Book Lists: Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. The origins of AAPI Month can be traced back to the late 1970s, when a joint resolution was passed by Congress to commemorate the first 10 days of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush expanded the celebration to the entire month of May.

As part of the educational community, it’s crucial to recognize the significance of this month and incorporate it into our teaching and activities. AAPI Month provides an opportunity to teach children about diversity and inclusion, build cultural awareness, and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout history. By learning about different cultures and traditions, children develop a greater appreciation for the world around them and gain a deeper understanding of the AAPI community. For children of AAPI descent, AAPI Month can be a powerful tool for fostering positive identity development and building resilience and self-esteem.

To honor AAPI Month, we’ve created this recommended book list for students from Pre-K through 3rd grade.