Asian history children should know and remember
1788, first contact with Pacific Islanders in Hawaii is made
April 26, 1920, Indian protest against the British colonial Rowlatt Acts
October 1, 1949, Mao Zedon establishes the People’s Republic of China
1942–1945, Japanese Americans are sent to U.S. internment camps
1965–1973, the Vietnam War
1991, Apartheid ends in South Africa, impacting Indians significantly
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May
Book lists involving Asian perspectives and themes
About nature and time outdoors
Forgotten and lesser known history for early grades
Forgotten and lesser known history for middle grades
Forgotten and lesser known history for high schoolers
About processing death and grief
About the internment of Japanese Americans
About holidays around the world
Diverse graphic novels for children
Folk tales from around the world
Diverse substitutes to “classic” literature
Books about inspiring women of color
Winter tales to read by a cozy fire
Living books about people with disabilities
Essential quotes about the Asian experience
“Our cultural strength has always been derived from our diversity of understanding and experience.”
Yo-Yo Ma
“We are not myths of the past, ruins in the jungle, or zoos. We are people and we want to be respected, not to be victims of intolerance and racism.”
Haunani-Kay Trask
“I felt like I was straddling two cultures. I wasn’t fully accepted into either... which was difficult and often very lonely.”
Kunal Nayyar
“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their color”
Maya Lin
“The hybrid nature of my cultural experience has influenced my life’s work.”
Amy Tan
“Sometimes people think that if you’re Asian, you’re the smartest person in the room.”
Ken Jeong
Exploring the Asian and Pacific Islander experience through stories
The Asian and Pacific Islander experience is a tapestry woven from diverse cultures, languages, and histories. From the ancient traditions of China and India to the modern diaspora in Western countries, understanding this experience is a journey that can be enriching for children of all backgrounds. Literature, especially stories that serve as both “windows” and “mirrors,” plays a crucial role in educating young minds about the richness of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage.
Asia itself is a continent of contrasts. You find countries like Japan and Singapore, well known for their technological advancements, coexisting with nations like Bhutan and Nepal, where ancient traditions are preserved with utmost care. From the buzzing markets of Bangkok to the serene temples of Kyoto, the landscape is as varied as the people who inhabit it.
Pacific Islanders also have their own unique tapestry of cultures and traditions, from the hula dances of Hawaii to the tribal rituals of Papua New Guinea. These are lands of ocean navigators, skilled artisans, and orators, whose stories are passed down through generations in the form of songs, chants, and dances.
Understanding any cultural experience also involves acquainting oneself with key figures from that culture’s history. When it comes to the Asian and Pacific Islander experience, there are many luminaries who have left an indelible mark. Confucius' philosophies continue to influence Chinese thought, while figures like Rani Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi, are celebrated for their defiance against colonial rule. Jose Rizal, a Filipino nationalist and writer, is a household name in the Philippines, just as King Kamehameha is revered for unifying the Hawaiian Islands.
The role of stories in understanding the Asian and Pacific Islander experience cannot be overstated, either. Stories provide a lens through which complex social issues, historical contexts, and cultural nuances can be examined. They can illuminate the intricacies of living between two worlds, as many immigrants do, or the joy and pride in celebrating age-old traditions.
Books like Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai or Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin not only entertain but also educate. Children’s authors such as Laurence Yep and Linda Sue Park also bring the Asian experience to life in ways that are simply beautiful. These stories provide children with frameworks to understand experiences both different from and similar to their own, depending on their own heritage. They encourage courage and empathy, confidence and cultural awareness, as even a bit of adventurous spirit.
The Asian and Pacific Islander experience is incredibly varied, full of history, depth, and individual stories waiting to be heard. As parents, educators, and guardians, we have the invaluable opportunity to enrich our children’s lives with this wealth of knowledge. By including books that serve as both “windows” and “mirrors” in their reading lists, we can foster a generation that truly understands and appreciates the complexity and beauty of the world they inherit.
