I think it’s also not unsurprising that this influx of stories is not completely representative of all AAPI cultures. Nowadays it’s much easier to find books about Korean/Japanese/Chinese folklore than say Afghani or Laotian or Samoan. This list is by no means exhaustive, but I wanted to be sure to create an inclusive list that shows how vast the AAPI label is and stresses how important it is that all of these countries, islands, and territories are given representation in today’s — and tomorrow’s — literature and media. All of these books are absolutely worth a read and a re-read if you’ve already had the pleasure of devouring them once. And not just in May when we “officially” recognize the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, but all year round. Want more books based on AAPI culture or with AAPI main characters? Check out these other lists from Book Riot:
