Books About Chinese Culture · 239 titles considered

The Best Chinese Culture Books for Kids

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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Chinese Culture

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?

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%

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.

Sale price

$1797

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%

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.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2006

American Born Chinese

By Gene Luen Yang

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%

Summary: Jin Wang struggles as the only Chinese-American student in his new school. Meanwhile, the legendary Monkey King and the disruptive Chin-Kee bring chaos to their worlds. As their stories intertwine, unexpected connections reveal deeper truths about identity and acceptance. What happens when these seemingly unrelated lives converge?

Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

Sale price

$759

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%

Summary: Alvin, a second grader, is terrified of everything from elevators to school, where he remains silent. At home, he's Firecracker Man, a loud superhero. Can Alvin conquer his fears with his family's help and embrace the world outside?

Sale price

$2025

Chapter Book · Ages 5–7 · 2009

A Happy Day

By Fran Manushkin, Tammie Lyon (Illustrator) · Katie Woo series

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%

Summary: Katie Woo is bursting with happiness, and she's eager to share why. From small joys to big dreams, her list of reasons to smile is endless. What makes her world so bright? Dive into Katie's cheerful life and uncover the secrets to her happiness. Could her perspective change yours?

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 1999

Chinese Cinderella

By Adeline Yen Mah

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%

Summary: In 1940s China, Adeline Yen Mah is deemed bad luck by her affluent family after her mother's death. As her father remarries, Adeline faces her stepmother's disdain while her step-siblings are pampered. Despite excelling in school, she yearns for familial love and acceptance. This memoir unfolds like a Cinderella tale, revealing Adeline's resilience and hope amidst adversity. Will she find the love she craves, or remain an outcast in her own home? Discover her journey of courage and triumph against the odds.

Sale price

$1797

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.

Newbery Honor (2022)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2021)Caldecott Medal (2022)

32 pages· 497 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 5,994 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: In Ohio, a young girl feels embarrassed when her immigrant parents stop to gather wild watercress. As her mother shares a poignant story from their past in China, the girl begins to understand the significance of their foraging. This journey into family history transforms her embarrassment into appreciation, creating a new, cherished memory. Discover how a simple act of gathering connects generations and uncovers the power of heritage.

Sale price

$1797

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%

Summary: In a lively Chinatown, Goldy Luck's well-meaning visit turns chaotic when she disrupts a panda family's home. As she samples porridge and breaks furniture, her antics lead to unexpected consequences. With Chinese New Year approaching, Goldy must face her mistakes and find a way to make amends. Can she turn her blunders into a chance for friendship and celebration? Discover a heartwarming twist on a classic tale, complete with cultural festivities and a delicious recipe.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1968

Tikki Tikki Tembo

By Arlene Mosel

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

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1968)

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%

Summary: In a vibrant retelling of a Chinese folktale, a boy with an extraordinarily long name falls into a well, sparking a frantic rescue. As his brother races against time, the story unfolds with humor and urgency, revealing why short names became a tradition. Will the boy be saved, and what lessons will be learned from this perilous adventure? Dive into this timeless tale that has captivated generations with its charm and wit.

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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.

Sale price

$1599

Bruce Lee

Ages 1–3 · 2019

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

Sale price

$899

Lunar New Year

Ages 2–4 · 2018

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

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.

Sale price

$799

12 Lucky Animals

Ages 2–4 · 2018

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

Sale price

$699

Dim Sum for Everyone!

Ages 3–7 · 2001

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

Sale price

$599

I Am Mulan

Ages 2–5 · 2020

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

Sale price

$895

One, Two, Three Dim Sum

Ages 0–4 · 2020

Discover numbers through delicious Chinese foods in English and Mandarin.

Sale price

$699

Summertime Rainbow

Ages 0–3 · 2012

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

Sale price

$699

Squirrel Round and Round

Ages 2–5 · 2015

Follow a squirrel's journey through the changing seasons.

Sale price

$499

Mulan

Ages 2–5 · 1998

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

Sale price

$999

It's Chinese New Year, Curious George

Ages 2–4 · 2023

Join a curious monkey as he explores Chinese New Year traditions with his friend.

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.

Sale price

$1899

Two New Years

Ages 3–5 · 2023

Two New Year celebrations reveal shared traditions and values.

Sale price

$999

Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup

Ages 4–9 · 2016

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

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.

Sale price

$1899

Scroll

Ages 4–8 · 2023

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

Sale price

$1999

Piper Chen Sings

Ages 4–8 · 2024

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

Sale price

$1899

Laolao's Dumplings

Ages 4–8 · 2023

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

Sale price

$1899

Tofu Takes Time

Ages 4–8 · 2022

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

Sale price

$1599

I am I.M. Pei

Ages 5–8 · 2022

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

Sale price

$1795

Dumplings for Lili

Ages 6–8 · 2021

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

Sale price

$1799

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.

Sale price

$1799

Grandpa Grumps

Ages 4–8 · 2020

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

Sale price

$1899

Queen of Physics

Ages 5–10 · 2019

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

View all chinese culture picture books

Browse by age

Chinese Culture Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about chinese culture for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

Miracle

Ages 8–12 · 2023

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

Sale price

$1999

Jolly Foul Play

Ages 9–12 · 2016

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

Sale price

$799

Dumpling Days

Ages 8–12 · 2012

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

Sale price

$799

Corinne

Ages 8–10 · 2021

A girl faces family changes and a mountain survival test. Can she find her way home?

Sale price

$1899

Finally Seen

Ages 8–12 · 2023

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

Sale price

$1799

Key Player

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Mia must score interviews with secretive soccer teams to boost her grade and unite her dual identities.

Sale price

$1899

New from Here

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A boy battles racism and family separation during the pandemic.

Sale price

$699

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.

Sale price

$1199

When the Sea Turned to Silver

Ages 9–12 · 2016

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

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Stargazing

Ages 8–12 · 2019

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

Sale price

$1699

Prairie Lotus

Ages 10–12 · 2020

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

View all chinese culture chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about bullying Books about gratitude Books about happiness Books about helping others Books about hotels and motels Books about identity Books about immigration and emigration Books about social life and customs

Our 10 Favorite Books About Chinese Culture

Great books, picked for their age.

Chinese Culture Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Chinese Culture Picture Books

Chinese Culture Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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