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SJPL Picks: Picture Books Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Voices

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SJPL_KidsPicks

San José Public Library

Staff-created list

Celebrate the Asian, South Asian and Pacific Islander voices in our community! Check out these picture books that recognize the stories and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans.

By:

SJPL_KidsPicks

San José Public Library

1-25 of 50 items

1-25 of 50 items

Dim Sum, Here We Come!

Dim Sum, Here We Come!

by Lam, Maple

Book - 2023

Today is Sunday and that means its dim sum time with my whole family! I can't wait to see everyone, especially Grandma. I'm going to eat lots of shrimp du...Show more Today is Sunday and that means its dim sum time with my whole family! I can't wait to see everyone, especially Grandma. I'm going to eat lots of shrimp dumplings, rice noodle rolls, egg tarts, and my favorite--char siu buns. We will have to order enough for us all to share. So what are you waiting for? Dim sum, here we come! Show less

Today is Sunday and that means its dim sum time with my whole family! I can't wait to see everyone, especially Grandma. I'm going to eat lots of shrimp du...Show more Today is Sunday and that means its dim sum time with my whole family! I can't wait to see everyone, especially Grandma. I'm going to eat lots of shrimp dumplings, rice noodle rolls, egg tarts, and my favorite--char siu buns. We will have to order enough for us all to share. So what are you waiting for? Dim sum, here we come! Show less

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Niki Nakayama

Niki Nakayama

A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites

by Michalak, Jamie

Book - 2021

This picture book biography tells the story of powerhouse female Japanese-American chef Niki Nakayama and her rise to fame. As a child and adult, Niki fa...Show more This picture book biography tells the story of powerhouse female Japanese-American chef Niki Nakayama and her rise to fame. As a child and adult, Niki faced many naysayers who said that a woman couldn't be a master chef. Using the structure of a traditional kaiseki meal, the authors Debbi Michiko Florence and Jamie Michalak playfully detail Niki's hunger for success in thirteen "bites" ― from wonton wrappers she used to make pizza as a kid to yuzu-tomatillo sauce in her own upscale Los Angeles Michelin-starred restaurant, n/naka. Show less

This picture book biography tells the story of powerhouse female Japanese-American chef Niki Nakayama and her rise to fame. As a child and adult, Niki fa...Show more This picture book biography tells the story of powerhouse female Japanese-American chef Niki Nakayama and her rise to fame. As a child and adult, Niki faced many naysayers who said that a woman couldn't be a master chef. Using the structure of a traditional kaiseki meal, the authors Debbi Michiko Florence and Jamie Michalak playfully detail Niki's hunger for success in thirteen "bites" ― from wonton wrappers she used to make pizza as a kid to yuzu-tomatillo sauce in her own upscale Los Angeles Michelin-starred restaurant, n/naka. Show less

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Punky Aloha

Punky Aloha

by Tuiasoa, Shar

Book - 2022

Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. She doesn't feel brave enough. So when her grandmother asks her to go out and get butter fo...Show more Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. She doesn't feel brave enough. So when her grandmother asks her to go out and get butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother's magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time. Show less

Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. She doesn't feel brave enough. So when her grandmother asks her to go out and get butter fo...Show more Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. She doesn't feel brave enough. So when her grandmother asks her to go out and get butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother's magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time. Show less

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You Are Life

You Are Life

by Phi, Bao

Book - 2022

Every child is bursting with amazing possibilities and poet Bao Phi celebrates the complex identity of the children of immigrants and refugees Every child is bursting with amazing possibilities and poet Bao Phi celebrates the complex identity of the children of immigrants and refugees Show less

Every child is bursting with amazing possibilities and poet Bao Phi celebrates the complex identity of the children of immigrants and refugees Every child is bursting with amazing possibilities and poet Bao Phi celebrates the complex identity of the children of immigrants and refugees Show less

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The Star Festival

The Star Festival

by Ritchie Hadley, Moni

Book - 2021

As five-year-old Keiko and her eighty-five year old Obaasan, or grandmother, excitedly prepare to celebrate the Star Festival, Tanabata Matsuri, Oba tells the story of Tanabata. As five-year-old Keiko and her eighty-five year old Obaasan, or grandmother, excitedly prepare to celebrate the Star Festival, Tanabata Matsuri, Oba tells the story of Tanabata. Show less

As five-year-old Keiko and her eighty-five year old Obaasan, or grandmother, excitedly prepare to celebrate the Star Festival, Tanabata Matsuri, Oba tells the story of Tanabata. As five-year-old Keiko and her eighty-five year old Obaasan, or grandmother, excitedly prepare to celebrate the Star Festival, Tanabata Matsuri, Oba tells the story of Tanabata. Show less

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A Gift for Amma

A Gift for Amma

Market Day in India

by Sriram, Meera

Book - 2020

A young girl explores the vibrant rainbow of items for sale in a southern Indian street market as she searches for a gift for her mother. A young girl explores the vibrant rainbow of items for sale in a southern Indian street market as she searches for a gift for her mother. Show less

A young girl explores the vibrant rainbow of items for sale in a southern Indian street market as she searches for a gift for her mother. A young girl explores the vibrant rainbow of items for sale in a southern Indian street market as she searches for a gift for her mother. Show less

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Gigi and Ojiji

Gigi and Ojiji

by Iwai, Melissa

Book - 2022

Gigi can't wait for her Ojiji--Japanese grandpa--to move in. Gigi plans lots of things to do with him, like playing tag, reading books, and teaching Rosco...Show more Gigi can't wait for her Ojiji--Japanese grandpa--to move in. Gigi plans lots of things to do with him, like playing tag, reading books, and teaching Roscoe, the family dog, new tricks. But her plans don't work out quite the way she'd hoped. And her grandpa doesn't seem to like Roscoe. Will Gigi find a way to connect with her Ojiji? Show less

Gigi can't wait for her Ojiji--Japanese grandpa--to move in. Gigi plans lots of things to do with him, like playing tag, reading books, and teaching Rosco...Show more Gigi can't wait for her Ojiji--Japanese grandpa--to move in. Gigi plans lots of things to do with him, like playing tag, reading books, and teaching Roscoe, the family dog, new tricks. But her plans don't work out quite the way she'd hoped. And her grandpa doesn't seem to like Roscoe. Will Gigi find a way to connect with her Ojiji? Show less

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Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

by Ho, Joanna

Book - 2021

A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister. A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister. Show less

A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister. A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister. Show less

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Love in the Library

Love in the Library

by Tokuda-Hall, Maggie

Book - 2022

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Tama – like all West Coast Japanese Americans - is sent to live in Minidoka, a prison camp in the desert. Working in th...Show more After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Tama – like all West Coast Japanese Americans - is sent to live in Minidoka, a prison camp in the desert. Working in the camp's tiny library, she meets George, who helps her see that her worries and fears are human, and together they find a future and a reason to hope. Show less

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Tama – like all West Coast Japanese Americans - is sent to live in Minidoka, a prison camp in the desert. Working in th...Show more After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Tama – like all West Coast Japanese Americans - is sent to live in Minidoka, a prison camp in the desert. Working in the camp's tiny library, she meets George, who helps her see that her worries and fears are human, and together they find a future and a reason to hope. Show less

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Kimchi, Kimchi Every Day

Kimchi, Kimchi Every Day

by Kim, Erica

Book - 2022

Explore the different ways to eat kimchi in this fun, rhyming tale that also teaches the days of the week. Explore the different ways to eat kimchi in this fun, rhyming tale that also teaches the days of the week. Show less

Explore the different ways to eat kimchi in this fun, rhyming tale that also teaches the days of the week. Explore the different ways to eat kimchi in this fun, rhyming tale that also teaches the days of the week. Show less

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How We Say I Love You

How We Say I Love You

by Chen, Nicole

Book - 2022

An Asian American girl shares how her family expresses their love for one another through actions rather than words. An Asian American girl shares how her family expresses their love for one another through actions rather than words. Show less

An Asian American girl shares how her family expresses their love for one another through actions rather than words. An Asian American girl shares how her family expresses their love for one another through actions rather than words. Show less

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Anni Dreams of Biryani

Anni Dreams of Biryani

by Mehra, Namita Moolani

Book - 2022

The café across the street from Anni's home in Little India makes the best biryani in the world. Fluffy and fragrant, spicy and succulent, Anni could eat ...Show more The café across the street from Anni's home in Little India makes the best biryani in the world. Fluffy and fragrant, spicy and succulent, Anni could eat it every day. In fact, Anni loves that biryani so much that she's determined to uncover the secret to the recipe. She has so many questions for Uncle, the grumpy chef and owner of the café. But he isn't providing any easy clues. So, with some careful planning, Anni sets out on a mission to find out the secret ingredients to this most special dish. Will Anni get the answers she's looking for ... before it's too late? Show less

