With flowers blooming in May, it's the time again to join the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders community to celebrate their heritage and their contributions to our country. Let's browse the shelves in ICPL Children's Room and check out some exciting and empowering stories of AAPI superheroes!
Yes we will : Asian Americans who shaped this country
Yang, Kelly, author.
j973.0495 Yang
"A lyrical nonfiction picture book featuring eighteen Asian American changemakers and two pivotal moments in Asian American history, illustrated by fifteen renowned Asian and Asian American artists"--
We are here : 30 inspiring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have shaped the United States
Hirahara, Naomi, 1962- author.
j973.0495 Hirahara
"We Are Here celebrates 30 of the most influential Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in U.S. history"--
The wonders we seek : thirty incredible Muslims who helped shape the world
Faruqi, Saadia, author.
jBIOGRAPHY 920 Faruqi
"Discover the lives, stories, and accomplishments of many great accomplishments of many great Muslims throughout history. Many of the inventions and discoveries that we use in our lives today were created centuries ago -- during the golden age of Muslim empires and beyond. Art, music, astronomy, physics, mathematics, medicine, and so many other files of knowledge were shared and created and discussed in Arabia, Persia, Iraq, and India a very, very long time ago. This tradition of Muslim learning, dedication, and progress continues all across our world up to today." -- Back cover.
A is for Asian American : an Asian Pacific Islander Desi American alphabet
Loh-Hagan, Virginia, author.
j973.0495 Loh-Hagan
"Following the alphabet, poetry and expository text explain and showcase the cultural traditions and contributions of Asian Americans throughout U.S. history. Topics include traditions in food, family, and social celebrations, as well as key moments in history and milestone achievements."--
Mulan : a story in English and Chinese
Li, Jian (Art teacher), author, illustrator.
j495.1 Jian
"There was once an extraordinary girl who was as beautiful as she was brave. She knew how to read and write and sew. She loved to ride horses and shoot her bow and arrows. But it was the love for her family and her father that made her into a great soldier."--Page 4 of cover.
Zhang Heng and the incredible earthquake detector
McGee, Randel, author, illustrator.
j551.220287 McGee
"When thousands of people die in China's earthquakes, Emperor Shun Di does not know what to do as it takes days for a city to communicate the news to the Emperor. He assigns his wisest advisor, Zhang Heng, to create a device that will tell the Emperor and his court where an earthquake took place. Can Zhang Heng accomplish this impossible task?"--
Pirate queen : a story of Zheng Yi Sao
Becker, Helaine, author.
jE Becker
"The most powerful pirate in history was a woman who was born into poverty in Guangzhou, China, in the early 1800s. When pirates attacked her town and the captain took a liking to her, she saw a way out. Zheng Yi Sao agreed to marry him only if she got an equal share of his business. When her husband died six years later, she took command of the fleet. Over the next decade, the pirate queen built a fleet of over 1,800 ships and 70,000 men. On land and sea, Zheng Yi Sao's power rivaled the emperor himself. Time and again, her ships triumphed over the emperor's ships. When she was ready to retire, Zheng Yi Sao surrendered -- on her own terms, of course. Even though there was a price on her head, she was able to negotiate her freedom, living in peace and prosperity for the rest of her days. Zheng Yi Sao's powerful story is told in lyrical prose by award-winning author Helaine Becker. Liz Wong's colorful, engaging illustrations illuminate this inspiring woman in history."--
The great voyages of Zheng He
Demi.
jBIOGRAPHY Zheng, He
Chronicles the life and travels of Zheng He, the Chinese naval commander of the Ming dynasty who led the world's largest fleet of ships and brought peaceful trade to Asia and Africa.
Cang Jie : the inventor of Chinese characters
Li, Jian (Art teacher), author, illustrator.
j495.1 Li
"In ancient times under the reign of Yellow Emperor (about 2500 B.C.), people kept records by piling stones and tying knots. One day, Cang Jie, a historical official who tied knots to keep records under Yellow Emperor, unexpectedly made a big mistake. Feeling very guilty, he was determined to find out a better way for keeping records. He went back to his hometown to think it over for many days and nights. Inspired by the footprints of animals, he began to carefully observe the sun, moon, stars, mountains, rivers, lakes, seas, as well as birds and animals. At the same time, he traveled around collecting signs created by fishermen, farmers, hunters and soldiers. In the end, he succeeded in creating Chinese characters, which are still widely used today. In this multicultural children's story, kids will find out that there is a story behind every Chinese character. Children will also learn about basic Chinese characters and how to make them."-
Cai Lun : the creator of paper = Cai Lun
Li, Jian (Art teacher), author, illustrator.
j495.1 Li
In this multicultural children's book, kids will find out that there is a story behind every Chinese character. They will also learn about basic Chinese characters and how to write them.
