162 Chinese American Books for Kids and Teens

The Chinese immigrant experience is one with a long history in America resulting in becoming the largest Asian population in America today.  There is a great one-page overview of Chinese immigration that details this history.  Interestingly, this article says that the earliest Chinese immigrants during the 1700s were well-received and became wealthy but attitudes changed negatively during the mid-1800s when less skilled Chinese “Coolies” came during the gold rush.

As I think about the Chinese immigrant experience — my father immigrated from China to pursue a Ph.D. program at U.C.L.A. a few years before the Communist Revolution — my own experience is probably similar to most second-generation immigrants in the quest to balance American culture while honoring an Asian past.  Of course, my background is dissimilar to most Chinese immigrant stories as my mother is of Japanese descent and 2nd generation at that.  And did I mention that I married a Korean?

And so each of us carries an immigrant story that is unique.  I chose these books because there was something special about each of them that helped me to connect to my Chinese roots and I hope that you enjoy them too, even if your ancestry isn’t Asian.

My own children, a “mixed-plate” to quote a Hawaiian term, are 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation Asian.  And at 1/4 Chinese, 1/4 Japanese, and 1/2 Korean, they are an unusual mix in that these three countries have traditionally hated each other for centuries.  And so in reading these stories, they may or may not relate to any of these stories, but I hope that it will help them to honor and take pride in their ancestry even if it’s as varied as a patchwork quilt.

162 Chinese American Books for Kids and Teens

10. Dragonwings series by Laurence Yep

This ten-book series chronicles the several generations of the Young family, starting in 1849 when they immigrated from China to San Francisco, through modern times (1995). [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

More Books by Lawrence Yep

9. The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Shang

If there is one book that I would single out as THE seminal Asian American coming-of-age story, it would be The Great Wall of Lucy Wu. What is unique about this story compared to all others is that the Chinese American family is an assimilated 3rd generation family without the usual Asian stereotyping. It’s not about characters that are super smart geniuses or that play the violin/piano like a child prodigy … these are characters that Asian kids living in suburban communities across the United States can actually relate to. Fitting in while retaining your Asian culture. Living up to high family expectations and standards. Being your own person versus who your parents want you to be. Good stuff! And it’s so well written that I think it will be up for many, many children’s lit awards. Wendy Shang is the Amy Tan of children’s literature. Try her for yourself! [chapter book, ages 8 and up]

More books by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

8. In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord

This is the story of Shirley Temple Wong as she emigrates to America at age 8 and discovers that America is the land of opportunity by learning about baseball, the Brooklyn Dodgers, and the great Jackie Robinson.  [chapter book, ages 8-12]

7. American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Chinese folklore is turned into a Prinz Award-winning YA graphic novel in this tale of Chinese American Geek Turned Monkey Hero. [graphic novel, ages 12 and up]

More Books by Gene Luen Yang

6. The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin

It’s the Year of the Dog, and Pacy learns that this is the year to “find herself” which means trying to find her special talents and how she fits in with family, friends, and classmates.  There is a little bonus gift in that Pacy enters a book writing contest and that book is The Ugly Vegetables!  Grace Lin is the “Amy Tan” of children’s literature and this is a gentle story for anyone who struggles with finding themselves.  In real life, Grace Lin said that she actually won the science fair and you can check her website to find out more about what really happened in real life versus Year of the Dog.    [chapter book, ages 8 and up]

More books by Grace Lin

5. Millicent Min, Girl Genius by Lisa Yee

Millicent Min is an 11-year-old girl genius with no social skills or friends except for her Grandmother Maddie.  While Millicent can rationalize her solitude, her parents and grandmother co-conspire to socialize her.  They force her to play volleyball and tutor an annoying Chinese American kid, Stanford Wong, who is the polar opposite of her.  Things look up for Millicent when she makes her first friend, Emily, at volleyball.  But things come to a head when Emily finds out that Millicent and Stanford are lying to her as they both try to hide their tutoring arrangement from her.  And to make matters worse, Maddie decides to move to England.  Millicent is a genius, but can she figure out how to repair her friendship?  [chapter book, ages 9 and up)

More books by Lisa Yee

4. The Ugly Vegetables by Grace Lin

One of my favorite picture books is about a little Chinese girl who objects to the “ugly vegetables” her family grows compared to her non-Asian neighbors who grow beautiful flowers.  But when her mother makes a delicious soup from Chinese vegetables, all the neighbors want to trade flowers for soup. What I like about this story is that “fitting in” is something internal that the little girl feels; not a result of overt prejudice.  And in the end, her differences enrich the entire neighborhood. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

3. Apple Pie on 4th of July by Janet S. Wong

When her parents cook Chinese food to sell at their store on the 4th of July, the little 2nd generation Chinese American girl thinks that her parents “don’t get it.”  No one wants Chinese food on the 4th of July, right?  A simple story that depicts perfectly the straddling of two worlds that 2nd generation children feel.  [picture book, ages 2-6]

More books by Janet Wong

2. Alvin Ho and Ruby Lu series by Lenore Look

Both series are hilarious.