The café across the street from Anni's home in Little India makes the best biryani in the world. Fluffy and fragrant, spicy and succulent, Anni could eat ...Show more The café across the street from Anni's home in Little India makes the best biryani in the world. Fluffy and fragrant, spicy and succulent, Anni could eat it every day. In fact, Anni loves that biryani so much that she's determined to uncover the secret to the recipe. She has so many questions for Uncle, the grumpy chef and owner of the café. But he isn't providing any easy clues. So, with some careful planning, Anni sets out on a mission to find out the secret ingredients to this most special dish. Will Anni get the answers she's looking for ... before it's too late? Show less

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So Not Ghoul

So Not Ghoul

by Yin, Karen

Book - 2022

Desperate to find a middle haunting ground between her cultures after being told by her ancestors to dress and behave like a good Chinese ghost, Marnie plans a ghastly new look that could either give a fabulous fright or be a grave mistake. Desperate to find a middle haunting ground between her cultures after being told by her ancestors to dress and behave like a good Chinese ghost, Marnie plans a ghastly new look that could either give a fabulous fright or be a grave mistake. Show less

Desperate to find a middle haunting ground between her cultures after being told by her ancestors to dress and behave like a good Chinese ghost, Marnie plans a ghastly new look that could either give a fabulous fright or be a grave mistake. Desperate to find a middle haunting ground between her cultures after being told by her ancestors to dress and behave like a good Chinese ghost, Marnie plans a ghastly new look that could either give a fabulous fright or be a grave mistake. Show less

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Magic Ramen

Magic Ramen

The Story of Momofuku Ando

by Wang, Andrea

Book - 2019

When Momofuku Ando spotted the long lines of hungry people waiting for a simple bowl of ramen following World War II, he was inspired to try to create a n...Show more When Momofuku Ando spotted the long lines of hungry people waiting for a simple bowl of ramen following World War II, he was inspired to try to create a new kind of ramen noodle soup that was quick, convenient, and tasty. Peace follows from a full stomach, he believed. Magic Ramen tells the true story behind the creation of one of the world's most popular foods, a story of Ando's dream, experimentation, and persistence. Show less

When Momofuku Ando spotted the long lines of hungry people waiting for a simple bowl of ramen following World War II, he was inspired to try to create a n...Show more When Momofuku Ando spotted the long lines of hungry people waiting for a simple bowl of ramen following World War II, he was inspired to try to create a new kind of ramen noodle soup that was quick, convenient, and tasty. Peace follows from a full stomach, he believed. Magic Ramen tells the true story behind the creation of one of the world's most popular foods, a story of Ando's dream, experimentation, and persistence. Show less

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The Blur

The Blur

by Lê, Minh

Book - 2022

Meet a child with superhero-like abilities . . . and the parents who are racing to keep up with her in this sweetly funny picture book about the blur of childhood and how quickly the years go by. Meet a child with superhero-like abilities . . . and the parents who are racing to keep up with her in this sweetly funny picture book about the blur of childhood and how quickly the years go by. Show less

Meet a child with superhero-like abilities . . . and the parents who are racing to keep up with her in this sweetly funny picture book about the blur of childhood and how quickly the years go by. Meet a child with superhero-like abilities . . . and the parents who are racing to keep up with her in this sweetly funny picture book about the blur of childhood and how quickly the years go by. Show less

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Laxmi's Mooch

Laxmi's Mooch

by Anand, Shelly

Book - 2021

A joyful, body-positive picture book about a young Indian American girl's journey to accept her body hair and celebrate her heritage after being teased about her mustache. A joyful, body-positive picture book about a young Indian American girl's journey to accept her body hair and celebrate her heritage after being teased about her mustache. Show less

A joyful, body-positive picture book about a young Indian American girl's journey to accept her body hair and celebrate her heritage after being teased about her mustache. A joyful, body-positive picture book about a young Indian American girl's journey to accept her body hair and celebrate her heritage after being teased about her mustache. Show less

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Wishes

Wishes

by Van, Muon

Book - 2021

In this spare, poetic picture book based on author Muon Van's family history and told through a series of wishes, a family packs up everything they own and embarks on a perilous oceanic voyage toward a better life In this spare, poetic picture book based on author Muon Van's family history and told through a series of wishes, a family packs up everything they own and embarks on a perilous oceanic voyage toward a better life Show less

In this spare, poetic picture book based on author Muon Van's family history and told through a series of wishes, a family packs up everything they own and embarks on a perilous oceanic voyage toward a better life In this spare, poetic picture book based on author Muon Van's family history and told through a series of wishes, a family packs up everything they own and embarks on a perilous oceanic voyage toward a better life Show less

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I Am An American

I Am An American

The Wong Kim Ark Story

by Brockenbrough, Martha

Book - 2021

A timely and important picture book that introduces readers to Wong Kim Ark, who challenged the Supreme Court for his right to be an American citizen. A timely and important picture book that introduces readers to Wong Kim Ark, who challenged the Supreme Court for his right to be an American citizen. Show less

