Asian Culture Through Children's Literature
Important Note:
This site does not present Asian or Asian American stories as homogenous experience.
Labeling by culture, country or ethnicity facilitates the search for and identification of specific experiences.
Chinese
Chinese American
Chinese Experience
Chinese American
China
China
Moth and Wasp, Soil and Ocean tells its story through the memories of a farm boy who, inspired by Pu Zhelong, became a scientist himself.
This book's themes can resonate with any child who feels excluded (or excludes others) and can also open up conversations about nonbinary gender identities. A relevant tale of love and acceptance that can find a home in any children's collection. -Kirkus Reviews
Yu'er and her grandpa live in a small neighborhood in Beijing―and it's full of big personalities. There's a story around every corner, and each day has a hint of magic.
In one tale, Yu'er wants to swim in the Special Olympics, a sports competition for people with disabilities. But she and her grandpa don't have a pool!
Taiwan
Japanese Experience
Japan
Japan
Japanese American
Japanese American
Japanese American
Japan
Japanese American
Japanese American
Japanese American
Japanese American
Japanese American
Japanese American
Hiroshima
Japanese American
Vietnamese Experience
Vietnamese Experience
Vietnamese Experience
Vietnamese Experience
Vietnamese Experience
Vietnamese Experience
Vietnamese Experience
Vietnamese Experience
Vietnamese Experience
Vietnamese Experience
HMONG
North Korea
Korea
Korea
Korea
Korea
Korea
Korea
Korea
South Korea
South Korea
Laos
Laos
Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia
Philippines
Philippines
Philippines
Filipino American
Philippines
Thailand
The Seed of Compassion
For the first time ever, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate His Holiness the Dalai Lama addresses children directly, sharing lessons of peace and compassion, told through stories of his own childhood.
One of today's most inspiring world leaders was once an ordinary child named Lhamo Thondup. In a small village in Tibet, his mother was his first great teacher of compassion. In everyday moments from his childhood, young readers begin to see that important lessons are all around us, and that they, too, can grow to truly understand them.
With simple, powerful text, the Dalai Lama shares the universalist teachings of treating one another with compassion, which Bao Luu illustrates beautifully in vibrant color. In an increasingly confusing world, The Seed of Compassion offers guidance and encouragement on how we all might bring more kindness to it.
Buthan
This delightful, and insightful, tale is told by one of Bhutan's leading writers, Kunzang Choden. "Neypo shong gna? Is there room for me?" a wandering monk asks the little old lady who lives on the hill. The question is repeated again and again as more and more visitors come by.
The kind lady welcomes them in, one by one. And the story ends with the teaching: “There will always be room in your home, as long as there is room in your heart.”
Buthan
Set in the remote mountains of Ladakh in India, Milky Way is a sweet tale of friendship between a boy and the moon. The story highlights the importance of the moon in Tibetan Buddhism and showcases elements of Himalayan cultures, including their delectable cuisine.
A young monk is moved by the bravery of two children journeying alone to the freedom of Nepal. He offers what help he can -- a hot bowl of soup, a warm bed for the night -- but he realizes their best chance lies with Moon. She is the little dog who knows the unguarded paths out of the mountains, the very dog who will leave an ache in his heart when she goes.
This story was inspired by the sacrifice and courage of those who struggle to be free. It is not uncommon in Tibet for parents to send their children into the treks through the mountains in the hope they will find refuge in Nepal. During the winter when the passes are not heavily guarded, the bitter cold is considered a smaller threat than remaining at home. Many such children have made it, many have turned back, many more have simply disappeared.
India
Islam /Muslin World
Magnificently capturing the colorful world of Islam for the youngest readers, this breathtaking and informative picture book celebrates Islam's beauty and traditions. From a red prayer rug to a blue hijab, everyday colors are given special meaning as young readers learn about clothing, food, and other important elements of Islamic culture, with a young Muslim girl as a guide.
“From a crescent moon to a square garden to an octagonal fountain, this breathtaking picture book celebrates the shapes—and traditions—of the Muslim world. Sure to inspire questions and observations about world religions and cultures, Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets is equally at home in a classroom reading circle and on a parent's lap being read to a child.” - Chronicle Books