Alvin Ho is afraid of everything from girls to school. He won’t speak in class but he has a rich life outside of it with his friends, going on adventures that test his courage. Alvin is the 2nd-grade Asian American boy version of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and draws in the same audience of reluctant readers as well as readers who enjoy a funny early chapter book. [easy chapter book, ages 6 and up]

More books by Lenore Look

1. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

My oldest has always loved Asian folk tales.  In this Newbery Award-winning book, Grace Lin’s finest work to date weaves Chinese Folktales into a story that is greater than the sum of its parts.  With Asian themes of filial respect and sacrifice, she writes the novel that is the “Asian Percy Jackson.”   [chapter book, ages 8-12]

More Great #OwnVoices Chinese American Books for Kids and Teens

Tik-Tac-Toe Chicken by Kimberly Tso, illustrated by Louis Chin

This is a true story about an arcade game in New York City’s Chinatown where kids played Tic-Tac-Toe against a live chicken … and the chicken always won!![nonfiction picture book, ages 5 and up]

Grace Lee Boggs: Gardens of Hope by Songju Ma Daemicke, illustrated by Lin

Hidden figure of history, Grace Lee Boggs, was an activist who fought for workers’ rights, civil rights, women’s rights, and the environment. She and her husband created a youth program in Detroit, empowering kids to turn deserted lots into gardens and broken bicycles into clean transportation. That project has grown into many other programs and organizations, a testament to her ability to spread and grow seeds of hope. [picture book biography, ages 4 and up]

El Chino by Allen Say

In America, Billy’s dad tells him that he can be anything he wants to be. He wants to be a professional basketball player, but he’s too short to be recruited for college. Instead, he becomes an engineer. When he visited Spain, he fell in love with bullfighting. A Chinese matador? It seemed impossible. But he persevered and trained with an old master, but no matador jobs came his way. He decided to embrace his ethnicity and donned a Chinese outfit to fight a bull. The crowds were impressed, and he went on to become a professional matador. [picture book biography, ages 4 and up]

Books by Roseanne Thong

Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School: Based on a True Story by Traci Huahn, illustrated by Michelle Jing Chan

Mamie Tape and her family fought for the right to send her to school. At this time, there were no schools for Chinese Americans in San Francisco. White people didn’t want the Chinese to settle down and the only separate school for Chinese children was shut down. Mamie Tape’s parents decided to fight back in the court of law. Even when they won the right to attend school, there were more obstacles. The Chinese Primary School was opened on April 13, 1885, in an effort to prevent the white school Mamie was to attend from desegregating. Her fight for the right to attend school predates Sylvia Mendez’s fight in Westminster, California, and Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled that “separate but equal” is unlawful. Mamie Tape and her parents paved the way for justice in public education. [picture book biography, ages 4 and up]

Miri’s Moving Day by Adam R. Chang and Stephanie Wildman, illustrated by Dream Chen

Miri is sad to be moving. Her Yeh Yeh has a surprise for her. It’s a new Mezuzah to replace the one at her old home. Her Jewish grandfather has a surprise for her, too! Two small carved red lions, just like the stone lions in front of her old apartment. Together, everyone celebrates with a Shabbat dinner. Both the foo dogs and the mezuzah are guardian symbols for a new home. This lovely picture book celebrates a mixed-race family. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

My Little Sister and Me by Maple Lam

A little boy picks up his younger sister from the bus stop for the first time. It’s an adventure getting home. but he gently guides her and protects her. When a thunderstorm passes through, he knows just what to do. They finally make it home where they continue to play together. After dinner, his sister draws him a card to the most wonderful big brother in the world. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Ten Blocks to the Big Wok: A Chinatown Counting Book by Ying-Hwa Hu

Mia walks with her Uncle Eddie to get dim sum in Chinatown. On every block, there is something iconic representing Chinese culture to count! One giant panda ride, two stone lions, three turtle toys, four bonsai trees, five people doing Tai Chi Chuan, six bundles of lychee, seven silk fans, eight goldfish in a tank, nine Maneki Neko cats, and ten red lanterns. Mia also counts the dim sum that they eat but this time backward from ten to one. It’s a delicious counting adventure! The end note explains the significance of each object and there is also a guide to counting to ten in Mandarin. [bilingual Mandarin Chinese picture book, ages 4 and up]

