In 1976, celebrations were held all over the country to mark 200 years of independence for the US. Jennie Jew, a Capitol Hill Staffer observed the celebrations, often becoming frustrated with the lack of Asian and Pacific Islander representation and recognition within them. Eventually, Jew brought the idea to Congress, and Asian American Heritage Week was signed into law in 1979 before becoming the entire month of May in 1992.
May was chosen as AAPI month because May 7th, 1843 was the first day that Japanese immigrants landed in the US. Additionally, May 10th, 1869 is Golden Spike Day, which is the day that the transcontinental railroad was finished, a project that was made possible because of the work of over 20,000 Asian Americans. During this month, Springboard has taken the time to uplift and celebrate different AAPI authors and their works. See our recommendations below!
Kao Kalia Yang is a Hmong American writer who writes for both adults and kids. Her children’s books include “A Map Into the World,” “The Shared Room,” “The Most Beautiful Thing,” and “Yang Warriors.” To learn more about Kao Kalia Yang, visit her website: https://kaokaliayang.com/
Ilima Loomis is an award-winning writer and author who often writes about Hawaii and its unique cultures. Her most recent children’s book is called “Ohana Means Family.” It’s about celebrating life through food and family. In the book, she also talks about Hawaiians and their connection to the Earth. To learn more about her, visit her website: https://ilimaloomis.com/books-by-ilima-loomis/
Radhiah Chowdhury is a Muslim Bangladeshi-Australian author who is passionate about writing diverse, representative stories for mainstream audiences. Her most recent book is called “The Katha Chest.” It’s about a young girl learning her family’s history through her Nanu’s (grandmother’s) katha chest. The chest is filled with homemade quilts that each tell a story. To learn more, click here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Katha-Chest/Radhiah-Chowdhury/9781665903905
Lastly, we have Minh Lê. Lê is a writer, author, and educator who writes picture books, as well as articles and graphic novels. His most recent book “Lift” is about a young girl named Iris who loves to push the elevator buttons in her apartment building. She gets annoyed when her little brother wants to tag along. But by the end, she realizes that the most fun you can have is with the people that you love. To learn more about Minh Lê visit his website: http://minhlebooks.com/
Be sure to also visit https://asianpacificheritage.gov/ for more resources, history, and ways you can celebrate and uplift the AAPI community