Powerful Stories of Asian Immigrant Families

Families immigrate to another country for a variety of reasons—to further education or job opportunities, find safer living conditions, reconnect with family, or for curiosity, wanderlust, and other reasons. But one thing is for sure: Immigration is vital to fostering a diverse, vibrant, and resilient society. Here in the United States, Asian immigrants have been a crucial part of our history, bringing the culture, traditions, and delicacies of home while starting new businesses, building our infrastructure, influencing our art, and so much more. The books, movies, and TV shows on this list honor the experiences of Asian American immigrants and others across the Asian diaspora, including the perspectives of first- and second-generation families. These stories are a great way for families of Asian heritage to connect with their legacy, for kids from immigrant families to see themselves reflected in the media, and for kids to build empathy and understanding of experiences different than their own. Once you're done here, check out our other lists that highlight the heritage and culture, heroes and competitors, and the bravery and resilience of Asian peoples.

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Beautifully Me Poster Image
BOOK

Beautifully Me

age 4+

Family remembers what beauty really is in kind, joyful tale.

By: Nabela Noor (2021)
I Am Golden Poster Image
BOOK

I Am Golden

age 4+

Girl learns to love being Chinese American in joyful tale.

By: Eva Chen (2022)
Asian boy reading book on "Gibberish" book cover
BOOK

Gibberish

age 5+

Fun look at an immigrant's experience of a new language.

By: Young Vo (2022)
Yasmin in Charge Poster Image
BOOK

Yasmin in Charge

age 5+

Problem-solving girl shares her culture in sweet stories.

By: Saadia Faruqi (2019)
A Different Pond Poster Image
BOOK

A Different Pond

age 6+

Exquisitely tender family story of Vietnamese refugees.

By: Bao Phi (2017)
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BOOK

Mindy Kim Series

age 6+

Warm series about Korean American girl's life in new town.

By: Lyla Lee (2020)
Ruby Lu Series Poster Image
BOOK

Ruby Lu Series

age 7+

Spirited Ruby faces changing family, friends in fun series.

By: Lenore Look (2004)
An American Girl Story -- Ivy & Julie 1976: A Happy Balance Poster Image
TV

An American Girl Story -- Ivy & Julie 1976: A Happy Balance

age 8+

Chinese-American tween embraces heritage in sweet story.

Network: Amazon Prime Video (2017)
Amina's Voice, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Amina's Voice, Book 1

age 8+

Beautiful tale of Pakistani American middle-schooler.

By: Hena Khan (2017)
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BOOK

Boy, Everywhere

age 8+

Syrian boy flees home, endures as a refugee.

By: A. M. Dassu (2020)
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BOOK

Escape from Aleppo

age 8+

Gripping, moving tale of Syrian teen fleeing war-torn city.

By: N.H. Senzai (2018)
In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson Poster Image
BOOK

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson

age 8+

Funny tale of Chinese girl adapting to 1947 Brooklyn life.

By: Bette Bao Lord (1984)
Measuring Up Poster Image
BOOK

Measuring Up

age 8+

Taiwanese girl drives fast-paced, tasty cooking drama.

By: Lily LaMotte (2020)
Turtle swimming underwater in the reeds
BOOK

The Turtle of Michigan

age 8+

Affirming, gentle story about boy's move from Oman to U.S.

By: Naomi Shihab Nye (2022)
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BOOK

Blackbird Fly

age 9+

Super relatable heroine, lots of middle school drama.

By: Erin Entrada Kelly (2015)
Flying Over Water Poster Image
BOOK

Flying Over Water

age 9+

Refugee friendship tale has strong tolerance, faith message.

Front Desk, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Front Desk, Book 1

age 9+

Immigrant kid tackles racism, bullying in powerful tale.

By: Kelly Yang (2018)
Maizy Chen's Last Chance Poster Image
BOOK

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

age 9+

Heartfelt novel tackles identity, racism, and immigration.

By: Lisa Yee (2022)
New from Here Book Image
BOOK

New from Here

age 9+

Asian American boy fights racism during COVID-19 pandemic.

By: Kelly Yang (2022)
Pie in the Sky Poster Image
BOOK

Pie in the Sky

age 9+

Moving graphic novel hybrid explores immigration and grief.

By: Remy Lai (2019)