Paper son : the inspiring story of Tyrus Wong, immigrant and artist
Leung, Julie, author.
jE Leung
"An inspiring picture-book biography of animator Tyrus Wong, the Chinese American immigrant responsible for bringing Disney's Bambi to life. Before he became an artist named Tyrus Wong, he was a boy named Wong Geng Yeo. He traveled across a vast ocean from China to America with only a suitcase and a few papers. Not papers for drawing--which he loved to do--but immigration papers to start a new life. Once in America, Tyrus seized every opportunity to make art, eventually enrolling at an art institute in Los Angeles. Working as a janitor at night, his mop twirled like a paintbrush in his hands. Eventually, he was given the opportunity of a lifetime--and using sparse brushstrokes and soft watercolors, Tyrus created the iconic backgrounds of Bambi."--Amazon.com
Tu Youyou's discovery : finding a cure for malaria
Daemicke, Songju Ma, author.
jBIOGRAPHY Youyou, Tu
"Tu Youyou had been interested in science and medicine since she was a child, so when malaria started infecting people all over the world in 1969, she went to work finding a treatment. Trained as a medical researcher in college and healed by traditional medicine techniques when she was young, Tu Youyou started experimenting with natural Chinese remedies. The treatment she discovered through years of research and experimentation is still used all over the world today"--
Queen of physics : how Wu Chien Shiung helped unlock the secrets of the atom
Robeson, Teresa, 1964- author.
j530.092 Wu
"When Wu Chien Shiung was born in China 100 years ago, girls did not attend school. But her parents named their daughter "Courageous Hero" and encouraged her love of science. This biography follows Wu as she battles sexism at home and racism in the United States of America to become what Newsweek magazine called the "Queen of Physics" for her work on how atoms split"--
Playing at the border : a story of Yo-Yo Ma
Ho, Joanna, author.
jE Ho
". . . tell[s] an inspiring story of Yo-Yo Ma, who challenges conventions, expectations, and beliefs in order to build bridges to unite communities, people, and cultures"--Provided by publisher.
The boy who became a dragon : a Bruce Lee story
Di Bartolo, Jim, author, artist.
jBIOGRAPHY Lee, Bruce
Presents a biography of the martial arts legend, describing his childhood in Hong Kong and how it was shaped by World War II, and his success as an international star.
The rise (and falls) of Jackie Chan
Giang, Kristen Mai, author.
jBIOGRAPHY Chan, Jackie
"An action-packed picture book biography about Hollywood actor, stuntman, and beloved superstar Jackie Chan! A great read for Chan fans hoping to share their love of Rush Hour, Supercop, and Jackie's original brand of martial arts with their ready-to-tumble tyke. Pow! Bam! Wow! Jackie Chan has been making movies and amazing audiences with his original and comedic stunts for decades. Pow! Bam! Ow! But before he was an international star, Jackie grew up in relative poverty in China, studied martial arts at the grueling China Drama Academy, and worked for years trying to find his way in film. Pow! Bam! How? Twist, tumble, and train alongside martial arts hero Jackie Chan in this picture book biography from lauded author Kristen Mai Giang and illustrator and Hong Kong native Alina Chau. Discover how Jackie used his goofball acrobatics to make a name and a style all his own."--
One jump at a time : my story
Chen, Nathan, 1999- author.
796.912092 /Chen
The three-time World Champion, Olympic gold medalist, and the first Asian American man to stand at the highest podium in figure skating reflects on the events that led him to where he is today, in this testament to the love of family and the power of persistence, grit, and passion.
Nathan Chen's autobiography lives on the 2nd floor with all other brilliant skaters' story, but I do wish to share with children and parents about his strengths in the face of challenges from an immigrant family, his persistence that inspires us all the way throughout the journey to success, and, what's more exciting, his passion in children's literature as an amazing role model for little ones! His first picture book with inspirational story and vivid illustration, "Wei Skates On", is coming soon to our children's collection. Check it out and enjoy with your family: https://search.icpl.org/Record/1779350
- Fang
Gandhi : his life, his struggles, his words
Lambilly-Bresson, Élisabeth de.
jBIOGRAPHY Gandhi, Mahatma
In all respects Gandhi was an uncommon person. Outraged by human suffering, revolted by injustice, and guided by faith, Gandhi spent his life standing up for what he believed to be right. He did this with unfailing strength and equanimity, ready to give his life for the poorest and most despised in the belief that every human being should be able to live with dignity and freedom.