Crouching Tiger by Ying Chang Compestine, illustrated by Yan Nascimbene

Vinson’s grandfather visits from China and practices tai chi in the garden. He calls Vinson by his Chinese name, Ma Ding. Vinson tries tai chi but it’s not like the kung fu that he’s used to. When his grandfather takes him to school, he realizes that his grandfather has serious martial arts skills. He practices tai chi with his grandfather but it’s very exhausting. On Chinese New Year, his grandfather takes him to Chinatown. At first, Vinson is embarrassed to wear the red Chinese jacket, but soon he gets caught up in the celebration. He gets to be part of the lion dance as the cabbage boy. This story will especially resonate with mixed-race Chinese American kids who may struggle to straddle two cultures and identities. [picture book, ages 7 and up]

Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation by Sylvia Liu

Review by Ms. Yingling Reads:

“This was a brilliantly conceived futuristic society with lots of information and a fun and well-explained Chinese flavor. The multi-web neural implants and widespread use of technology in the very near future (I could possibly still be alive, but I’d be 88), are incredibly detailed, and we get just enough background about the tech wars, the rise of corporations, and how society has changed since the grandmother was young in the 1990s. Start-Up is an intriguing school, and the classes and activities are ones that will appeal to my students, who are much more interested in virtual reality than I am. Hana is a well-developed and likable character who is not only facing realistic problems like her older sister’s separation from her, making new friends, dealing with her father’s death, and her grandmother’s dementia, but also saving the world from the evil corporations, one of which her mother works for. The Ghost Carb Nation is a group of concerned individuals who are opposed to the reach of technology, and Ink and Wayman make convincing arguments against the involvement of corporations and government in the lives of individuals. I’m siding with them and with Popo on that: stay away from my neural pathways, thank you very much. I don’t even turn the WiFi on to my phone most of the time and rarely carry it with me. We also have fun things like enmeshed cats with translators, a Ye Olde Shoppes mall where tech is blocked to recreate the 1990s, and reading old school I Ching.” [dystopian fantasy middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao

Review by Ms. Yingling Reads:

“I can’t think of another book with a Chinese Muslim character, so it was great to see Zach bring his family’s experiences to his quest. There is a lot of historical content introduced all through the adventures, as well as a lot of myths and legends that are widely known in China but not necessarily transmitted to children of immigrants. The tie-in with video games is cleverly done, and characters are sometimes introduced with brief, video game-style descriptions. (This is also described in Anderson’s Insert Coin to Continue, but having never played video games, I didn’t quite understand this.) The quest follows the standard middle-grade format, and Simon and Melissa (as well as the figures they channel) are good allies to have, especially since Zach spends a fair amount of time unconscious! The group’s travels through China are interesting, and Simon and Melissa try to get Zach up to speed by telling him a lot of stories. My favorite parts of the book were the ones where Zach is trying to strike the right balance in speaking for Qin Shi Huang, trying to bellow with just the right amount of force and authority. The deception makes sense, and there’s definitely enough unfinished business for a second book.” [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Alina Chau

Use this charming picture book to celebrate the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year. It explains the customs in this fun adventure pitting  Xingling’s wits against the Nian Monster. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Mooncakes Mean Family by Benson Shum

Jade and Chrystal help Mom make delicious moon cakes for the Mid-Autumn festival, a time to spend with family. Grandpa teaches them how to play with the Chinese yo-yo (diabolo). They end their day with an evening picnic to view the moon. This is a delightful way to learn about the Chinese Mid-Autumn festival. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

The Shadow in the Moon: A Tale of the Mid-Autumn Festival by Christina Matula, illustrated by Pearl Law

This is a lovely picture book in which a family, two sisters, and their grandmother, celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Chinese Moon Festival). Grandmother (Ah-ma) tells the story of the archer and his wife and how the lady on the moon came to be. The Shadow In The Moon: A Tale of Mid-Autumn Festival by Christina Matula, illustrated by Pearl Law. Use this picture book to celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival with or without mooncakes. This book is an interesting blend of contemporary Chinese customs and traditional folklore. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Mama and Papa Have a Store by Amelia Lau Carling

I love this story about a Chinese family that immigrated to Guatemala City and owns a store. Depicting a typical day in the life of a family as described by the youngest, it’s a fun way to learn about the people and culture of Guatemala and the gentle rhythm of their lives. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Auntie Yang’s Great Soybean Picnic by Ginnie Lo, illustrated by Beth Lo

There were very few Chinese families in the Midwest during the 1940s so Jinyi and her family traveled four hours by car to visit relatives in Chicago from Indiana. There, they get to eat Mama’s favorite Chinese foods … boiled soybeans, Eight Treasure Rice, and pork-and-spinach dumplings. One day, Auntie Yang spots a field of leafy green plants. Could it be mao dou, soybeans?! It is! The farmer is growing soybeans as feed for cows and pigs but he’s happy to sell them to Jinyi’s family. They buy a huge bundle, boil them up, and set up tables to eat outside. Thus the family’s first soybean picnic was born. Over the years, word spread, and the soybean picnic grew. Soon thirty Chinese families would drive up to Auntie’s house. Eventually, more than two hundred people gathered until it outgrew Auntie and Uncle Yang’s backyard!

