May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a month to celebrate and honor AANHPI cultures, experiences, and stories. 

This collection of titles by diverse authors and illustrators offer powerful representations of the AANHPI community — and will resonate far beyond a single month in the year. What’s more, your students will learn about important themes related to friendship, family, determination, and courage. 

Introduce young readers to We Who Produce Pearls: An Anthem for Asian America, a lyrical picture book celebrating the richness and diversity within the Asian American identity. Written by New York Times best-selling author Joanna Ho and paired with striking and vivid illustrations by artist and activist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, this empowering story will remind readers to rise up, speak out, and recognize the power within them. 

Also written by Joanna Ho is On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei's Art Is Changing the Tide, which shares the origin story of activist and artist Ai Weiwei from his experiences as a young boy to his impact as an activist today. Featuring bold and bright illustrations, students will be captivated by this inspiring true story of how Ai Weiwei has used art to speak to human rights and the struggle for freedom in this emotional picture book.

Meanwhile, Tala Learns to Siva is a gorgeously illustrated picture book about finding courage and strength in your family, history, and community through a traditional and cherished Samoan dance, taualuga. This stunning picture book debut tells a heartwarming story about a young girl named Tala who finds her inner strength and shines light on Asian Pacific American heritage. Use this activity guide to further engage students with the story. 

Middle grade students — and fans of fantasy, animals, and magic — will delight in Legends of Lotus Island #1: The Guardian Test from two-time Newbery honor recipient Christina Soontornvat. After being accepted to the Guardian Academy on Lotus Island, Young Plum must learn what it takes to be a Guardian, a magical creature who is sworn to protect the natural world. Can she pass the test? 

Young adult readers will delight in What a Desi Girl Wants, a beautiful story about Mehar, an Indian American girl, who returns to her home country to attend her estranged father’s marriage. While attempting to repair her relationship with her father, Mehar must also navigate new friendships and complex relationship dynamics. 

Shop books about AANHPI voices and stories below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store.