Superheroes are everywhere
Harris, Kamala, 1964- author.
jE Harris
"Senator Kamala Harris's picture book memoir in which she tells her life story and shows how everyone can be a superhero"--
Who Is Kamala Harris?
Anderson, Kirsten (Kirsten Stephanie), author.
jBIOGRAPHY Harris, Kamala
On November 7, 2020, Kamala Harris, a senator from California, became the first woman and the first African-American and South Asian-American person to be elected to the vice presidency. While her nomination for this position was not unexpected, her rise to national prominence was one filled with unexpected turns and obstacles. After failing her first bar exam to become a lawyer, she tried again and passed. From there, she quickly rose through the legal ranks, serving as district attorney of San Francisco, then California's attorney general, and soon, senator. As a politician, Kamala Harris has been a vocal champion of progressive reforms and women's rights. This exciting story details the defining moments of what led to her nomination and all the monumental ones since that have shaped her career and the future of America.
A boy named Isamu : a story of Isamu Noguchi
Yang, James, 1960- author, illustrator.
jE Yang
Imagines a day in the boyhood of Japanese American artist, Isamu Noguchi, while wandering through an outdoor market, through the forest, and then by the ocean, seeing things Isamu sees through the eyes of a young artist.
Magic ramen : the story of Momofuku Ando
Wang, Andrea, author.
jBIOGRAPHY Ando, Momofuku
"Every day, Ando Momofuku would retire to his lab--a little shed in his backyard. For years, he'd dreamed about making a new kind of ramen noodle soup that was quick, convenient, and tasty to feed the hungry people he'd seen in line for a bowl on the black market following World War II. "Peace follows from a full stomach," he believed. Day after day, Ando experimented. Night after night, he failed. But Ando kept experimenting. With persistence, creativity, and a little inspiration, Ando succeeded. This is the true story behind one of the world's most popular foods"--Provided by publisher.
Mountain chef : how one man lost his groceries, changed his plans, and helped cook up the National Park Service
Pimentel, Annette Bay, author.
jBIOGRAPHY Sing, Tie
A 100th anniversary tribute chronicles the inspiring true story of a Chinese-American trail cook whose resourcefulness during a historical camping venture in the Sierras safeguarded a team of influential writers, tycoons, politicians and celebrities who later founded the National Park Service. --Publisher
Roots and wings : how Shahzia Sikander became an artist
Sikander, Shahzia, 1969- author.
jE Sikander
"Growing up in Lahore, Pakistan, Shahzia flew kites, ate fruit from jamun trees, and devoured Russian fairy tales, American Westerns, and Bollywood films. She also read poetry in Urdu, her own language, and learned the slow and detailed painting technique of Indo-Persian miniatures. And when she moved far from home to study art, she brought her roots with her. Roots and Wings is a deeply personal story about how an artist grows. It is based on the childhood of Shahzia Sikander, one of the most exciting and celebrated artists working today"--Back cover.
The world's loneliest elephant : based on the true story of Kaavan
Fletcher, Ralph J., author.
j599.67 Fletcher
"A heartwarming picture book featuring the true story of Kaavan the elephant, his unlikely bond with musician Cher, and his rescue by veterinarian and animal rights activist Dr. Amir Khalil"--
Hokusaí : he saw the world in a wave
Hodge, Susie, 1960- author.
j769.92 Hokusai
In this series, follow the artists' stories and find intriguing facts about their environments and key masterpieces. Then see what you can see and make your own art.
Malala Yousafzai : warrior with words
Abouraya, Karen Leggett, author.
jBIOGRAPHY Yousafzai, Malala
Growing up in the Swat Valley of Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai loved books and school. But in 2009, the Taliban came to power and closed all schools for girls. Malala, just eleven years old, began to speak and blog about the right of all children to receive an education. Soon fighting broke out and Malala's family fled the Swat Valley. After the fighting ceased, they returned home, and Malala continued to speak out. That's when she was shot by a Taliban gunman, but her life-threatening injury only strengthened Malala's resolve. In 2013, just nine months after being attacked, Malala addressed the United Nations about the right of every child to receive an education, and in 2014, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. At age seventeen, she was the youngest person ever to receive this honor. This book is more than a biography of a brave, outspoken girl who continues to fight for the millions of children worldwide who are not able to go to school. It is also a testament to the power of education to change the world for girls and boys everywhere.
Malala, a brave girl from Pakistan ; Iqbal, a brave boy from Pakistan
Winter, Jeanette.
jE Winter
"A lushly illustrated picture-book biography of two young Pakistani heroes, Malala Yousafzai and Iqbal Masih, from acclaimed nonfiction author/illustrator Jeanette Winter"--
Kubla Khan : the emperor of everything
Krull, Kathleen.
jBIOGRAPHY Kubla Khan
Presents a biography of the founder of the Mongol Dynasty in China.