This is a true story! The authors really do have an Auntie Yang who discovered a soybean field near her house. Her soybean picnic grew into a huge annual event, connecting other Chinese immigrant families during WWII. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

Nim and the War Effort by Milly Lee

Nim wants to win the paper drive but her grandfather won’t let her miss Chinese school.  She has to venture out of Chinatown in order to prove to a Caucasian kid that she’s an American.  [picture book, ages 7-12]

The Magic Horse of Han Gan by Chen Jiang Hong

I chose this picture book as much for gorgeous traditional Chinese paintings as for the story which is about the life of painter Han Gan, who lived in China 1,200 years ago.  The myth is that he is such a great painter of horses that one of his paintings comes to life.   [picture book, ages 5-8]

Eighteen Vats of Water by Ji-Li Jiang, illustrated by Nadia Hsieh

Xian wants to become a famous calligrapher like his father. Chinese calligraphy is both an art form and a form of written communication. To reach mastery, Xian is inspired to fill eighteen vats of water through his practice efforts. But mastery is not just flowing lines and precision. He learns that he must also develop his own style. This picture book celebrates the art of Chinese character calligraphy. I wish the font selected in this picture book matched the beauty of Chinese calligraphy. I found the layout and design of the spreads to be too word-heavy. I also wish the illustrations were done in watercolor which would have matched the theme of the book. Finally, I found the color palette of the illustrations to be too drab and brown. Still, it might inspire children who are learning to write calligraphy. A mentor text for design and illustration would be The Magic Horse of Han Gan. [advanced picture book, ages 7 and up]

Coolies by Yin

When one thinks of Chinese immigrants, the image of “Coolies” comes to mind and this period marks the period when new Chinese immigrants were viewed negatively.  Coolies is an important story about the Chinese immigrants during the 1800s and underscores why “Coolies” were an important part of building the great railroads across the Western United States. [picture book, ages 5-8]

Morning with Grandpa by Sylvia Liu, illustrated by Christina Forshay

Mei Mei s grandpa is practicing tai chi in the garden, and Mei Mei is eager to join in. As Gong Gong tries to teach her the slow, graceful movements, Mei Mei enthusiastically does them with her own flair. Then Mei Mei takes a turn, trying to teach Gong Gong the yoga she learned in school. Will Gong Gong be able to master the stretchy, bendy poses? Winner of the LEE & LOW New Voices Award, this title celebrates, with lively spirit and humor, the special bond between grandparent and grandchild and the joy of learning new things together. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Down By The River by Andrew Weiner, illustrated by April Chu

One beautiful autumn day, Art sets out with his mother and grandfather for a fishing trip. Fishing days are Art’s favorite. He loves learning the ropes from Grandpa—the different kinds of flies and tackle and the trout that frequent their favorite river. Art especially appreciates Grandpa’s stories. But, this time, hearing the story about Mom’s big catch on her first cast ever makes Art feel insecure about his own fishing skills. But, as Art hooks a beautiful brown trout, he finds reassurance in Grandpa’s stories and marvels at the sport and a day spent with family, promising to continue the tradition with his own grandkids generations later. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

More books by April Chu

The Cat from Hunger Mountain by Ed Young

Rendered in exquisite mixed-media collage, Caldecott Medalist Ed Young’s deceptively simple fable is a deeply affecting tale about appreciating the value of treasures that need not be chased. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

More books by Ed Young

Double Happiness by Nancy Tupper Ling, illustrated by Alina Chau

Gracie and Jake don’t want to move from San Francisco where all their relatives are. Before they leave, they collect treasures in small boxes to remind them of everyone and everything they love. Free verse poems capture the emotional roller coaster of this big transition. [poetry picture book, ages 5 and up]

Count My Cupcakes 1 2 3 by Joyce Wan

Learn to count from one to five in this rhyming board book featuring colorful disappearing touch-and-feel cupcakes! It’s an eye-catching extension of Joyce Wan’s adorable cupcake book with delectable spreads of irresistibly chubby, yummy characters, including a cup of cocoa, a rolling donut, and lots and lots of cupcakes. And at the end of the story, you can’t help but giggle and laugh with your little one as you practice counting down from five to one and back again. [picture book, ages 3 and up]

