Please welcome my guest author Vicky Fang. We are both in the Soaring 20’s picture book together. She grew up in Newton, MA, where I live now, so we also have that in common!
Her newest book is the Ava Lin series, a sweet and funny chapter book series about Chinese American girl navigating social situations with comical results.
Ava Lin, Best Friend by Vicky Fang
Brand-new first grader Ava Lin is determined to find a best friend—even if she’s a bit unclear on how to go about it—in this launch of a funny, super relatable chapter-book series. [chapter book, ages 6 and up]
We are giving away a copy of Ava Lin. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom. What are your favorite chapter books featuring a BIPOC main character? Thanks for sharing!
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I wrote the AVA LIN books when my kids were right in the age range to love reading funny chapter books. I wanted to write a series featuring a Chinese American main character that was truly laugh-out-loud funny so that kids would fall in love with reading these books. I wanted to write something truly heartfelt, relatable, and hilarious that reflected my cultural identity. Today, there are more and more fun and funny chapter book series featuring BIPOC main characters. Here are a few that I’ve enjoyed!
6 Funny Chapter Books Featuring BIPOC Main Characters
Marya Khan by Saadia Faruqi, illustrated by Ani Bushry
This sweet series from the author of the Yasmin books features a Pakistani third grader with big plans that backfire on her! With spot illustrations and cute “Word of the Day” chapter headers, these books are a fun read with a strong and determined main character. [chapter book, ages 6 and up]
Sadiq by Siman Nuurali, illustrated by Anjan Sarkar
Sadiq is a Somali third grader who goes on fun, problem-solving adventures. With short, accessible chapters, spot illustrations, and backmatter conversation guides, these books are great for young readers to grow their confidence. [chapter book, ages 5 and up]
Teeny Houdini by Katrina Moore, illustrated by Zoe Si
Teeny Houdini follows a mischievous and funny main character, also known as Bessie Lee, a Chinese American first grader. Kids will love Teeny Houdini’s enthusiastic character—plus instructions for a magic trick in each book! [chapter book, ages 6 and up]
The Party Diaries by Mitali Banerjee Ruths, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
These heavily illustrated chapter books feature a creative Indian American main character, Priya, and her party-planning business! Heavily illustrated with clear and fun plotlines (plus the proceeds from her business go to save animals!), Priya’s efforts are sure to inspire. [chapter book, ages 5 and up]
Jo Jo Makoons by Dawn Quigley, illustrated by Tara Audibert
7-year-old Jo Jo Makoons is an endearing and spirited protagonist, who lives on a fictional Native American Ojibwe reservation. With lots of humor and fun illustrations, kids will enjoy reading about Jo Jo’s life at home, school, and with friends. [chapter book, ages 6 and up]
Ava Lin, Best Friend GIVEAWAY!
We are giving away a copy of Ava Lin. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below. We can only mail to U.S. and A.F.O. addresses.
Vicky Fang is the author of the Layla and the Bots chapter books series, the Best Buddies early reader series, the I Can Code board book series, and the picture book Invent-a-Pet. She is the author-illustrator of Friendbots, AlphaBot, and the forthcoming Ava Lin and One Mad Cat series. A former Google product designer, she now writes and illustrates children’s books full-time. Vicky Fang lives in California. You can learn more at vickyfang.com, or follow her on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook.
p.s. Related posts:
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My books:
We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- ⭐ Starred review from School Library Journal!
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Nautilus Silver Winner, Nonfiction Children’s Picture Book
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
I can’t think of any chapter books I have read that have a BIPOC main character. I am interested in finding some for my future classroom! 🙂