In May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with stories across cultures throughout Asia and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Howard County Library System blends mental health awareness with tales of family, empowerment and justice. Learn more about kids of all different traditions and backgrounds by seeing the world through their eyes.
Board Books
“Sloth & Smell the Roses”
by Eunice Moyle and Sabrina Moyle
Author and illustrator duo Eunice and Sabrina Moyle are sisters, and growing up in places like Malaysia and Taiwan allowed them to gain perspectives from so many different people. Join Mindful Mo the sloth as she practices mindfulness, keeping in touch with your emotions and stopping to smell the roses.
“You are Home”
by MacKenzie Porter, illustrated by Xin Li
Xin Li brings this story to life with sweet illustrations of a happy young child enjoying the day with their parent. From newborn to toddler, your little one can explore these pages with you as the characters play outside in the garden, navigate their emotions and enjoy spending time with each other.
Picture Books
“The Rabbit Listened”
by Cori Doerfeld
When Taylor’s block castle is destroyed, all the animals think they know just what to do, but only the rabbit quietly listens to how Taylor is feeling.
“The Most Beautiful Thing”
by Kao Kalia Yang, illustrated by Khoa Lee
Author Kao Kalia Yang draws on her own childhood experiences as a Hmong refugee and dedicates this book to Grandma. In her story, little Kalia grows unhappy with her circumstances, tired of making do with ice cubes for ice cream or a hand-me-down dress. Her grandmother, who Kalia helps to take care of, helps her to realize what is truly
beautiful in life.
Elementary Books
“Beautifully Me”
by Nabela Noor
Young Zubi is excited for a special day—her very first day of school. Unfortunately, all day she overhears her family and classmates criticize their own bodies and each other’s. After Zubi declares she wants to go on a diet, her family members realize how unkind they are to their bodies and to each other. Together, they realize how beautiful they all really are.
“The Invisible Boy”
by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton
Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody in class ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game or birthday party until Justin, the new kid, comes to class. Justin is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.
Middle Grade Books
“Guts”
by Raina Telgemeier
Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. When Raina returns to school, she’s dealing with the usual highs and lows—friends, not-friends and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross-out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina’s tummy trouble isn’t going away, and it coincides with her worries about food, school and changing friendships.
“Each Tiny Spark”
by Pablo Cartaya
Sixth-grader Emilia Torres manages ADHD, her controlling abuela, her mother’s work commitments, her father’s distance after returning from deployment, evolving friendships and a conflict over school redistricting. Told with authenticity and compassion, this story shines a light on issues such as immigration, microaggressions and mental health through the lens of its budding activist main character.
Teen Books
“Yolk”
by Mary H.K. Choi
Jayne and June are nothing alike. Their family moved from Seoul to San Antonio, and finally to New York. The sisters don’t want anything to do with each other, until June gets cancer. And Jayne becomes the only one who can help her. Now, flung together by sickness and bound by family secrets, they learn more about themselves and each other than they may be willing to confront.
“Patron Saints of Nothing”
by Randy Ribay
When 17-year-old Jay Reguero learns his Filipino cousin and former best friend, Jun, was murdered as part of President Duterte’s war on drugs, he flies to the Philippines to learn more. Equal parts coming-of-age story and political exposé, this book shares the brave story of a young man of color’s earnest pursuit to uncover the truth.