Sixteen years in sixteen seconds : the Sammy Lee story
Yoo, Paula.
jBIOGRAPHY Lee, Sammy
A biography of Korean American diving champion Sammy Lee, focusing on how his childhood determination and his father's dreams set the stage for a medical career as well as his athletic achievements which earned him Olympic gold medals in 1948 and 1952.
Chef Roy Choi and the street food remix
Martin, Jacqueline Briggs, author, narrator.
jREAD-ALONG Choi
Describes the popular street cook's life, including working in his family's restaurant as a child, figuring out what he wanted to do with his life, and his success with his food truck and restaurant.
It began with a page : how Gyo Fujikawa drew the way
Maclear, Kyo, 1970- author.
jE Maclear
"Gyo Fujikawa's iconic children's books are beloved all over the world. Now it's time for Gyo's story to be told--a story of artistic talent that refused to be constrained by rules or expectations. Growing up quiet and lonely at the beginning of the twentieth century, Gyo learned from her relatives the ways in which both women and Japanese people lacked opportunity. Her teachers and family believed in her and sent her to art school and later Japan, where her talent flourished. But while Gyo's career grew and led her to work for Walt Disney Studios, World War II began, and with it, her family's internment. But Gyo never stopped fighting--for herself, her vision, her family and her readers--and later wrote and illustrated the first children's book to feature children of different races interacting together."--
A life made by hand : the story of Ruth Asawa
D'Aquino, Andrea, author, illustrator.
jBIOGRAPHY Asawa, Ruth
"This lushly illustrated book by collage artist Andrea D'Aquino brings Asawa's creative journey to life, detailing the influence of her childhood in a farming family, and her education at Black Mountain College where she pursued an experimental course of education with leading avant-garde artists and thinkers such as Anni and Josef Albers, Buckminster Fuller, Merce Cunningham, and Robert Rauschenberg. Delightful and substantial, this engaging title for young art lovers includes a page of teaching tools for parents and educators."--Publisher's website
Inside out & back again
Lai, Thanhha.
jFICTION Lai, Thanhha
Through a series of poems, a young girl chronicles the life-changing year of 1975, when she, her mother, and her brothers leave Vietnam and resettle in Alabama.
Passage to freedom : the Sugihara story
Mochizuki, Ken, 1954-
j940.5318 Mochizuk
Tells the true story of Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat stationed in Lithuania in 1940 who risked the safety of his own family members and put his job on the line by issuing visas to as many as 10,000 Jews who were facing death at the hands of the Nazis.
Tammy Duckworth
Cham, Stephanie, author.
jBIOGRAPHY Duckworth, Tammy
How did Tammy Duckworth become a Senator? Readers will learn all about this great Asian American politician and the significant events in her life in this low-leveled biography.
Shapes, lines, and light : my grandfather's American journey
Yamasaki, Katie, author, illustrator.
jBIOGRAPHY Yamasaki, Minoru
"Katie Yamasaki's newest picture book celebrates the life of her grandfather, the acclaimed Japanese American architect Minoru Yamasaki. Minoru Yamasaki described the feeling he sought to create in his buildings as "serenity, surprise, and delight." Here, Katie Yamasaki charts his life and work: his childhood in Seattle's Japanese immigrant community, paying his way through college working in Alaska's notorious salmon canneries, his success in architectural school, and the transformative structures he imagined and built. A Japanese American man who faced brutal anti-Asian racism in post-World War II America and an outsider to the architectural establishment, he nonetheless left his mark on the world, from the American Midwest to New York City, Asia, and the Middle East. This striking picture book renders one artist's work through the eyes of another, and tells a story of a man whose vision, hard work, and humanity led him to the pinnacle of his field"--
Zaha Hadid : architect
Leaf, Christina, author.
jREADER Hadid, Zaha
"Relevant images match informative text in this introduction to Zaha Hadid. Intended for students in kindergarten through third grade"--
Fall down seven times, stand up eight : Patsy Takemoto Mink and the fight for Title IX
Bryant, Jen, 1960- author.
jBIOGRAPHY Mink, Patsy
A champion of equal rights who helped create a better future for all Americans, this biography of the first Asian American woman elected to Congress showed how she carved her own path to become a historic trailblazer.
Hooray for this wonderful alphabetical showcase of AAPI cultures and contributions throughout the US history, highlighting brief but powerful stories and cartoon photos of many stellar pioneers, activists, scientists, pop stars, athletes, and more!
- Fang