More books by Joyce Wan

Little Messy Marcy Su by Cherie Fu, illustrated by Julie Kwon

Marcy needs to clean her room before her grandparents, Waipo and Waigong, arrive. She throws herself into the task but things go awry. Her room is tidy, but the rest of the house gets destroyed by her cleaning. When her grandparents arrive, they are proud of her efforts but mom and dad take the fall. Chinese words are sprinkled throughout and Marcy Su shares her notes from Chinese class so readers can learn to speak some Mandarin. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

The Crane Girl by Curtis Manley, illustrated by Lin Wang

This book is a kind of Japanese Rumplestiltskin folk tale about friendship and the power of kindness. [folk tale picture book, ages 6 and up]

Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung

In the beginning, there were three colors . . .

Reds,

Yellows,

and Blues.

All special in their own ways, all living in harmony―until one day, a Red says “Reds are the best!” and starts a color kerfuffle. When the colors decide to separate, is there anything that can change their minds?

A Yellow, a Blue, and a never-before-seen color might just save the day in this inspiring book about color, tolerance, and embracing differences. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Is Mommy? by Victoria Chang, illustrated by Marla Frazee

In this irreverent, hilarious, and charming picture book, award-winning poet Victoria Chang and celebrated artist Marla Frazee show that all toddlers love their mommies—no matter what. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Grand Canyon by Jason Chin

This spectacular picture book about the Grand Canyon won a Caldecott Honor and Silbert Award, both well deserved. Explore the Grand Canyon and learn about the ecosystem, trails, and more in this riveting nonfiction adventure. [nonfiction picture book, ages 6 and up]

More books by Jason Chin

When Words Have Power by Lisa Chong, illustrated by Kaitlin Yang

Henry doesn’t realize that his words have power when he calls Jason “Tomato Head” because Jason has red hair. His mother tries to explain to Henry how hurtful his words are, but Henry doesn’t get it. When Henry and his mother shop at the Chinese market, she is called a “banana.” Henry notices his mother is upset and she explains how “banana” is a racist microaggression against Asian Americans who don’t speak the language of their ancestors. Henry finally understands how Jason might feel and the next day, Henry calls him “Jason.” This is a good picture book to explain microaggressions to young children and an important concept to learn early! [picture book, ages 4 and up]

On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei’s Art Is Changing the Tide by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Catia Chien

“In 2020, at a time when worldwide refugee numbers reached their highest numbers since World War II, the United States admitted the lowest number of refugees in forty years. It is hard to believe that not long ago, the United States used to admit more refugees than all other countries combined.”

Ai Weiwei is a Chinese artist and activist who lives on the tip of a wave, a precarious point that faces constant danger. Still, he uses his art as a platform to raise awareness of the global refugee humanitarian crisis caused by war and poverty. Joanna Ho eloquently tells his story in lyrical prose. The illustrations highlight Ai Weiwei’s powerful lifejacket installation by using the color orange as a visual theme. [picture book biography, ages 4 and up]

Oma’s Bag by Michelle Wang, illustrated by Sam Nunez

Oma and Opa are coming to visit and the grandchildren are thrilled but Oma seems to be forgetting things, yet when she pulls out objects from her bag, she recounts their origin story. Opa and the parents understand what is happening; Opa has Alzheimer’s disease and her memory is slipping away. The end matter has more information about dementia and ways to help loved ones. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

The Not-So-Simple Question (A Holly-Mei Book) by Christina Matula

Holly Mei and her family are expats living in Hong Kong, where she attends an elite private school. The kids are nice, but their fancy lifestyles can be intimidating. This year’s school trip will be to Taiwan, where Holly Mei’s grandmother grew up. Will sharing her family’s history help her fit in? I really love this sweet, coming-of-age series. Think Crazy Rich Asians, but middle school! [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Cilla Lee-Jenkins: This Book is a Classic by Susan Tan, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte

Cilla is a spunky heroine with relatable problems: a new sibling, best friend squabbles, and being scared of the dark. But she also brings something new to the table that characters like Ramona or Clementine do not. The questions from strangers because of her racial ambiguity, tensions between in-laws perhaps due to her parents’ mixed-race marriage, and how food is the great bridge between cultures. This is not a middle-grade book for just mixed-race kids. This is a book for any kid, but mixed-race kids will especially appreciate Cilla’s perspective.

