They Called Us Enemy by George Takei 

Genre: Graphic Memoir / History / Nonfiction

A powerful firsthand account of Takei’s childhood in Japanese American internment camps during WWII. 

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhhà Lai

Genre: Historical Fiction / Novel-in-Verse 

A moving narrative told through poems about a young girl fleeing Vietnam and adjusting to life in America. 

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

Genre: Graphic Novel / LGBTQ+ / Coming-of-Age / Fantasy

A beautifully illustrated story exploring identity, family, and Vietnamese folktales. 

We Are Here: 30 Inspiring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Have Shaped the United States by Naomi Hirahara

Genre: Biography / Nonfiction / History 

A collection of short profiles that highlight influential AANHPI trailblazers across generations. 

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay
Genre: Young Adult Fiction / Realistic Fiction / Coming-of-Age / Social Justice
A Filipino American teen travels to the Philippines after his cousin’s mysterious death during President Duterte’s drug war. As he searches for answers, he confronts family secrets, political injustice, and his own identity.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

Genre: Young Adult Romance / Contemporary Fiction / Coming-of-Age

Lara Jean, a Korean American teen, finds her private love letters mysteriously mailed out, turning her quiet high school life upside down. A heartfelt and relatable story about love, family, and self-discovery. 

A Thousand Steps into Night by Traci Chee

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy / Mythology-Inspired / Adventure / Asian-Inspired Worldbuilding

Set in a Japanese folklore–inspired world, this feminist fantasy follows Miuko, a seemingly ordinary girl who is cursed and begins transforming into a demon. On a quest to break the curse, she faces monsters, spirits, and the limits of her destiny. 

The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow

Genre: Literary Fiction / Coming-of-Age

While not entirely set in Hawaiʻi, this novel explores mixed-race identity through the lens of a biracial girl (African American and Danish) whose heritage echoes with Pacific themes, including reflections on being "othered" in both cultures. 

This Time Will Be Different by Misa Sugiura

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary / Family Drama / Romance / Social Justice

CJ Katsuyama helps run her family's flower shop, where she learns about the legacy of Japanese American internment and injustice. As she confronts gentrification, family secrets, and her own voice, CJ learns that history isn’t just about the past—it’s about choosing who you want to be. 

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy / Epic Fantasy / Asian-Inspired Worldbuilding

In a world inspired by ancient Chinese mythology and imperial history, a girl with a mysterious mark must unlock her hidden powers and unravel her mother’s secrets while resisting colonial forces and discovering her destiny. A lush, magical tale of rebellion, identity, and power. 

The New Girl by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Genre: Young Adult Thriller / Mystery / Dark Academia

Lia Setiawan, a Chinese-Indonesian American student, wins a scholarship to a prestigious academy—only to uncover dark secrets, blackmail, and a sinister gossip app. A suspenseful story about power, privilege, and identity. 

The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco

Genre: Young Adult Horror / Supernatural Thriller / Japanese Folklore

Inspired by the Japanese legend of Okiku, this chilling novel follows a vengeful spirit who hunts child murderers. Okiku's existence takes a turn when she encounters Tark, a teenager haunted by a malevolent force. Their journey delves into eerie rituals and dark exorcisms, blending traditional horror elements with a fresh perspective