Whenever people find out that I'm a quarter Filipino, they are always surprised. No, I don't speak Tagalog, as my mom was barely 3 years old when her family escaped the Philippines to the United States during World War II. When I was growing up, I always wondered, where do I fit in? In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I explored my heritage with these wonderful books.
In reading Angel Island, I learned how many Asian immigrants, like my grandfather, first came into the United States between 1910 and 1940.
Follow Lee's journey in Paper Son as he makes his way to America in 1926 through the Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco. Wilson Ong's illustrations will appeal to young readers.
Anyone who has felt like they don't belong will relate to Chloe Cho's story in Unidentified Suburban Object. This funny, thought-provoking book explores the heritage her parents refused to discuss with her.
Daydreams are what keep Soledad and Ming going in The Land of Forgotten Girls. Just when 12-year-old Sol thinks it cannot get any worse, their dad returns to the Philippines, leaving them to deal with their evil stepmother.
Check out even more recommended reads for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
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