A is for Asian American

August 1, 2022
Grades 1-4 Using the same format as Sleeping Bear's numerous other alphabet books, Loh-Hagan introduces Asian American and Pacific Islander facts and culture through short rhyming couplets and expands upon them in several paragraphs in an accompanying sidebar. The opening "A is for Asian American" sets an inclusive tone, revealing the many geographic areas that make up Asia and the Pacific Islands and how activists began to use the term Asian American to bring together these groups of peoples. Ensuing alphabet letters address such topics as family, food, and language, identifying both commonalities across Asian American communities and differences within them, as well as their influence on history, literature, science, and technology. The colorful, softly rendered illustrations aptly reflect these accomplishments and diversity. The author also balances tough matters, like Japanese American incarceration camps during WWII and other forms of discrimination, with more lighthearted entries, like those on Japanese anime, K-pop, bubble tea, and martial arts. A list of AAPI milestones, a glossary, and related activities add more context to this accessible, appealing, and much-needed resource.

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August 26, 2022

Gr 1-5-From Awkwafina to Jerry Yang, this this fact-filled picture book celebrates the milestones and achievements of Americans whose ancestry includes East, Central, South, or Southeast Asia or Pacific Islands. As in previous books in this series, an alphabet format introduces aspects of history, social justice movements, and culture. Examples include "Q is for Queen Lili'uokalani" and "X Marks the Martial Arts Move." A spread for "P is for Pioneers" depicts two movie stars, three politicians, and three athletes, including gymnast Sunisa Lee, the first Hmong American Olympian. Four lines of verse and a sidebar of text add information on those pictured, including politicians Dalip Singh Saund, Patsy Mink, and Kamala Harris. "M is for Movements" highlights champions of social justice, such as Wong Kim Ark, who fought for citizenship, and labor leaders Philip Vera Cruz and Larry Itliong. It also shows young people carrying signs: "Unity Against Racism," "Not Your Model Minority," and "Stop Asian Hate." Historic milestones are noted, including the settling of the Louisiana bayous starting in 1763 by Filipinos. Individual accomplishments range from pioneering aviatrix Katherine Sui Fun Cheung to astronauts Sunita Williams and Kalpana Chawla. Helpful appendices link to up-to-date digital resources and intriguing follow-up activities. Misspellings of two authors' names in captions of the illustration for "W is for Writers," Maxine Hong Kingston and Ronald Takaki, mar an otherwise accurate and well-crafted presentation; these are to be corrected in future printings. VERDICT This upbeat collection of fascinating facts is supplemented by lively illustrations and appendices. A great resource for teachers; young readers will also be inspired to follow up and learn more.-Marilyn Taniguchi

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2022
An alphabetized celebration of Asian Americans. Written in verse accompanied by detailed historical notes, the book opens by explaining that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have long been crucial parts of U.S. history. Images of Chinese railway workers on the following spread are evidence of that statement. Instead of dedicating each letter to a different individual, Loh-Hagan explores broader concepts, with Bishop's illustrations filling out the details. For instance, on the page with the words "D is for Dishes," we see images of noodles, spam musubi, dumplings, and Korean barbecue. "I is for International Travel" notes that many families fly overseas to visit relatives. There are several nods to activism: "M is for Movements" highlights Philip Vera Cruz and Grace Lee Boggs, while "P is for Pioneers" spotlights Dalip Singh Saund, the first Indian American to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and athletes Sunisa Lee and Victoria Manalo Draves. Bishop's warm palette fills every page with soft lines and shapes, bringing to life charming portrayals of the subjects set against attractive backgrounds. While Queen Lili'uokalani of Hawai'i and a few people of Southeast Asian and South Asian descent are featured, most entries focus on East Asians. There are a few stretches with "X Marks the Martial Arts Move" and "Y is for Yahoo and YouTube." Still, overall, this is a strong and compelling overview. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A few flaws aside, a bright tribute to the contributions and cultures of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. (author's note, timeline, glossary, activity guide, resources) (Informational picture book. 5-9)

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