An Asian American A to Z: A Children's Guide to Our History

by Cathy Linh Che, Kyle Lucia Wu, Kavita Ramchandran (Illustrator)

A comprehensive and spirited exploration of Asian American history—its movements, cultures, and key figures—beautifully illustrated and compellingly told for readers of all ages.

Co-authors Cathy Linh Che and Kyle Lucia Wu take us on a journey through stories of celebration and the Third World Liberation Front, the Muslim Ban, Japanese American incarceration camps, Padma Lakshmi, Rashida Tlaib, Sunisa Lee, and more. It is a history of struggle, but also one of great triumph, brought to life with colorful and dynamic illustrations by Kavita Ramchandran.

Written by the directors of Kundiman—an organization dedicated to nurturing Asian American writers— An Asian American A to Z is a book for children of all backgrounds and a vital resource for tomorrow's organizers. Asian American identity formation is expansive yet under-taught, and this book is a necessary intervention that will ground readers in joy, history, and solidarity.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Nonfiction, Childrens, Asian American, Asian Literature, Aapi

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 2, 2023

About the author

Cathy Linh Che - Press Kit

Cathy Linh Che - Author Bio

Cathy Linh Che - "Split"

Reviews

[Richetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Asian American A to Z: A Children’s Guide to Our History by Cathy Linh Che and Kyle Lucia Wu, illustrated by Kavita Ramchandran 

If you are looking for an informative children’s book to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with, then check this book out! This books shares the diverse history of Asian Americans in the United States. From concepts to historical moments to historical figures, you will learn so much!

I loved how it highlighted the intercultural support between Asian Americans and other cultural groups that have been discriminated against. It really highlights both celebrations and acts of resistance against injustice. Figures like Yuri Kochiyama who was a Civil Rights leader in Harlem and Larry Itliong who was a leader in the Labor Movement in California.

[Unsympathizer · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book isn't really an Asian American A to Z, as it tries to insert non-Asians and different issues at almost every turn. It's already somewhat of a stretch to include East Asians and South Asians as both "Asian," but then when this book starts talking about Tehrangeles as an Asian community, meaning that even Iranians are being considered Asian, that's when you know they've really lost the plot. And there is, of course, an attempt to link Pacific Islanders with Asians, but then why not just call this book "An AAPI A to Z?"

Even before the time I got to "T is for Twin Towers," which is perhaps the biggest stretch of all time by trying to link the eventual wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to Asians, I was already losing my patience with just how bad this A to Z was. And also, they did "X is for eXpansive" when Xenophobia was the much more obvious choice.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learn Asian American history through the alphabet. Each page features 1 of the 26 letters and guide readers to learn a word that holds meaning to the Asian American identity.

As an Asian American, a lot of the terms featured in this book do hold significance or refer to a moment related to history. Terms that signifies to immigration, pride, social justice, unity, and much more. What I like is that the ethnicities that are included are not just from the Southeastern region, but includes from the Middle East and up North, very inclusive! The art is done in neat paintwork, with the celebrity faces look uncannily real. While a little text heavy, it's very positive on learning and showing pride in being Asian American.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Haymarket Books through Edelweiss+.
An empowering story for children and those who want to grow that takes readers through Asian American history by using the alphabet. Each letter introduces a concept, person, or event then offers informative text to think about. At the end of the book, the authors provide further information on each letter's text. The illustrations capture the diversity of those who are Asian American. Useful to begin dialogue and encourage exploration of heritage and their own places and goals.

[Zahir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for my son who is 2 and he loves it. Although he isn't quite old enough to understand all of the material, he loves looking at the photos and he gets so excited to see people who like he and his friends. There is a man in a Sikh turban, and a woman in Hijab, and a Korean flag, and so much more to treasure in this book. All the details are so lovely and thoughtful. I can't wait to continue reading this book with him as he gets older.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have proof yet again that one never stops learning new things, especially from reading children's books. I was introduced to Yuri Kochiyama, a Japanese American woman that played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement; fighting for Black rights and just human rights in general. And she was friends with Malcolm X. Why have I never heard of her until now???
Truly a remarkable woman that I want to learn more about!

[Boston Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

"An Asian American A to Z: A Children's Guide to Our History" by Cathy Linh Che, Kyle Lucia Wu, and Kavita Ramchandran needs to be in all classrooms and libraries. I wish I'd had this book when I was a child so I could have understood better all those who had come before me. Urgent and essential, a perfect gift for all children who love history, culture, and great rhymes.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful children's book that highlights prominent asian american, as well as other things pertinent to their community. A very appropriate book for children that showcases the diversity of their community as well as their contributions to the American Dream.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended for my classroom by a very helpful librarian. I like that it's simple, but explains some complex issues that Asian Americans have faced. I will buy a copy to read to my classes every year.

[Anne with Violets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The perfect human rights picture book written along the alphabet. Not just a picture book for Asian Americans. I wish all children could read this book together in the classroom and talk about human rights. It would also be a great textbook for human rights education for teens.

[Nicoleta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book explores Asian American culture in an inclusive way making connections to Black, LatinX, and Arabic leaders and movements that shaped the history of the US.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough overview of important people and events in Asian American history.

[vi_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

every aapi child should read this :’)

[PottWab Regional Library]

O

[Krissy J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forced rhyme

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for this alphabet describing the many contributions of Asian Americans and their history in "America"

I read a digital advanced reader's copy, courtesy of the publisher