FAMILY MEDIA

10 Awesome Books With Heroic Asian Characters

Inspiring books for early readers, middle-grade kids and young adults

By Angelica Lai

Instead of casting Asians as sidekicks or background characters, these kids’ books center Asian people as the heroes of their stories, whether they’re overcoming an internal conflict or fighting space crime with superpowers. These picks offer Asian American kids an important opportunity to see themselves represented, and they build nuanced worlds for all readers, exposing them to new perspectives and experiences.

Books for early readers (ages 4–8)

“A Path of Stars” by Anne Sibley O’Brien Dara in “A Path of Stars” loves listening to the stories her grandma, Lok Yeay, shares about growing up in Cambodia. Sometimes she tells Dara about the stars that look like fireflies or the delicious mangoes of her native land. Other times she recounts more sorrowful moments, such as the pain caused by the Khmer Rouge (without being graphic). But Lok Yeay stops telling stories when she learns that her brother in Cambodia has died. In this generational picture book about heavy themes such as memory, grief and hope, Dara steps up and helps her grandmother heal through meaningful symbols and a story of her own.

“Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin” by Chieri Uegaki, illustrated by Qin Leng Vivid words and enchanting illustrations create music in the pages of “Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin.” In this picture book, which is perfect for young musicians, readers can “hear” the chirp of crickets and see raindrops lightly tapping on paper umbrellas as they follow Hana’s ambitious attempt to play at her school’s talent show. Inspired by her ojichan’s (grandfather’s) violin playing, Hana shows that with practice, resilience and a lot of heart she can bring Ojichan’s spirit to life.

“King for a Day” by Rukhsana Khan, illustrated by Christiane Krömer Kids will become immersed in this elaborately illustrated book about Basant, the spring kite-flying festival. Malik, the story’s protagonist, is pictured in a wheelchair; he wants to be the king of Basant and to do so, he needs to take down everyone else’s kite. The determined boy works with his sister to take the skies and stand up to the bully next door. “King for a Day” is a great book that teaches not only the importance of kindness but also that people are more than their disabilities.

“The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi This profound picture book sure does pack a punch, exploring themes of self-acceptance, friendship and cultural differences. Unhei has recently moved to the United States from Korea, and she feels embarrassed when kids on the school bus tease her and don’t bother to pronounce her name correctly. Hoping to fit in, she decides not to share her name with her class and considers choosing American names such as Suzy or Laura. But after learning the special meaning behind “Unhei,” and thanks to the kindness and encouragement of her new friends, Unhei finds the courage to choose her own name.

Middle-grade books (ages 8–12)

“Green Lantern: Legacy” by Minh Lê, illustrated by Andie Tong Comic book fans, this one’s for you! “Green Lantern: Legacy,” released in 2020, depicts DC’s first Asian American Green Lantern. After 13-year-old Tai Pham inherits his late grandma’s jade ring, he quickly discovers the ring has supernatural powers and that his grandma used her powers to help neighbors in need and, well, the universe as a member of the legendary Green Lantern Corps. In hopes of continuing his grandma’s legacy, Tai attempts to protect his neighborhood from racist bullies and even a powerful Yellow Lantern (with the help of his friends), showing what it means to be a true hero.

“Sam Wu Is NOT Afraid of ...” series by Katie and Kevin Tsang, illustrated by Nathan Reed This illustrated chapter book series follows the terrified but heroic Sam Wu, who is determined to prove his bravery, especially to his

nemesis, Ralph Philip Zinkerman the Third. Sam confronts a different fear in each installment: ghosts, sharks, the dark, spiders and zombies. (I’d be scared, too!) But as Spaceman Jack, a character from Sam’s favorite show says, “If it was easy, everyone would do it. It’s the hard things in life that require the most bravery.” In each inspiring, wacky and hilarious adventure, Sam overcomes his fears with bravery, humor, and the support of his family and friends.

“The House That Lou Built” by Mae Respicio Lou BulosanNelson has an epic summer project: to build her dream tiny house on the land she inherited from her late father. But after finding out her mother might move them to Washington for a new job and realizing there might not be enough money to keep her land, the resourceful and determined Lou decides to speed up her project in hopes of staying in San Francisco. Through her house-building journey, surrounded by the warmth and love of her friends and extended Filipino family, she discovers the true meaning of home.

Young adult books (ages 11 and older)

“American Born Chinese” by Gene Luen Yang This awesome graphic novel weaves together the seemingly disparate stories of three characters, leading up to a genius twist toward the end. The first action-packed story features the Monkey King, a legendary Chinese figure who fights for acceptance among the gods; the second narrative follows Jin Wang, who moves to a neighborhood where he’s the only Chinese American student in school and wants to fit in; and the third depicts Chin-Kee, a personification of negative Chinese stereotypes who visits his white cousin Danny and ruins Danny’s life. The book’s themes of identity and the pressures to assimilate are fresh and relatable, resonating with youths and adults alike.

“I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World” (Young Readers Edition) by Malala Yousafzai and Patricia McCormick A must-read for tweens and teens, “I Am Malala” has been reimagined for a younger audience and focuses more immediately on Malala Yousafzai’s experiences as her hometown in Pakistan is transformed under the Taliban’s control. Yousafzai, an activist who fights for girls’ rights to be educated and the youngest person to receive a Nobel Peace Prize, details her remarkable fight, the impacts of being shot in the head while riding the bus home from school and the support of her family through it all. In this inspiring book, she shows that one’s voice and moral courage matter. “My voice was the voice of so many others who wanted to speak but couldn’t,” she writes.

“We Are Not Free” by Traci Chee Keep the tissues close by for this book. This powerful work of historical fiction follows 14 close-knit Japanese American teenagers (yes, 14!) who are forced from their homes in San Francisco and into squalid incarceration camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. We cry and laugh with them through their joys and sorrows, we feel their rage in the face of heartbreaking injustices and racism, and we witness how the incredible strength and resilience of friendship help them endure this ugly chapter in American history. ■ Angelica Lai is a writer and ParentMap’s email and social media specialist. When she’s not ParentMap’ing, she can be found writing short stories, laughing at her own jokes and making puns about food.

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