May 1 – 31
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with your children
May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States. This month-long observance began in 1978 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week and was later expanded to a month-long celebration in 1990. It is a time to honor the important role that AAPI individuals and communities have played in shaping the history, culture, and identity of the United States.
During this month, it’s time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions that AAPI individuals and communities have made to the fabric of American society, making it a valuable time to celebrate the unique experiences, histories, achievements and contributions of AAPI society with your children.
Book lists
To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with your children, consider the hundreds of “living” books in these free lists and curated bundles.
Film and television productions
To complement your children’s reading of AAPI perspectives, you might also consider watching these fine productions.
Inspiring quotes from Asian American and Pacific Islanders
These inspiring quotes from Asian American and Pacific Islander perspectives can encourage children to embrace their potential, pursue their dreams, and stand up for what’s right. They highlight the importance of perseverance, courage, and self-belief, which can inspire children to overcome obstacles and pursue their passions with determination and resilience.
“The American dream belongs to all of us.”
Kamala Harris
“The power of visibility can never be underestimated..”
Margaret Cho
“I intend to live life, not just exist.”
George Takei
“Success isn’t about the end result, it’s about what you learn along the way.”
Vera Wang
“Winning is not always the barometer of getting better.”
Tiger Woods
“Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up.”
Chinese proverb
“When we say ‘Asian American’ we are talking about so much more than can be fit in a single stereotype.”
Ijeoma Oluo
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”
Gandhi
“I think there’s a misconception that all Asian-American experiences are the same. My experiences with my family and the way they wanted me to know my culture are not the same as others.”
Lana Condor
“Read a thousand books, and your words will flow like a river.”
Lisa See
“When you learn something from people, or from a culture, you accept it as a gift, and it is your lifelong commitment to preserve it and build on it.”
Yo-Yo Ma
This celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month was brought to you—with love—from Stories of Color.