The sequel to Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire starts with a Chinese New Year celebration in Chinatown. Cilla dresses in red, receive a red envelope, distributes good luck oranges throughout the house, watches a lion dance parade, and eats a mooncake. This is her year to be a big sister, overcome her fears, be more “Chinese,” and participate in her aunt’s wedding as a flower girl.  [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

The Way to Bea by Kat Yeh

I had trouble attaching to this character but I think that it’s just me. Bea was a little too passive for me without a strong enough personality in this coming-of-age middle school story of a girl adrift both at school as her friendships shift and at home, as she becomes a big sister. Some of the story threads didn’t feel realistic to me like the note hiding and discomfort of being a big sister given that the age gap is twelve or thirteen years. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

The Emperor’s Riddle by Kat Zhang

I really liked this clue-solving adventure set in modern-day China. It’s a “Pirate
Treasure Map Meets Ancient Chinese Hidden Treasure” epic quest that Mia Chen and her older brother must solve in order to find their missing Aunt Ling. Time is running out as her Aunt’s nemesis, Ying, is on the trail too. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Mia and her parents have immigrated from China to Southern California where they are struggling to make ends meet. Her parents take a job running a motel, but they are exploited by the evil owner, Mr. Yao. Mia is learning English and dreams of many things including writing, but her mother thinks Mia can’t compete with native speakers and wants her to focus on math. The plot is fast-paced and touches on so many facets that are front and center right now: modern slavery, racism, police, and #BlackLivesMatter. Throughout it all, Mia preserves with hard work, an indomitable spirit, a growing command of the English language, an ability to create a community, and a sense of justice that changes her family and everyone around her. This is a powerful book that every reader will both enjoy and benefit from! [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Danny Chung Sums it Up by Masie Chan

Review by Ms. Yingling Reads:

“Danny lives with his parents in an apartment in Birmingham, England. His parents, immigrants from China, have a takeaway downstairs and work long hours. Danny struggles to meet their high expectations of him; he would rather draw comics with his best friend, Ravi, than study math so he can get a better job when he grows up, although he understands how hard his parents’ lives are. When they say they have a surprise for him and even get a set of bunk beds for his room from a family friend, he is hopeful, but the surprise does not turn out to be a pleasant one. His father’s mother, Nai Nai, is going to live with them, and she even takes the top bunk in his room. Not only that but Danny is expected to show her around town and take her to social events like lawn bowling. Instead, on a recommendation from takeaway customer Mrs. Cruikshanks, he takes her to Bingo instead. Nai Nai enjoys Bingo a lot, although there are some other players who are not happy to see her and are racially prejudiced. Danny is having trouble with a math project for a big competition, but since Nai Nai is very good with numbers, he gets some help from her. Will Danny, with Nai Nai’s help, find a way to balance the things that he loves with the things his parents think are important?[middle grade, ages 8 and up]

See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng

This was my son’s assigned rising 7th-grade summer reading book. My son liked the first half of the book which is about 11-year-old Alex Petroski’s road trip from Colorado to New Mexico for a rocket launch event with his small and very afraid dog. The story is told through Alex’s voice by way of recordings and it also indicated to me that perhaps Alex has Asperger’s Syndrome. We know that it’s just Alex and his mom at home and there is something not quite right with her as Alex is the primary caretaker for both of them.

It’s at the rocket launch event that Alex meets two fellow competitors that help him get to the next leg of his journey. It’s here where my son loses interest in the story. Cheng introduces more adult characters at each new location in the book, with each having a backstory that somehow winds together with the rest of the plot. Newbery judges like these complicated lines of plot that intersect for a satisfying ending, but my son did not. He had trouble keeping track of everyone and really didn’t care for a nearly-all adult cast. If you compare this to Riordan’s books which he loves, this book lacks the humor, the adventure, the special powers, and, most of all, the “kids-on-a-quest-doing-it-by-themselves” element. It was tough slogging to make my son finish the book and I did all the reading to him aloud!

I think while some have this book on the shortlist for Newbery, there is just too much going on in terms of adult characters, plot twists, and mental health challenges for a middle school audience. For a road trip book, I’d probably recommend Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech instead. My son would recommend The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex instead. [chapter book, ages 10 and up]

Reflection: A Twisted Tale by Elizabeth Lim

The Monkey King’s Daughter series by T. A. Debonis

Meilin is a 13-year-old girl who lives in California with her mother and uncle.  Her life seems very ordinary and fraught with the usual high school struggles of zits, popular but obnoxious girls, and trying to fit in.  Her life turns upside down when she learns that her father is the immortal Monkey King and her grandmother, the Chinese goddess of Mercy.  Worse yet, she morphs back and forth into a monkey form complete with tail!  When a special birthday present from her uncle turns out to be a gate that can teleport her into the mythical past, Meilin must find the courage to battle side by side with her father to save her kidnapped mother from her father’s greatest enemy.

