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Dive deeper into the AAPI experience by teaching novels and books by AAPI authors in the classroom. Use our Novel and Book Studies Collection to build background knowledge about the characters’ experiences and events and create extension activities that help improve engagement with the material off the page. Share AAPI books from a variety of cultures, like:
Afghanistan, located in south-central Asia, is home to diverse ethnic communities. Introduce students to the stories of Afghans and Afghan-Americans like:
1. “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini
In Hosseini’s novel, two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, navigate life during a tumultuous time in their country from the 1960s to the early 2000s. Set the backdrop of this novel for students with resources like:
A video that shows how the Taliban took control of Afghanistan during this time.
An explainer article that looks at the landscape, culture, and political systems of Afghanistan.
An issue overview explaining what militant jihadism is and how it affects countries like Afghanistan.
[Bangladeshi stories](id-bangladeshi)
Bangladesh is a densely-populated country in South Asia, known for its cultural heritage and economic growth. Students can read more about Bangladeshi and Bangladeshi-American stories in novels like:
2. “The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali” by Sabina Khan
In Khan’s novel, A 17-year-old Bangladeshi-American girl’s parents send her back to their home country for an arranged marriage after learning secrets about her identity. Students can learn more about Bangladesh and its cultural norms through resources like:
An explainer article about the country’s geography, traditions, and political systems.
An article about a group of young surfers in Bangladesh who are challenging cultural norms by learning the sport.
An opinion article that explains the experience of “third culture kids” who grow up with multiple cultural backgrounds.
[Cambodian stories](id-cambodian)
Located in Southeast Asia, Cambodia has an interesting history starting with the ancient Khmer Empire. Students can learn more about the ups and downs this country has faced by reading novels like:
3. “The Clay Marble” by Minfong Ho
Ho’s novel follows 12-year-old Dara as she navigates the challenges of war, refugee life, and entering her teen years in 1980s Cambodia. Help students better understand the novel’s setting with resources like:
A history of the Khmer Rouge communist movement that ruled Cambodia in the mid-to-late 1970s.
An explainer article that looks at how other countries like India, China, and France have influenced Cambodian culture.
An article that examines how Cambodians use the performing arts to create new stories and showcase important issues like social justice and equality.
[Chinese stories](id-chinese)
The East Asian country of China is known for its ancient history, cultural heritage, and significant economic influence worldwide. Students can read stories about fictional and non-fictional Chinese and Chinese-American characters in stories like:
4. “Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things” by Lenore Look
In Look’s novel, Alvin Ho is an Asian-American second-grader who works to confront his anxiety and selective mutism to better navigate school and interpersonal relationships. Students can learn more about the themes in the book by exploring resources like:
The text of the Chinese mythology story of Li T’ien and the Demon Nian.
A personal essay from a youth reporter on how and why people of Chinese heritage celebrate Lunar New Year.
A TED Talk video that gives tips on how to speak so people will want to listen to you.
5. “American Born Chinese” by Gene Luen Yang
Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel tells three interwoven stories of Chinese-Americans as they wrestle with self-identity, stereotypes, and family issues. Students can learn more about the author, story, and themes with resources like:
A video speech from the author that encourages students to leave their comfort zone.
An interview with the author about his novels and writing process.
An article that explains what stereotypes are and why we should avoid them.
6. “Boxers and Saints” by Gene Luen Yang
In this two-volume historical fiction graphic novel, two Chinese young adults navigate life during China’s Boxer Rebellion. Students can build background knowledge on this period in history with resources like:
An explainer article on the history of the Boxer Rebellion.
An article that explores the power of historical fiction graphic novels.
A video that argues whether graphic novels are really novels or not.
7. “Dragonwings” by Laurence Yep
Yep’s historical fiction novel follows Moon Shadow, a young Chinese immigrant living in San Francisco in the early 1900s. Moon Shadow must balance his dream to build and fly airplanes with the reality of living in the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake. Students can learn more about life for Chinese immigrants during this period with resources like:
An article that explores the history and culture of San Francisco’s Chinatown.
An explainer article about Chinese immigration and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
A news article about the decline of traditional Chinese kite making due to young people not taking up the craft.
8. “Front Desk” by Kelly Yang
In Yang’s novel, 10-year-old Chinese immigrant Mia Tang helps her parents manage a California motel and deal with issues like poverty and racism in the world around her. Students can learn more about the themes in this novel with articles on topics like:
Why there are more barriers to equality in the U.S. now than there were 50 years ago.
