Bhangra Baby
Bhangra Baby learns to step, hop, twist, and jump as he moves to the rhythm of the dhol.
Picture Books to Celebrate Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024
“When we’re talking about equity, diversity and inclusion, it looks like sharing of stories…” — Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada, current president of the American Library Association
In 2024, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh recognizes and celebrates peoples within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
Originally commemorated in 1977 as Pacific/Asian American week, celebrated during the first 10 days in May. Over the years, the recognition has evolved and changed into a full month celebration during May, recognizing and including a wider group of identities in the Asian and Pacific diaspora.
The month of May was chosen for its historical relevance, as the first Japanese immigrants came to the United States on May 7, 1843 as well as the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869-an endeavor almost entirely completed by Chinese laborers.
Throughout the month of May, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will amplify the AANHPI identities through booklists, displays, resources, and programs in our locations and communities.
You can sign up for a free library card here.
If you are new to our eResources, check out these tutorial videos on how to get started.
If you’re looking for more book suggestions, we’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Book Recommendation form to send us some information about what you like to read and we’ll curate a list just for you.
If you have any additional questions, you can contact a librarian through Facebook, Instagram or X. You can also call us at 412-622-3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org.
Eyes That Speak to the Stars
A young Asian boy notices that his eyes look different from his peers’ after seeing his friend’s drawing of them. After talking to his father, the boy realizes that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, and glimpse trails of light from those who came before–in fact, his eyes are like his father’s, his agong’s, and his little brother’s, and they are visionary. Inspired by the men in his family, he recognizes his own power and strength from within. This title is also available for checkout in eAudio on Hoopla and in eAudio on Libby.
I Dream Of Popo
When a young girl and her family emigrate from Taiwan to America, she leaves behind her beloved popo, her grandmother. She misses her popo every day, but even if their visits are fleeting, their love is ever true and strong. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
Love in the Library
Based on a true story of love and resilience at the Minidoka incarceration camp. You can also check out this title as an eBook on OverDrive/Libby, as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby, as eAudio on Hoopla or as a Movie with read along on Hoopla.
Luli and the Language of Tea
While her parents attend a community ESL class, Luli connects with other immigrant children by sharing a love of tea.
Mommy Sayang
Aleeya, concerned when her beloved mother becomes sick, remembers and returns the promise Mommy has made to her that she will always be by her side. This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Hoopla.
The Most Beautiful Thing
Drawn from Kao Kalia Yang’s childhood experiences as a Hmong refugee, this heartfelt picture book offers a window into the life of a family with little money and a great deal of love. This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Libby, and as an eBook on Hoopla and in eAudio on Hoopla.
My Footprints
Upset after being bullied, Thuy, a Vietnamese American, pretends she is different creatures, including an especially strong, wonderful being made up of her two mothers and herself. You can also check out this title as eBook on Hoopla.
One Hug
A young boy discovers many different kinds of hugs and ways to show love as family members and friends gather to welcome his immigrant relatives from China.
The Paper Kingdom
Accompanying his parents to their night-shift jobs as office cleaners, young Daniel reluctantly joins in as they use their imaginations to transform the deserted building into a magnificent paper kingdom where he might one day rule. This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Libby.
Punky Aloha
Punky loves to do a lot of things except meeting new friends. She doesn’t feel brave enough. So, when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother’s magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time.
The Shape of Home
It’s Rashin’s first day of school in America. The new teacher asks each child to imagine the shape of home on a map, and Rashin knows right away what she’ll say: Iran looks like a cat. This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Hoopla on Hoopla and in eAudio on Hoopla.
When Lola Visits
For one young girl, summer is the season of no school, of days spent at the pool, and of picking golden limes off the trees. But summer doesn’t start until her lola—her grandmother from the Philippines—comes for her annual visit. This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Hoopla.
Wishes
In this spare, poetic picture book based on author Muon Van’s family history and told through a series of wishes, a family packs up everything they own and embarks on a perilous oceanic voyage toward a better life. This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Hoopla.