The Best Chinese-american Experiences Books for Kids

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$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2018

Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts

By Katie Tsang, Kevin Tsang, Nathan Reed (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Sam Wu Is Not Afraid series

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

240 pages· 13,989 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 490 ratings

$12.95Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Sam Wu is determined to prove he's fearless after an embarrassing incident at the Space Museum. Inspired by his favorite show, Space Blasters, he sets out to confront the ghost rumored to haunt his house. As he navigates ghost hunting, escaped snakes, and sassy cats, can Sam show everyone, including himself, that he's braver than he seems? This humorous adventure explores courage and self-discovery in unexpected ways.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2184

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2021

The Legend of Auntie Po (Graphic Novel)

By Shing Yin Khor

In 1885, Mei reimagines myths to navigate love and identity amid racial tensions in a logging camp.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2021)

304 pages· 5,531 words· Est. 50 min read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,979 ratings

$22.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1885, thirteen-year-old Mei works in a Sierra Nevada logging camp, reimagining Paul Bunyan as Auntie Po, a Chinese heroine. Amidst racial tensions post-Chinese Exclusion Act, Mei clings to her stories while grappling with camp politics and her deepening feelings for her friend Bee. As she weaves tales of Auntie Po, Mei explores who owns a myth and how immigrant communities preserve their traditions while carving out a place in America. Will Mei's stories be enough to anchor her in a world that challenges her identity and heart?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2017

Escape from the Great Earthquake

By Kate Messner, Kelley McMorris (Illustrator) · Book #6 in the Ranger in Time series

In San Francisco, 1906, a devastating earthquake strikes, and a young Chinese girl named Lily and a dog named Ranger team up to find her friend's brother and escape the city.

160 pages· 14,845 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 584 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Ranger, a time-traveling golden retriever, arrives in earthquake-stricken San Francisco to aid Lily Chen, a young servant with dreams of becoming a doctor. As the city crumbles, Lily and her new friend May Wong, along with Ranger, must navigate the devastation to save May's brother and themselves. Amidst the chaos of collapsing buildings and raging fires, they also confront the harsh realities of anti-Chinese discrimination. Can they find safety and hope in a city torn apart? Discover their journey of survival and courage.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2013

Paper Son

By Helen Foster James, Virginia Shin-Mui Loh, Wilson Ong (Illustrator) · Tales of Young Americans series

A boy's future hinges on passing a test to become a 'paper son' in America.

32 pages· 2,700 words· Est. 21 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 220 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1926, young Fu Lee faces a daunting journey from his Chinese village to America. As a 'paper son,' he must convincingly assume a new identity to pass the test at Angel Island Immigration Station. The stakes are high; one mistake could send him back to China, dashing his grandparents' hopes for a better life. Will Lee's courage and determination be enough to secure his future in a foreign land, or will the weight of his secret prove too great? Discover the challenges and choices that define his path.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 13–+ · 2023

The Boy You Always Wanted

By Michelle Quach

A young woman enlists her childhood crush to fulfill her grandfather's dying wish, but tangled lies and unexpected feelings arise.

336 pages· 79,444 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

3.5/5 Goodreads · 1,589 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Francine's grandfather has one last wish: a male heir to carry on family traditions. Desperate to fulfill it, she ropes in Ollie, her childhood crush, to pose as the honorary grandson. Ollie, skeptical of the outdated scheme, reluctantly agrees. As they navigate this charade, unexpected feelings and mounting lies complicate their plan. Francine must confront her true desires and the reality of her relationship with Ollie. Will they find what they truly need, or will the deception unravel everything?

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2025

San Francisco Earthquake 1906

By DK · Against the Odds series

A teen faces nature's fury in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

144 pages· 14,236 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 4 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Chen is thrust into chaos as the 1906 San Francisco earthquake strikes. Amidst the devastation, he must navigate survival and find hope. Can he overcome the odds and emerge stronger?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Bubble Trouble

By Wendy Wan-Long Shang

Chloe's bubble tea venture leads to unexpected chaos and a chance at love.

240 pages· 34,898 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 195 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Chloe Wong dreams of a Broadway trip, but funds are tight after her mom's passing. When she's banned from Tea Palace, Chloe decides to make and sell her own boba tea with help from her best friend Sabrina, her inventive dad, and a rescue dog. As she navigates sticky drinks and business challenges, Chloe must also confront her feelings for the charming bobamaster, Henry Lee. Can she break free from her orderly world and embrace the messiness of life and love?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Lily and the Great Quake

By Veeda Bybee, Alessia Trunfio (Illustrator) · Book #10 in the Girls Survive series

A girl must lead her brother to safety through a burning, hostile city after an earthquake.

112 pages· 12,039 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 147 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 1906 San Francisco, twelve-year-old Lily faces a harrowing journey. Separated from her parents by a devastating earthquake, she must guide her younger brother and neighbor through a city engulfed in flames. As they navigate the chaos, Lily confronts not only the dangers of the fire but also the harsh realities of racism. Can she reunite with her family and find refuge across the bay in Oakland? This gripping tale of survival and courage will leave you questioning who will make it out alive.

The Best Chinese-american Experiences Books for Kids

Our 8 Favorite Books About Chinese-american Experiences

Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts

The Legend of Auntie Po (Graphic Novel)

Escape from the Great Earthquake

Paper Son

The Boy You Always Wanted

San Francisco Earthquake 1906

Bubble Trouble

Lily and the Great Quake

Great books, picked for their age.

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