For girls seeking an Asian version of the Percy Jackson series, The Monkey King’s Daughter by T. A. DeBonis is a fast and fun read. [chapter book, ages 8 and up]

Lovely, Dark and Deep by Justina Chen

Thanks to her crisis-manager parents, she doesn’t just have to wear layers of clothes and spaceship-sized hats. She has to avoid all hints of light. Say goodbye to windows and running outdoors. Even her phone becomes a threat. Viola is determined to maintain a normal life, particularly after she meets Josh. He’s a funny, talented Thor look-alike with his own mysterious grief. But their romance makes her take more risks, and when a rebellion against her parents backfires dangerously, she must find her way to a life — and love — as deep and lovely as her dreams. [young adult, ages 12 and up]

The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F. C. Yee

The struggle to get into a top-tier college consumes sixteen-year-old Genie’s every waking thought. But when she discovers she’s a celestial spirit who’s powerful enough to bash through the gates of heaven with her fists, her perfectionist existence is shattered.

Enter Quentin, a transfer student from China whose tone-deaf assertiveness beguiles Genie to the brink of madness. Quentin nurtures Genie’s outrageous transformation—sometimes gently, sometimes aggressively—as her sleepy suburb in the Bay Area comes under siege from hell-spawn.

This epic YA debut draws from Chinese folklore, features a larger-than-life heroine, and perfectly balances the realities of Genie’s grounded high school life with the absurd supernatural world she finds herself commanding. [young adult, ages 12 and up]

Warcross by Marie Lu

For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down Warcross players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty-hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. To make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships—only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation. [young adult, ages 12 and up]

American Panda by Gloria Chao

An incisive, laugh-out-loud contemporary debut about a Taiwanese-American teen whose parents want her to be a doctor and marry a Taiwanese Ivy Leaguer despite her squeamishness with germs and crush on a Japanese classmate. [young adult, ages 14 and up]

Kangaroo Too by Curtis C. Chen

Set in the same world as Waypoint Kangaroo, Curtis C. Chen’s Kangaroo Too is bursting with adrenaline and intrigue in this unique outer space adventure.

On the way home from his latest mission, secret agent Kangaroo’s spacecraft is wrecked by a rogue mining robot. The agency tracks the bot back to the Moon, where a retired asteroid miner―code-named “Clementine” ―might have information about who’s behind the sabotage. [young adult, age 14 and up]

The Singing Bones by Shawn Tan

Wicked stepmothers, traitorous brothers, cunning foxes, lonely princesses: There is no mistaking the world of the Brothers Grimm and the beloved fairy tales that have captured generations of readers. Now internationally acclaimed artist Shaun Tan shows us the beautiful, terrifying, amusing, and downright peculiar heart of these tales as never before seen. [chapter book, ages 12 and up]

More books by Shaun Tan:

Chinese Americans Books for Kids and Teens Honorable Mentions

Beautiful Warrior: The Legend of the Nun’s Kung Fu by Emily Arnold McCully

This is a Great Books for Girls by Kathleen Odean selection about a nun who is a master of Kung Fu and helps a village girl avoid an unwanted marriage.  A great book about girl empowerment through the martial art of Kung Fu.  Think The Karate Kid for girls!  [picture book, ages 5 and up]

Zen Shorts by Jon Muth

Jon Muth manages to take Chinese philosopher Chuang Tzu and distill it into three stories that both children and adults can relate to.  A wonderful book for everyone’s bookshelf.   The artwork is gorgeous too! [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Yao Bai and the Egg Pirates by Tim J. Myers, illustrated by Bonnie Pang

Tim J. Myers chronicles an overlooked period of history during the Gold Rush when murre eggs were collected off the Farallon islands near San Francisco. He adds to the story of Chinese immigrants and the racism that they faced both structurally in the form of immigration laws and from white people. The author’s note in the back has more information as well as links about the Gold Rush. [picture book, ages 6 and up]

Fa Mulan by Robert D. San Souci

I always find it interesting to read the book a movie is based on.  San Souci retells this legend that comes from a ballad composed around 420-589 A.D.   about the battles found between the Chinese and Tatars (what is now Mongolia and Manchuria).  This retelling shows that the Disney movie is faithful to the ballad with one big exception, Mulan did have permission from her parents to join the army.  Filial piety is pretty important in Asian culture!  [picture book, ages 6-10]

Historical Tales (A Story of Ancient China) series by Jessica Gunderson

I found these great beginning chapter books at the library.  They are a very interesting and accurate historical fiction series that brings Ancient China to life.  Great if you are also combining any museums of, say, Terracotta Warriors.  The Terracotta Girl would be a perfect fit! The Jade Dragon is a more general story combining ancient sports (horned helmet wrestling jiao di, rowing and archery) with dragon symbolism.

