May celebrates the accomplishments, rich history, and cultures of the people in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.
Whether you’re a member of the AAPI community like me and hoping to see your experiences reflected in the pages you read or looking to gain perspective on unfamiliar cultures, we hope this compilation of AAPI titles will lead you to your new favorite book.
Make sure to check out the AAPI Heritage Month shelf on cloudLibrary for more must-read e-books and audiobooks that highlight AAPI stories!
Memoirs
Making a Scene by Constance Wu
Constance Wu, the star of Crazy Rich Asians and Fresh Off The Boat, reflects on her life in this humorous yet heartbreakingly honest memoir.
Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American by Laura Gao
This graphic novel explores comic artist Laura Gao’s experience moving from China to America as a child and her struggles to fit in with her peers.
Adult Fiction
At Least You Have Your Health by Madi Sinha
Gynecologist Maya Rao’s medical ethics are put to the test when she starts working for a wellness clinic that caters to wealthy women. This Big Little Lies–esque novel set in the greater Philadelphia area frequently references Bucks County!
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
In this coming-of-age story inspired by Chinese mythology, Xingyin trains in archery and magic to save her mother from the most powerful being in the land.
Portrait Of A Thief by Grace D. Li
Five Chinese American college students are recruited by a mysterious benefactor to locate stolen sculptures and return them to Beijing. This novel explores themes of cultural belonging and asks the question: to whom does art truly belong?
Partners In Crime by Alisha Rai
Mira’s plan to wrap up her late aunt’s legal affairs results in an unexpected reunion with her ex, a kidnapping by crime bosses, and the uncovering of family secrets. Fans of second-chance romances and spy films are sure to enjoy this action-packed story!
The Stand-Up Groomsman by Jackie Lau
Polar opposites Vivian and Melvin’s first meeting ends in misjudgment and disaster. When their best friends get engaged, they must put aside their differences to make the wedding a success.
Siren Queen by Nghi Vo
Luli Wei, a young Chinese American woman in 1930s Hollywood, is willing to do whatever it takes to make it in the entertainment business, including taking roles as monsters and villains.
Young Adult Fiction
She Is A Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran
Jade agrees to spend five weeks in Vietnam with her estranged father. She soon discovers that the old house he is renovating is haunted by malicious spirits.
Queen of the Tiles by Hanna Alkaf
A year after Najwa’s best friend and reigning Scrabble champion Trina unexpectedly dies at a tournament, mysterious Instagram messages from her account suggest that her death was not an accident. In the Scrabble world, any one of the players could be a suspect, and Najwa believes the upcoming competition could be the perfect place to investigate.
Children’s Books
The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
Sai, an assistant to a revered mapmaker, embarks on a high-seas adventure to chart the mysterious and possibly monster-laden Southern Seas.
Winston Chu vs. The Whimsies by Stacey Lee
Winston learns that the mundane objects on display in a local oddity shop are more magical (and dangerous) than what they seem in this whimsical novel.
Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country by Kelly Yang
Notable Asian Americans such as Sunisa Lee, Jeremy Lin, and Kamala Harris are highlighted in this inspirational picture book geared toward younger readers.
Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, and Joe Wilson
Many centuries ago, a group of spiritual healers led by the all-powerful Kapaemahu arrived in Waikiki to share their traditions with its people. This bilingual book tells the forgotten story of the healers’ time on the islands in English and Olelu Niihau, an original form of the Hawaiian language.
After reading Kapaemahu, watch the tie-in animated short film!
Emma S., Bensalem branch