What income inequality is and why it matters.
How your mindset about any situation can affect your perception of it and the outcome.
9. “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan
Tan’s novel explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters while interweaving elements of cultural identity and generational conflict. Students can learn more about the author and themes of the story with resources like:
A biography of author Amy Tan.
A video summary about why students should read “The Joy Luck Club.”
An article that explores the cultural traditions of storytelling.
10. “Legend” by Marie Lu
Lu’s dystopian novel follows June and Day as they navigate through “the Republic” and “the Colonies” to uncover the countries’ sinister secrets. Students can learn more about the novel’s themes by exploring articles on topics like:
How Chinese people are protesting the government’s environmental practices that lead to issues like pollution.
How opponents of the Thai coup leaders embraced the three-finger “Hunger Games” salute to defy tyranny.
How storytelling can increase empathy among people, cultures, and communities.
11. “M. Butterfly” by David Henry Hwang
Hwang’s play follows French diplomat René Gallimard and Chinese opera singer and spy Song Liling through a 20-year tumultuous relationship that explores themes like cultural stereotypes and gender identity. Students can learn more about these themes and the play’s settings with resources like:
An explainer article on the history of the Chinese Revolution of 1949.
An article that looks at the causes of the Vietnam War.
A video that looks at the portrayal of stereotypes in the media.
12. “Red Scarf Girl” by Ji-li Jiang
Jiang’s memoir recounts her experiences as a 12-year-old in the middle of China’s Cultural Revolution. Students can learn more about the events and themes discussed in the memoir by reviewing resources like:
A video that explains the difference between communists and nationalists involved in China’s revolutions.
An explainer article about what Mao’s Cultural Revolution was.
An explainer article on how propaganda works.
13. “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” by Grace Lin
Lin’s fantasy adventure novel—inspired by Chinese folklore—follows Minli on her journey to find the Old Man of the Moon and improve her family’s fortune. Students can learn more about the tales and ideas that inspired this novel by exploring resources like:
A video that explains what it’s like to grow up in a multicultural family or society.
An explainer article that looks at China'snature, geography,and history.
An article that explores popular gods and goddesses from ancient Chinese tales.
[Indian stories](id-indian)
One of the world’s most populous countries, India is known for its cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and economic growth. Students can read stories about Indian-Americans and those still living in the country in books like:
14. “The Bridge Home” by Padma Venkatraman
In Venkatrman’s novel, two sisters escape their abusive home in India and take shelter on an abandoned bridge where they meet two homeless boys and form their own unconventional family. Students can learn more about the events and themes in this novel by exploring resources like:
An article on the history of the South Asian caste system.
An explainer article on the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates brother-sister bonds.
A video about the traditions and customs of Diwali.
15. “The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy
In Roy’s novel, twins Rahel and Estha must deal with tricky family relationships influenced by the caste discrimination and betrayal. Students can build background knowledge on the novel and its setting by exploring resources like:
A video summary about why students should read “The God of Small Things.”
An explainer article examining India'sgeography,politics, and culture.
An article that explores the rise of Hinduism.
16. “The Namesake” by Jhumpa Lahiri
In Lahari’s novel, Indian-American Gogol Ganguli must try to understand his cultural identity and the values of his immigrant parents while trying to live life as a typical American teenager. Students can learn more about the themes in the novel with resources like:
A video that analyzes the evolution of identity for Indians and Indian-Americans.
An article that explores the meaning of names and why some people change theirs.
An opinion article about why stereotypes can be hurtful—but can also resonate with viewers in the media.
[Iranian stories](id-iranian)
Located in southwestern Asia, Iran is best known worldwide for its history, ties to Islam, and supply of oil and gas reserves. Students can learn more about the country’s history and culture by reading books like:
17. “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi
Satrapi’s graphic novel memoir tells about her youth and teen years growing up during the Iranian Revolution and how political upheaval and cultural change affected her freedom and identity. Students can learn more about the setting and themes of the novel with articles on topics like:
The history, government, and culture of Iran.
The experiences women who wear hijabs have—and how they differ in different countries.
