We're fortunate enough to be partnering with APANO (Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon) for Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. APANO is a statewide, grassroots organization, uniting Asians and Pacific Islanders to achieve social justice and find solutions to the disproportionate gaps in education, health, and economic prosperity that Asian and Pacific Islander communities often face. The curated reading list below was pulled together by the members and staff of APANO and is filled with important books that are celebratory, challenging, and reflective. Thank you to APANO for taking the time to put this list together, and for their continued efforts within our community.
by Yangsook Choi
My kids and I love reading this book together! This is a story of a young student's immigration and, more importantly, how her new classmates in the US embrace her. Our name and how it is pronounced is such an important part of who we are as a person. This story of discovery and identity resonates deeply with me and my kids. — Amy Powers (Co-Executive Director of Programs)
by Gabrielle Zevin
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a coming-of-age story about two collaborators and the many ways you can begin again until the day you can’t. This book has fundamentally changed the way I see imagination, play, and life itself. For gamers and non-gamers alike. — Karen Katigbak (Development Manager)
by David Saechao
This book is a story about the resilience of the Iu Mien. The Iu Mien were dragged into the US Secret War in Laos to protect their homes during a civil war. These families were displaced around the world, including the United States. The author describes the experiences of these refugees as they make new homes in America. — Cayle Tern (Immigrant Program Manager)
by Celeste Ng
For some, this book reads as fiction. For others, it reads as a reflection of our reality. When you interact with the Chinese, do you just connect them to the current news you heard that morning? — Qi (AMP Member)
by Anne Fadiman
Anne Fadiman does a good job telling the story of a young Hmong girl's challenges with getting medical treatment in the United States. The culture clash between Hmong tradition, values, and reliance on spiritual healing clashed with the western medicinal practices. It highlights the need for culturally responsive care in our health systems. — Cayle Tern (Immigrant Program Manager)
by Dawn Bohulano Mabalon
Beautiful accounts of one of the biggest Filipino settlements in the United States. Dawn Mabalon takes us on an epic journey of hope, loss, and betrayal through decades of strife in the Filipino community. — Oliver Evangelista (AMP Member)
by Daphne Palasi Andreades
A lyrical, expansive, haunting, beautiful tribute to brown girls and New York City. Each chapter is a bite-sized gem that I couldn't get enough of! This book is unique and innovative — highly recommend. — Jessica Yen (AMP Member)
by Lauren Kessler
I didn't know that Hood River used to have a really strong Japanese American community and Min Yasui deserves much more recognition for his role in resisting the American government's incarceration of its own citizens. As a fourth generation Japanese American, this book reflects my own family story. — Todd Struble (Staff, Real Estate Development Manager)
by R. F. Kuang
Historic fantasy that tackles Imperialism, language, and student movements... with magic silver! — Duncan Hwang (Community Development Director)
by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston
The book is an important memoir that captures a little-known, ugly history of our country — the internment of Japanese Americans. — Randy McClelland (Artist)
by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
If you love nature and poetry, you will love this essay collection. This book beautifully interweaves memoir with a celebration of this planet's beautiful, weird, and wonderful. The essays are delightful and short, like little bursts of sunshine waiting to be discovered. — Jessica Yen (AMP Member)
by Alice Wong
Alice Wong brings to the forefront the efforts of AANHPI disability advocates and redefines disability. — Linh Doan (APANO Staff)
by Jonathan Hill
Lizard boy trying to find his place in middle school?!?!? Should resonate with all of us. — Linh Doan (APANO Staff)
by Daniel Immerwahr
A pathbreaking history of the United States’ overseas possessions and the true meaning of its empire. We are familiar with maps that outline all fifty states. And we are also familiar with the idea that the United States is an “empire,” exercising power around the world. But what about the actual territories — the islands, atolls, and archipelagos — this country has governed and inhabited? — Thien (Field Organizer)
÷ ÷ ÷
Find more original content and reading recommendations on our
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month resource page.