave and True

By Lenore Look, Anne Wilsdorf (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Ruby Lu series

Ruby's life is magical, until family challenges test her patience.

112 pages· 10,664 words· Est. 2 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,039 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Ruby Lu loves her magical life, from performing backyard shows to visiting her grandparents. But when her brother reveals her secrets and her parents impose new rules, Ruby faces unexpected challenges. Can she navigate these hurdles and still find joy in her adventures? Join Ruby on her journey of discovery and see what makes her truly special.
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 · 1,412 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.
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?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

Front Desk

By Kelly Yang · Book #1 in the Front Desk series

A young girl juggles motel duties, hidden secrets, and dreams of writing.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2019)CALA Best Book Award (Chinese American Librarians Association) (2019)Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2019)
298 pages· 64,171 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 47,390 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ten-year-old Mia Tang juggles managing a motel, hiding immigrants, and dreaming of becoming a writer. With her parents' secret at risk of exposure by the harsh owner, Mr. Yao, Mia must summon all her courage and kindness. Can she protect her family, help those in need, and pursue her passion despite her mother's doubts? Discover Mia's journey of resilience and hope in a world where every choice counts.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2017

Mochi Queen

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·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,174 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
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?
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 8–12 · 2021

Generation Misfits

A girl finds friendship and faces hidden struggles through J-Pop.

352 pages· 71,579 words· Est. 10 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 182 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Millie, a Japanese-American girl, starts at a new school and joins a J-Pop band, hoping for friendship. As she bonds with fellow misfits, she discovers one friend's silent struggle. Can Millie help when words fail? Dive into a tale of music, friendship, and unspoken challenges.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

Save Me a Seat

Two boys unite against a school bully, discovering unexpected friendship.

256 pages· 31,016 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 19,727 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Joe, abandoned by his friends, and Ravi, new to America, face a daunting school bully. As they navigate a tumultuous week, they find an unlikely ally in each other. Can they overcome their differences and reclaim control of their lives?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Inside Out & Back Again

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

262 pages· 14,925 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 68,496 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1975, Hà's world is upended as she and her family escape war-torn Vietnam for a new life in Alabama. Through poetic verse, Hà navigates the challenges of a foreign land, grappling with loss, identity, and the quest for belonging. Will she find hope and healing in this unfamiliar world, or will the shadows of her past linger? Experience a poignant journey of resilience and transformation as Hà's story unfolds, capturing the heartache and hope of a refugee's path to a new beginning.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2017

See You in the Cosmos

A boy's quest to launch his iPod into space uncovers family secrets.

320 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 13,327 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Alex Petroski, an 11-year-old space enthusiast, dreams of launching his golden iPod into space, mirroring his hero Carl Sagan's Golden Record. As he travels from Colorado to L.A., Alex records his journey, hoping to show extraterrestrial life what Earth is like. Along the way, he meets quirky characters and uncovers family secrets, including truths about his deceased father and a newfound extended family. With a troubled mom and an absent brother, Alex's adventure is filled with unexpected revelations and heartwarming discoveries, challenging his understanding of family and belonging.
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Asian Americans Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Bringing In the New Year

Ages 0–3 · 2008

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

Toddler Two

Ages 3–4 · 2000

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

Dim Sum for Everyone!

Ages 3–7 · 2001

Discover the joy of dim sum with a family sharing their favorite treats.

Who Was Bruce Lee?

Ages 3–5 · 2022

Discover the legacy of a martial arts legend for young readers.

View all asian americans board books
Browse by age

Asian Americans Picture Books

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

Watercress

Ages 4–7 · 2021

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

Danbi Leads the School Parade

Ages 3–7 · 2020

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

Our Favorite Day

Ages 3–7 · 2019

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

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A young girl visits her neighbors on Chinese New Year and causes chaos in their home, leading to a series of unfortunate events and a lesson in responsibility and kindness.

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1899

Home in a Lunchbox

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A young immigrant finds comfort and belonging through familiar meals in a new world.

Awe-Samosas!

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A girl improvises a family recipe, creating a delicious new treat.

Scroll

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A magical world where drawn characters come to life challenges Lulu to face an angry dragon.

Piper Chen Sings

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A young girl battles stage fright to find her voice for a school solo.

Laolao's Dumplings

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Can Millie make dumplings alone and bring joy to her tired LaoLao?

Tofu Takes Time
Sale price
$1899

Tofu Takes Time

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A young girl learns to make tofu from scratch with her grandmother.

How We Say I Love You

Ages 3–7 · 2022

Discover love's language through everyday actions in a family's life.

Sale price
$1599

I am I.M. Pei

Ages 5–8 · 2022

Discover the ingenuity of architect I. M. Pei and his iconic designs.

Browse by age

Asian Americans Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about asian americans for developing and independent readers.

Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts

Ages 7–12 · 2018

Sam must face his fears when a ghost haunts his home.

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.

American Born Chinese
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

Ages 6–9 · 2008

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

A Happy Day

Ages 5–7 · 2009

Discover why life is so joyful for one little girl.

Chinese Cinderella
Sale price
$1199

Chinese Cinderella

Ages 12–+ · 1999

An unloved daughter battles family disdain in 1940s China, seeking love and triumph.

The Kite Fighters

Ages 8–12 · 2000

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

Sale price
$1699

The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A family races to uncover secrets and save a birthday surprise amid unexpected visitors.

The Gauntlet

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Trapped in a magical board game, three friends must escape to save themselves and others.

Miracle

Ages 8–12 · 2023

Amie must rediscover her music after losing her father and her ability to play.

You Are Here

Ages 8–12 · 2023

Chaos at an airport intertwines the lives of twelve young Asian Americans, revealing identity and belonging.

Ruby Lost and Found

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A girl navigates grief and change through scavenger hunts, family secrets, and a fight to save a bakery.

Keep exploring
Books about immigration and emigrationBooks about making friendsBooks about building thingsBooks about bullyingBooks about clubsBooks about creativityBooks about cultureBooks about family problems

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