Books About Asians · 638 titles considered

The Best Asians Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about asians? 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 Asians

They Called Us Enemy
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 Goodreads · 57,578 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Paperback
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.
Iron Widow
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 Goodreads · 114,732 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
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?
Almost American Girl
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 Goodreads · 15,139 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?
Any Day with You
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 Goodreads · 564 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
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?
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
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 Goodreads · 55,763 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
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.
Yasmin the Builder
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2018

Yasmin the Builder

By Saadia Faruqi, Hatem Aly (Illustrator) · Yasmin series

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

24 pages· 508 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 300 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?
Yolk
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 Goodreads · 32,020 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.
Everything, Everything
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2015

Everything, Everything

By Nicola Yoon

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

312 pages· 47,826 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 691,335 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Maddy has spent her life confined indoors, allergic to the world outside. Her existence is predictable until Olly moves in next door. Drawn to him, Maddy faces a choice: stay safe or risk everything for love. As their connection deepens, Maddy must decide if love is worth the ultimate gamble. Can she embrace the unknown, or will her condition keep her isolated forever? This heartwarming tale explores the boundaries of love and the courage to step beyond them.
Harley in the Sky
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2020

Harley in the Sky

By Akemi Dawn Bowman

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

432 pages
4.0 Goodreads · 1,693 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Harley Milano dreams of soaring as a trapeze artist, but her parents demand she stays grounded in school. After a heated argument, she leaves home to join a rival circus, Maison du Mystère. In this new world, Harley discovers the beauty and brutality of circus life, learning hard lessons about passion and teamwork. As she navigates this path, she must confront her family's truths and the sacrifices made in pursuit of her dreams. Will Harley find where she truly belongs, or will the cost of her ambition be too great?
Kira-Kira
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2004

Kira-Kira

By Cynthia Kadohata

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

Newbery Medal (2005)Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2006)
291 pages· 44,276 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 28,533 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Katie Takeshima's world is illuminated by her sister Lynn's unique perspective, making everything seem glittering. But when Lynn falls gravely ill, Katie must navigate the challenges of their new life in Georgia and hold her family together. Can she find the kira-kira, the sparkle, in a future that seems uncertain? As Katie learns to see beyond the immediate struggles, she discovers the enduring power of hope and resilience. Will she succeed in reminding her family of the beauty that still exists, even in the darkest times?
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Asians Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Rapunzel
Series
Sale price
$899

Rapunzel

Ages 2–5 · 2017

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

Mahatma Gandhi
Series
Sale price
$1599

Mahatma Gandhi

Ages 0–3 · 2019

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

Bruce Lee
Series
Sale price
$1599

Bruce Lee

Ages 1–3 · 2019

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

Holi Colors
Sale price
$995

Holi Colors

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover Holi's vibrant colors and joyful celebrations.

Diwali
Series
Sale price
$899

Diwali

Ages 2–4 · 2018

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

Lunar New Year
Series
Sale price
$899

Lunar New Year

Ages 2–4 · 2018

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

First Book of Sushi
Series
Sale price
$799

First Book of Sushi

Ages 0–3 · 2001

Discover Japanese cuisine through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations.

Bringing In the New Year
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.

Toddler Two
Sale price
$995

Toddler Two

Ages 3–4 · 2000

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

12 Lucky Animals
Sale price
$799

12 Lucky Animals

Ages 2–4 · 2018

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

Dim Sum for Everyone!
Sale price
$699

Dim Sum for Everyone!

Ages 3–7 · 2001

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

View all asians board books
Browse by age

Asians Picture Books

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

Sakamoto's Swim Club
Sale price
$1799

Sakamoto's Swim Club

Ages 6–10 · 2021

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

Manjhi Moves a Mountain
Sale price
$1799

Manjhi Moves a Mountain

Ages 4–8 · 2017

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

Watercress
Sale price
$1899

Watercress

Ages 4–7 · 2021

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

111 Trees
#22 in Series
Sale price
$1899

111 Trees

Ages 5–8 · 2020

A boy transforms his village by planting trees for every girl's birth, challenging tradition and sparking change.

Ocean Meets Sky
Sale price
$1799

Ocean Meets Sky

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A boy sails to find where the ocean meets the sky.

A Bowl Full of Peace
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.

Our Favorite Day
Sale price
$1799

Our Favorite Day

Ages 3–7 · 2019

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

The Nian Monster
Sale price
$1699

The Nian Monster

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A clever girl faces a fearsome monster threatening Shanghai during Chinese New Year.

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas
Sale price
$1899

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.

Two of Everything
Sale price
$799

Two of Everything

Ages 4–8 · 1993

A mysterious pot doubles everything placed inside. What will it create next?

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Asians Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about asians for developing and independent readers.

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.

Samira Surfs
Sale price
$999

Samira Surfs

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A refugee girl finds hope and courage in a surf club.

The Kite Fighters
Sale price
$999

The Kite Fighters

Ages 8–12 · 2000

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

The Gauntlet
Series
Sale price
$1899

The Gauntlet

Ages 8–12 · 2017

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

More to the Story
Sale price
$1799

More to the Story

Ages 8–12 · 2019

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

Extra Weird!
#3 in Series
Sale price
$599

Extra Weird!

Ages 7–10 · 2014

Can Weir balance soccer dreams and family antics without falling flat?

The Magic Fish
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1799

The Magic Fish

Ages 12–+ · 2020

A boy uses fairy tales to bridge cultural gaps and reveal his true self to his parents.

Parachute Kids
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Parachute Kids

Ages 9–12 · 2023

A young Taiwanese girl navigates her new life in America, dealing with challenges in school, cultural differences, and her complicated relationship with her family

View all asians chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about prejudice and racismBooks about allergiesBooks about building thingsBooks about cancerBooks about Chinese folkloreBooks about creativityBooks about cultureBooks about death, grief, and bereavement