Diverse Books: Middle Grade Books by Asian American and Pacific Islander Authors and Illustrators

               

 Asian American Pacific Islander Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month and to celebrate the Macomb Public Library is offering reading lists for picture books, middle grade books, and young adult books by AAPI authors and illustrators.  

As Rudine Sims Bishop famously wrote, books provide windows, mirrors and sliding glass doors.  Books can show us our own stories, show us the stories of others, and give us a way to experience another person's story.  Stories that feature universal themes like family, friendship, food, and folklore connect us all.  The following list features middle grade books by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors and illustrators that will appeal to every reader.  

Watch for the ** for Miss Tiffany's favorite books!  

For more recommendations, contact your librarian.

 

               

 **Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi is the first book from the Rick Riordan presents imprint.  After Aru accidentally frees an ancient demon, she sets off a change of events that includes finding her spirit sister, working with a pigeon mentor and being chased by demons through the Kingdom of Death.  This has all of the humor and adventure of the Percy Jackson books with a whole new fascinating mythology!  The series continues with Aru Shah and the Song of Death.

 Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh will give you shivers!  When Harper moves to a new house her brother Michael starts acting very strange and Harper reaches out to her grandmother for help.  If you like this story, then you'll really like the even creepier sequel The Island of Monsters.

When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller won the 2021 Newbery Award.  Lily is trying to make sense of her new move, her grandmother's illness and why she keeps seeing a tiger in Washington state.  This story of family and folklore is sure to delight.

**A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat was a 2021 Newbery Honor.  In it, Pong escapes the prison where he was born to try to find actual freedom, only to discover that freedom isn't the only thing his soul is looking for. 

               

Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business by Lyla Lee is a great book about being the new kid.  This slice of life series for young readers is a great new step for reader who enjoyed Junie B Jones or Magic Tree House.

**Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin is likely my favorite book as of right now.  Minli sneaks out of her house in the middle of the night to go on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon to bring life back to the Fruitless Mountain.  This book weaves folklore stories throughout and ties them up neatly at the end.  The series continues with two more books that all combine in the most magical way.  This is a classic story that deserves as much attention as The Chronicles of Narnia.

Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly won the 2018 Newbery Award.  When a bully's prank lands Virgil in the bottom of a well, three children band together to find him. 

Cilla Lee-Jenkins:  Future Author Extradinaire by Susan Tan is about soon-to-be big sister Cilla who wants to become a bestselling author so her parents don't forget all about her when her little sister is born.  Another great series about family and growing up. 

 

               

 Stargazing by Jen Wang is a graphic novel about unlikely friends Moon and Christine, but when Moon shares an unusual secret, Christine must find the courage to be strong for her friend. 

Front Desk by Kelly Yang won the 2019 Newbery Award (are y'all seeing a pattern?  These are some good books!)  Mia's family is running a motel in California, but the owner is unsympathetic to their needs and the needs of the weekly renters.  But together Mia and her parents make an unlikely family with their guests and show the owner who's boss.  A wonderful read that will put a smile on your face.

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed tells the story of how one mistake can make all the difference.  Amal insults the ruling family of her village and as punishment, must serve them on their estate.  She learns how cruel and power-hungry they are, and works with the other servants on a daring mission to challenge them. 

Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel by Sheela Chari is based on the award-winning podcast.  Mars' friend Aurora is missing, but the adults are all to clueless to care.  It's up to Mars and his friends to solve this mystery involving conspiracies, science and tech.  This series starter is a sure thing.