A timely and important picture book that introduces readers to Wong Kim Ark, who challenged the Supreme Court for his right to be an American citizen. A timely and important picture book that introduces readers to Wong Kim Ark, who challenged the Supreme Court for his right to be an American citizen. Show less

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I Dream of Popo

I Dream of Popo

by Blackburne, Livia

Book - 2021

When a young girl and her family emigrate from Taiwan to America, she leaves behind her beloved popo, her grandmother. She misses her popo every day, but even if their visits are fleeting, their love is ever true and strong. When a young girl and her family emigrate from Taiwan to America, she leaves behind her beloved popo, her grandmother. She misses her popo every day, but even if their visits are fleeting, their love is ever true and strong. Show less

When a young girl and her family emigrate from Taiwan to America, she leaves behind her beloved popo, her grandmother. She misses her popo every day, but even if their visits are fleeting, their love is ever true and strong. When a young girl and her family emigrate from Taiwan to America, she leaves behind her beloved popo, her grandmother. She misses her popo every day, but even if their visits are fleeting, their love is ever true and strong. Show less

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Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

by Zhang, Kat

Book - 2019

Amy loves to make bao with her family. But it takes skill to make the bao taste and look delicious. And her bao keep coming out all wrong. Amy loves to make bao with her family. But it takes skill to make the bao taste and look delicious. And her bao keep coming out all wrong. Show less

Amy loves to make bao with her family. But it takes skill to make the bao taste and look delicious. And her bao keep coming out all wrong. Amy loves to make bao with her family. But it takes skill to make the bao taste and look delicious. And her bao keep coming out all wrong. Show less

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Bee-bim Bop!

Bee-bim Bop!

by Park, Linda Sue

Book - 2005

In bouncy rhyming text, a hungry child tells about helping her mother make bee-bim bop: shopping, preparing ingredients, setting the table, and finally sitting down with her family to enjoy a favorite meal. In bouncy rhyming text, a hungry child tells about helping her mother make bee-bim bop: shopping, preparing ingredients, setting the table, and finally sitting down with her family to enjoy a favorite meal. Show less

In bouncy rhyming text, a hungry child tells about helping her mother make bee-bim bop: shopping, preparing ingredients, setting the table, and finally sitting down with her family to enjoy a favorite meal. In bouncy rhyming text, a hungry child tells about helping her mother make bee-bim bop: shopping, preparing ingredients, setting the table, and finally sitting down with her family to enjoy a favorite meal. Show less

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A Big Mooncake for Little Star

A Big Mooncake for Little Star

by Lin, Grace

Book - 2018

Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama. But she's not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can't resist a nibble Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama. But she's not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can't resist a nibble Show less

Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama. But she's not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can't resist a nibble Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama. But she's not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can't resist a nibble Show less

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Bilal Cooks Daal

Bilal Cooks Daal

by Saeed, Aisha

Book - 2019

Six-year-old Bilal introduces his friends to his favorite dish—daal!—in this charming picture book that showcases the value of patience, teamwork, community, and sharing. Six-year-old Bilal introduces his friends to his favorite dish—daal!—in this charming picture book that showcases the value of patience, teamwork, community, and sharing. Show less

Six-year-old Bilal introduces his friends to his favorite dish—daal!—in this charming picture book that showcases the value of patience, teamwork, community, and sharing. Six-year-old Bilal introduces his friends to his favorite dish—daal!—in this charming picture book that showcases the value of patience, teamwork, community, and sharing. Show less

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Snow Angel, Sand Angel

Snow Angel, Sand Angel

by Yamanaka, Lois-Ann

Book - 2021

Longing to see snow for the first time after having been surrounded by the deep blue waves of Hapuna Beach in Hawaii all her life, Claire wonders if she can create a winter wonderland in her own way. Longing to see snow for the first time after having been surrounded by the deep blue waves of Hapuna Beach in Hawaii all her life, Claire wonders if she can create a winter wonderland in her own way. Show less

Longing to see snow for the first time after having been surrounded by the deep blue waves of Hapuna Beach in Hawaii all her life, Claire wonders if she can create a winter wonderland in her own way. Longing to see snow for the first time after having been surrounded by the deep blue waves of Hapuna Beach in Hawaii all her life, Claire wonders if she can create a winter wonderland in her own way. Show less

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Drawn Together

Drawn Together

by Le, Minh

Book - 2018

When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens-with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words. When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens-with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words. Show less

When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens-with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words. When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens-with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words. Show less

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