Staff Picks: Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Through Storytelling
It is critical that young people see themselves and their communities reflected back at them in the literature they read. That is why the NYC Commission on Human Rights created Stories for All, a reading list highlighting authors, characters, and stories that tackle the issues and experiences facing diverse communities. The books in this list explore a wide range of topics from loving your hair and skin to gender transition to immigrant and refugee experiences, and more.
In celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (APAHM), Commission staff share their picks of children’s and young adult stories that center the experiences of Asians and Pacific Islanders.
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
Suggested Reading Level: Pre-K to 2nd grade
“The Name Jar is a picture book is about a young Korean girl who recently came to America and her journey in embracing her identity. Introducing oneself on the first day of school is a universal experience for all students. Students may feel self-conscious, excited, or nervous. But what about students like the main character in The Name Jar, the ones who feel out of place with a name no one else has heard of before? How can someone young learn to feel comfortable and step into new spaces, like a new school and classroom, embracing their full self? This book is a wonderful read that shows how young people and educators of immigrant students can create school environments that are welcoming to all.” — Moumita Zaman, Director for Curriculum and Strategic Engagement
Paper Son by Julie Leung
Suggested Reading Level: Pre-K to 2nd grade
“Paper Son is based on the inspiring story of Tyrus Wong, a Chinese immigrant and the little-known artist behind the landscapes in Disney’s Bambi. This book shows the level of discrimination that Chinese immigrants faced under the Chinese Exclusion Act. Chinese immigrants had to be a ‘zi jai,’ a ‘paper son,’ in order to reunite with their families safely.” — Flora Ferng, East Asian Communities Liaison.
A Different Pond by Bao Phi
Suggested Reading Level: Pre-K to 2nd grade
“A Different Pond is a powerful book that delivers an honest glimpse into a relationship between a father, a Vietnamese refugee, and his son, a first-generation American, and the importance of remembering where you came from. This book is an inspiring story that can speak to generations of children and their families and encourage them to look to the past to connect to their heritage.” — Sam Yang, Human Rights Specialist
Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet Singh
Suggested Reading Level: Pre-K to 2nd grade
“Fauja Singh Keeps Going is an incredible real-life story of 110-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh from Baes Pind, Panjab, India. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of the Sikhi value of chardi kala, or eternal optimism and joy. Entering his 90s, Fauja Singh broke multiple international marathon records as the oldest runner in history. Fauja Singh Keeps Going beautifully illustrates the nuanced imagery of Panjabi culture and values. In the face of xenophobia, skepticism, and doubt, Fauja Singh kept going, against all odds.” Sania Ahmed, Human Rights Specialist
