Books with Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Characters

From Japan to Pakistan, from the Phillipines to New Zealand, from California to Alabama, this list of more than 100 books covers a lot of geographical ground. Kids, tweens, and teens will find all sorts of exciting stories about people who live in or have ancestors in many different Asian and Pacific Island countries. Historical fiction, fantasy, coming-of-age novels, immigrant tales, mysteries, graphic novels -- the genres are almost as numerous as the countries where the stories are set. So dig in! And be sure to also check out our list of Movies with Asian, Asian American, Desi, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Characters and Books with Characters of Color.

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A Big Mooncake for Little Star Poster Image
BOOK

A Big Mooncake for Little Star

age 3+

Girl sneaks nibbles, mooncake wanes in cozy bedtime charmer.

By: Grace Lin (2018)
Cannonball Poster Image
BOOK

Cannonball

age 3+

Warm story of individuality and achieving a perfect splash.

By: Sacha Cotter (2020)
Happy, brown-skinned girl with glasses running with colorful cloth.
BOOK

American Desi

age 4+

Lovely celebration of Indian and American cultures blending.

By: Jyoti Rajan Gopal (2022)
Beautifully Me Poster Image
BOOK

Beautifully Me

age 4+

Family remembers what beauty really is in kind, joyful tale.

By: Nabela Noor (2021)
The Blur Book: Cover
BOOK

The Blur

age 4+

From baby to college, a superhero's cute life story.

By: Minh Le (2022)
Cinnamon Poster Image
BOOK

Cinnamon

age 4+

Beautiful art distinguishes Indian-style princess tale.

By: Neil Gaiman (2017)
animals riding a dragon
BOOK

Dragon Noodle Party: A Story of Chinese Zodiac Animals

age 4+

Fun intro to the Chinese zodiac -- with noodle recipe!

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners Poster Image
BOOK

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

age 4+

Lovely picture book celebrates family identity, heritage.

By: Joanna Ho (2021)
Eyes That Speak to the Stars Poster Image
BOOK

Eyes That Speak to the Stars

age 4+

Little boy learns his eyes are beautiful in gorgeous sequel.

By: Joanna Ho (2022)
Young girl looking up at moon and stars with excited, happy face.
BOOK

Hannah and the Ramadan Gift

age 4+

Sweet, inspiring story about girl's Ramadan celebration.

By: Qasim Rashid (2021)
I Am Golden Poster Image
BOOK

I Am Golden

age 4+

Girl learns to love being Chinese American in joyful tale.

By: Eva Chen (2022)
Hair Twins Poster Image
BOOK

Hair Twins

age 4+

Warm story of family connection and Sikh hair traditions.

By: Raakhee Mirchandani (2021)
Holi Hai! cover: young girl with ponytail and brown skin standing with hands above head looking at puffs of bright colors up above. Blue background.
BOOK

Holi Hai!

age 4+

Beautiful, loving introduction to the festival of color.

By: Chitra Soundar (2022)
book cover of Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon
BOOK

Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon

age 4+

Classic tale gets fun update from a Chinese perspective.

One Day cover image: Asian mother left holds Asian baby center wrapped in blanket
BOOK

One Day (2023)

age 4+

A mother's beautiful poem of hope and love for her baby boy.

By: Joanna Ho (2023)
Girl with pink glasses and pigtails steps into a book page filled with colorful tropical birds, foliage, and flowers.
BOOK

Once Upon a Book

age 4+

Beautiful, vibrant celebration of imagination and stories.

By: Grace Lin , Kate Messner (2023)
Smiling Japanese boy smiling and holding a bowl of ramen
BOOK

Ramen for Everyone

age 4+

Sweet message and delicious ramen in colorful picture book.

Amira's picture day book cover
BOOK

Amira's Picture Day

age 5+

Sweet story about juggling two important days of the year.

By: Reem Faruqi (2021)
Diwali in My New Home
BOOK

Diwali in My New Home

age 5+

Warm story embraces celebrating holiday in a new place.

By: Shachi Kaushik (2022)
The Gift of Ramadan Book Cover
BOOK

The Gift of Ramadan

age 5+

Heartfelt story about Ramadan and learning how to sparkle.

By: Rabiah York Lumbard (2019)