Books About Chinese Culture · 242 titles considered

The Best Chinese Culture Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about chinese culture? 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
Chinese Cinderella
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Chinese Culture

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 experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,039 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
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.

298 pages· 64,171 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 47,320 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
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%
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2006

American Born Chinese

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

240 pages· 7,831 words· Est. 59 min read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 102,946 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2008

Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

By Lenore Look, LeUyen Pham (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Alvin Ho series

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

176 pages· 18,793 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 7,162 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 5–7 · 2009

A Happy Day

Discover why life is so joyful for one little girl.

25 pages· 427 words· Est. 8 min read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 80 ratings
$21.32Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 1999

Chinese Cinderella

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

240 pages
7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 42,394 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2021

Watercress

By Andrea Wang, Jason Chin (Illustrator)

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

32 pages· 497 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 5,994 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas

By Natasha Yim, Grace Zong (Illustrator)

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.

32 pages· 1,050 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,092 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1968

Tikki Tikki Tembo

A boy's long name leads to unexpected trouble in a classic folktale.

48 pages· 1,142 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 65,206 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
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Browse by age

Chinese Culture Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Bruce Lee

Ages 1–3 · 2019

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

Bringing In the New Year

Ages 0–3 · 2008

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

Lunar New Year

Ages 2–4 · 2018

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

The Animals of Chinese New Year

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Twelve animals race across a river to win the honor of representing the new year. Who will triumph?

12 Lucky Animals

Ages 2–4 · 2018

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

Dim Sum for Everyone!

Ages 3–7 · 2001

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

Squirrel Round and Round

Ages 2–5 · 2015

Follow a squirrel's journey through the changing seasons.

I Am Mulan

Ages 2–5 · 2020

A brave warrior defies tradition to save her family and country.

A Nest in Springtime
Sale price
$699

A Nest in Springtime

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Count the goslings as a family grows in springtime.

One, Two, Three Dim Sum

Ages 0–4 · 2020

Discover numbers through delicious Chinese foods in English and Mandarin.

Summertime Rainbow
Sale price
$699

Summertime Rainbow

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Bunnies explore a colorful meadow. How many hues will they find?

Mulan

Ages 2–5 · 1998

A young woman disguises as a soldier to save her father and her country.

View all chinese culture board books
Browse by age

Chinese Culture Picture Books

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

Queen of Physics

Ages 5–10 · 2019

A girl defies societal norms to become a pioneering physicist, battling prejudice along the way.

Mountain Chef

Ages 6–9 · 2016

A cook's ingenuity saves a wilderness expedition, inspiring the National Park Service.

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.

Laolao's Dumplings

Ages 4–8 · 2023

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

Home in a Lunchbox

Ages 4–8 · 2024

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

Grandpa Grumps

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Can Daisy make her grumpy grandpa smile before he returns to China?

Two New Years

Ages 3–5 · 2023

Two New Year celebrations reveal shared traditions and values.

Dumplings for Lili

Ages 6–8 · 2021

Lili races to gather ingredients for dumplings, uniting neighbors through shared recipes.

Piper Chen Sings

Ages 4–8 · 2024

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

I am I.M. Pei
Sale price
$1599

I am I.M. Pei

Ages 5–8 · 2022

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

Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A young girl creates her own unique dragon after being inspired by a story and her grandmother's guidance.

Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup

Ages 4–9 · 2016

Two soups, one secret. Can a granddaughter unite her family with a tasty surprise?

Browse by age

Chinese Culture Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about chinese culture for developing and independent readers.

Dumpling Days

Ages 8–12 · 2012

A trip to Taiwan challenges Pacy's identity and art skills.

Finally Seen

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A girl reunites with her family in America, facing unexpected challenges and a quest for belonging.

Jolly Foul Play

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A student is murdered on Bonfire Night. Can two friends solve the mystery before their school unravels?

Stargazing

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Two friends face a celestial mystery and a life-threatening challenge. Can their bond withstand the test?

Prairie Lotus

Ages 10–12 · 2020

A girl faces prejudice while pursuing her dreams in 1880s America.

This Book Is a Classic

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A young writer tackles identity, friendship, and family challenges in her quest to create a classic story.

When the Sea Turned to Silver

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A girl must find a mystical stone to rescue her kidnapped grandmother.

Dragon Hoops

Ages 14–18 · 2020

A teacher discovers the thrill of basketball as his school's team chases a historic championship.

New from Here
Sale price
$1899

New from Here

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A boy battles racism and family separation during the pandemic.

The Year of the Fortune Cookie

Ages 6–9 · 2014

Anna's journey to China reveals where she truly belongs.

Thea Stilton and the Ghost of the Shipwreck
Sale price
$899

Thea Stilton and the Ghost of the Shipwreck

Ages 7–10 · 2010

Five mouse friends embark on a treasure hunt to uncover the secrets of the Jade Princess's lost treasure.

A Thief at the National Zoo

Ages 6–9 · 2007

A precious jewel vanishes from a locked room. Can KC and Marshall solve the mystery?

Keep exploring
Books about bullyingBooks about gratitudeBooks about happinessBooks about helping othersBooks about hotels and motelsBooks about identityBooks about immigration and emigrationBooks about social life and customs

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