AAPI Picture Books And More Great Kids’ Books!

Star Trek actor George Takei first described his time in Japanese American incarceration camps in his excellent YA graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy. Now he’s written about his experiences for picture book readers. Takei was 4 years old when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. Soon after, he and his family of five were forced to leave their Los Angeles home and live in a series of Japanese incarceration camps. Takei relates how he, his family, and other children found ways to make the camps home, even amid the unconscionable. Back matter includes an author’s note, photographs, and more about the history of Japanese Americans during and after World War II. Lee’s soft illustrations are lovely. This is a great addition to the growing number of picture books about WWII Japanese incarceration camps.

This is another stunning picture book about a moment in history that I have never seen covered in picture books—the Korean War. It’s based on the experiences of the author’s mother and her family, who sheltered refugees in their home by the sea during the War. Kyung is at first understandably shy of the refugees fleeing the war and coming to live in her house. More people come, day after day, and the family does their best to provide space, food, and kindness. Kyung tires of the constant noise and chores, but then she befriends one of the refugees. As the war comes ever closer, Kyung learns the importance of community and sticking together. Back matter includes author’s and illustrator’s notes about their families during the Korean War.

This lovely picture book celebrates languages and family. Sumi’s mother speaks both Malayalam and English and weaves both languages into her daily interactions, like the warm tapestry illustrations. Sumi tells the story of her mother growing up in Kerala, studying English when she was 12, and then moving to America. Sumi then shares stories of how she’s learned both languages, of her travels to Kerala, and of the languages her family speaks there (like her aunt who knows four languages). It’s a beautiful homage to language based on the author’s childhood.

This sweet picture book is about a young girl who wants to learn how to dance the tinikling—a traditional Filipino dance—for her Lolo and Lola’s anniversary celebration. As her older siblings practice, Kailani feels left out, but she has trouble recreating the pattern on the bamboo sticks, and her legs get tangled when she practices the steps with her father. But she keeps practicing, and she’s ready to dance the tinikling at her grandparents’s party. This is a really fun picture book.