Happy May to all of our Integra Youth blog readers! Isn’t it great to see the weather finally starting to warm up? You're probably itching to go outside to enjoy the fresh air. Why not bring a book with you? May is Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and to celebrate, Integra Youth has compiled three fiction books with Asian lead characters that we think you will enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Go enjoy our beautiful May weather all while celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
Elementary - Fiction
Eyes That Kiss In The Corners by Joanna Ho
Here is a blurb about this book from Goodreads...
“A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future.
Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self love and empowerment.”
This book is absolutely adorable. For kids who wonder why they look different from their peers or wish that they could look like everyone else, this book is perfect for teaching about the beauty of culture and strength. As many kids have faced or will face some form of racial discrimination in their lives, it is important for books like these, about acceptance and happiness, to be read. The illustrations are captivating and the words will start lots of thought and discussion. This picture book is great for younger children—having a group discussion afterward can make for a good learning opportunity.
Middle School - Fiction
American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar
Here is a blurb about this book from Goodreads…
“As the only Indian American kid in her small town, Lekha Divekar feels like she has two versions of herself: Home Lekha, who loves watching Bollywood movies and eating Indian food, and School Lekha, who pins her hair over her bindi birthmark and avoids confrontation at all costs, especially when someone teases her for being Indian.
When a girl Lekha’s age moves in across the street, Lekha is excited to hear that her name is Avantika and she’s Desi, too! Finally, there will be someone else around who gets it. But as soon as Avantika speaks, Lekha realizes she has an accent. She’s new to this country, and not at all like Lekha.
To Lekha’s surprise, Avantika does not feel the same way as Lekha about having two separate lives or about the bullying at school. Avantika doesn’t take the bullying quietly. And she proudly displays her culture no matter where she is: at home or at school.
When a racist incident rocks Lekha’s community, Lekha realizes she must make a choice: continue to remain silent or find her voice before it’s too late.”
This book is a heartwarming and humorous read that every kid living as a minority will be able to relate to! Lekha, our main character, is learning to deal with prejudice in her town, which teaches her more about friendship and heritage than she could have ever imagined. Kelkar deals with real-world problems that a large audience can relate to. This book is about friendship and standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s hard. By reminding readers just how powerful their voice is, this book is inspirational while still being an enjoyable read. Lekha is a fun and relatable character, especially for young girls. Avantika teaches readers to embrace their heritage, making this book the perfect May read!
Secondary School - Fiction
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
Here is a blurb about this book from Goodreads…
“Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she'll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There's just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.
Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia's task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.”
An exciting retelling of Mulan, this book is packed with adventure, love, and magic. Maia is an ambitious and courageous heroine, who refuses to let her gender stand in her way. Readers will relate to her insecurities and desires as she faces challenge after challenge in the court. Teens will enjoy this book, with its engaging romance and intricate plot. The writing is well done and the characters are charming and fun to read about. While this book does not directly deal with racial discrimination—as far as I can remember—it certainly is refreshing to see a character of colour in the lead role. If you love romance, fantasy, and adventure, this duology is for you!
Written by: Nevadha M
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