The origins and impact of the Iranian hostage crisis of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
[Japanese stories](id-japanese)
Japan, an island nation in East Asia, has a rich history, eclectic culture, and its pulse on new technologies. Students can read stories about Japanese and Japanese-American people in books like:
18. “Farewell to Manzanar” by Jeanne Wakatsuki and James D. Houston
Wakatsuki’s memoir retells her family’s experiences at the Manzanar War Relocation Center during World War II. Students can learn more about the internment camp and themes of the book with resources like:
A video that explains the history of Japanese-American incarceration camps.
An article that explores the evolution of Japanese-American culture in the Seattle area.
An article that explains the events that led to Japanese-American internment in places like Manzanar.
19. “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” by Eleanor Coerr
In Coerr’s book, she tells the true story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who developed leukemia after radiation exposure from the Hiroshima atomic bombing. Students can learn more about the events and themes in this story with resources like:
An overview article that explains the Hiroshima bombing and its effects.
The full text of President Harry Truman’s speech announcing the Hiroshima bombing.
A step-by-step video that shows how to fold origami cranes.
[Korean stories](id-korean)
Located on the Korean Peninsula and split by ideologies, politics, and lifestyles, North and South Korea are best known for their division following World War II and the Korean War. Students can learn more about the experiences and histories of Koreans and Korean Americans in books like:
20. “Almost American Girl” by Robin Ha
Ha’s graphic novel memoir tells her story of moving from Seoul, South Korea to Alabama as a teenager. She struggles to find her identity while dealing with racism and culture shock. Students can learn more about Ha’s experiences by exploring articles on topics like:
The history and culture of South Korea.
Why the Southern United States is becoming a popular spot for Asian-Americans to put down roots.
Why language, customs, and religion, among other hallmarks, help define a country’s (or person’s) identity.
21. “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee
Lee’s novel follows a Korean family’s journey from their home country to Japan and their struggles, like discrimination and wrestling with their cultural identity. Students can learn more about the setting and themes of the novel with resources like:
A video interview with author Min Jin Lee about the book.
An explainer article about Japanese imperialism during the early 20th century.
An explainer article about the Korean War, its causes, and consequences.
[Pakistani stories](id-pakistani)
The South Asian country of Pakistan is known for its significant mountain ranges, predominantly Muslim population, and diverse culture. Students can read more about fictional and non-fictional Pakistani stories in books like:
22. “Amal Unbound” by Aisha Saeed
Saeed’s novel follows 12-year-old Amal who fights for freedom and justice after being forced into indentured servitude by a wealthy landlord. Students can learn more about the setting of this story with resources like:
An article about a Pakistani man who dedicated his life to teaching low-income students.
An article that explains the U.S. government’s Let Girls Learn initiative.
A video that explores Pakistan’s culture and history.
23. “Amina’s Voice” by Hena Khan
In Khan’s novel, Pakistani-American Muslim girl Amina must find a way to embrace her cultural heritage while navigating challenges like friendship and growing up. Students can learn more about the themes of the novel with resources like:
An article that explains how people from different cultures respond to music.
A TED Talk video where actress America Ferrera explains why a strong cultural identity is an asset.
An interview with Muslim youth and young adults about what it was like growing up in America after the September 11 attacks.
24. “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai
Yousafzi’s memoir explores her courageous fight to allow girls to earn an education under the Taliban’s rule and how she survived an assassination attempt. Students can learn more about Malala’s story, mission, and activism with resources like:
A video biography of Malala’s story.
An interview with Malala about balancing higher education with activism.
News articles about the search, capture, and sentencing of Malala’s attackers.
[Vietnamese stories](id-vietnamese)
The Southeast Asian country of Vietnam is known for its struggle for human rights and the nearly 20-year Vietnam War. Students can discover Vietnamese and Vietnamese-American stories in novels like:
25. “Inside Out & Back Again” by Thanhha Lai
Lai’s novel in verse tells 10-year-old Hà’s story as her family flees Vietnam for Alabama during the Fall of Saigon in 1975. Students can learn more about the novel’s setting and themes with articles on topics like:
The 50th anniversary of the My Lai Massacre and its effects on the Vietnamese people.
How musician Sirintip is making music to reflect the experiences of third culture kids.
The history and legacy of the Vietnam War.
What will your students read next?
Novel and book studies are the perfect companions to books your students read during AAPI Heritage Month—and at any other time throughout the school year. With Newsela ELA, you can help students build background knowledge on any topic to better understand the stories they read and how they relate to the real world.
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