The Stone Heart (The Nameless City) by Faith Erin Hicks and Jordie Bellaire

My Chinese heritage is linked to the silk trade and I am fascinated by the Silk Road. This graphic novel brings the intrigue and adventure of the silk road to life.

Kaidu and Rat have only just recovered from the assassination attempt on the General of All Blades when more chaos breaks loose in the Nameless City: deep conflicts within the Dao nation are making it impossible to find a political solution for the disputed territory of the City itself. [graphic novel, ages 9 and up]

The Year of the Book by Andrea Cheng

The Year of the Book is a subtle and realistic portrayal of what it means to grow up as a second-generation Asian American. For 4th grader Anna Wang, it means being on the sidelines at school while her once best friend trades up socially. At home, life is safe and cozy, especially with books that comfort and entertain her. Is it her Asian-ness that keeps her from being popular or it is her bookish personality? Should she care or embrace it? Books, family, and friends make up the triad that defines Anna right now and this is the year of the book to learn how to balance it all. I’d hand this multicultural chapter book to any girl who has ever felt left out. [chapter book, ages 8 and up]

Making Friends with Billy Wong by Augusta Scattergood

Augusta Scattergood tackles a little-known subject: Asian Americans were also subject to Jim Crow laws in the South. In this chapter book, she gently weaves together a story of Azalea, a rising fifth-grader sent to live with her grandmother in Arkansas whom she’s never met before. Grandma Clark is a woman with a towering presence; she encourages Azalea to make friends with Billy Wong who is also new to their small town. He’s living with his Great Uncle and Aunt so that he can attend a previously all-white school and works in their small grocery store. There’s also the bully, Willis, and Scattergood shows us that things are not black and white; behind his prejudice are family responsibilities heavy for a young boy to bear. Grandma Clark’s plan for a more tolerant community is simple; she utilizes Garden Helpers to help out while she’s recuperating, thus forcing everyone to work together. Azalea discovers that she’s more similar to her grandmother than she realized, and their relationship, like hers with Billy Wong, strengthens from the adversity of facing racism around them. [chapter book, ages 8 and up]

The Zodiac Legacy series by Stan Lee, Stuart Moore, and Andie Tong

This has been our biggest hit so far. I read it myself and thought it was a page-turner but wondered if my son would get through it. Boy, was I wrong! He could not stop reading this book, and I found him reading on the soccer field sidelines (a first!) and it even got him off screens. He’d beg at night to read just a few more minutes.

Why? True, the cast is multi-ethnic with a large Asian American contingent but I think it’s the plot that combines The Chinese Zodiac with superhero powers that can be transferred via super high technology to anyone. Stan Lee, of Marvel Comic fame, is the genius behind this series that has abundant comic book full-page illustrations of this action adventure chapter book that appears to be a series.

My son’s twin friends read this over Spring Break and were desperate to discuss the book upon completion. That’s music to both me and their moms. They also raced through it and are eagerly awaiting the next installment. [chapter book, ages 9 and up]

The Monkey King: The Complete Odyssey by Chaiko Tsai and Mike Kennedy

This epic graphic novel series centered around the Monkey King brings Chinese mythology to life. Akin to Loki from Norse Mythology, the Monkey King is a complex god, who can act both noble and crafty, helpful and mischievous. Nominated for a 2024 Eisner award, the illustrations beautifully showcase this ancient Chinese story. [young adult graphic novel series, ages 12 and up]

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My books:

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Fortune Cookies for Everyone! (Smithsonian): The Surprising Story of the Tasty Treat We Love to Eat

• California Eureka Non-Fiction Gold Award
• Junior Library Guild Gold Selection

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación

• ⭐ Starred review from Kirkus
• ⭐ Starred review from Publishers Weekly
• Kirkus: The Most Anticipated Children’s Books of Spring 2026

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Traveling Taco: The Amazing and Surprising Journey of Many of Your Favorite Foods

• California Eureka Non-Fiction Silver Award
• Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants®  Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court

• ALSC Notable Children’s Book
• 2025 Carter G. Woodson Book Award Middle Level Honoree
• Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
• 2024 Julia Ward Howe Prize for Children’s Literature Winner
• California Eureka Non-Fiction Award Honor Book
• Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
• Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year 2025
• Recommended Reading for the Social Justice Literature Award 2025 (International Literacy Association)
• Junior Library Guild Gold Selection

Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Amazon / Barefoot Books / 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
• Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction
• Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Bank Street College’s The Best Children’s Books of the Year

Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Signed or Inscribed by Me

Signed or Inscribed by Me

Signed or Inscribed by Me