Books About Asians · 638 titles considered

The Best Asians Books for Kids

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.

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Asians

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.

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

4.4/5 Goodreads · 56,895 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

$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.

394 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 113,710 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?

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 · 15,064 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

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?

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 · 563 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

$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)

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

4.3/5 Goodreads · 55,415 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

$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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 299 ratings

$5.95Save 4%

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?

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 · 31,830 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

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

$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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 688,392 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

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.

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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,687 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

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?

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)

291 pages· 44,276 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 28,460 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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?

The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

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Browse by age

Ages 3–7 · 2001

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

View all asians board books

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Ages 4–8 · 1993

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

View all asians picture books

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Asians Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about asians for developing and independent readers.

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.

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