May is Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated in May because in May 1843 the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the US, and in May 1869 the transcontinental railroad was completed. Most of the workers who laid the railroad were Chinese immigrants.
Celebrate AAPI Heritage in Chicago
In Chicago, Asian Americans Advancing Justice is hosting several events, including workshops for educators about the TEAACH Act. The Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Act amended Illinois School Code, ensuring that every public elementary and high school student in Illinois learns about the contributions of Asian Americans to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States.
Kids’ Books Celebrating AAPI Identities
WITS promotes books by BIPOC authors and illustrators all year as part of our larger commitment to antiracism as an organization. At WITS we talk a lot about the joy of reading and being yourself. Here are a few picture books and chapter books that show Asian American young people embracing their identities.
Namaste Is a Greeting by Suma Subramaniam, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat
I Am Golden by Eva Chen, illustrated by Sophie Diao
Snow Angel, Sand Angel by Lois-Ann Yamanaka, illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky
Gigi and Ojiji by Melissa Iwai
The Ocean Calls: a Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho, illustrated by Jess X. Snow
When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling, illustrated by Aaron Asis
Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai
New From Here by Kelly Yang
We hope you read some of these titles yourself, or better yet, share them with a young person in your life. At WITS, we believe everyone should be able to see themselves and the world through books. For more AAPI book suggestions, see our blog post in solidarity with our Asian-American community members or talk to your local librarian!
