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5 children’s books about inspiring Asian American women

Children's books about Asian American women in history

Whether you’re celebrating Women’s History Month in March, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, or bringing representation to your child’s bookshelf any time of year, these AAPI women kids’ books will help teach about inspiring Asian American women in history to kids in elementary school or middle school. These five illustrated books for kids about AAPI women in history tell the stories of dozens of historical figures worth learning about.

Asian American Women in Science: 15 Inspiring People You Should Know

This book, for readers ages 8 to 12, tells the biographies of 15 Asian American women in history who broke barriers in science. Some of the women include Kazue Togasaki, the first Japanese American woman to become a doctor; Chien-Shiung Wu, a Chinese American physicist who worked on top-secret projects; and Isabella Aiona Abbott, who became an expert on the marine plant life of her native Hawaii. It’s a must-have for those looking to add to their collection of AAPI women kids’ books. By Tina Cho.

The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee

Hazel Ying Lee (1912-1944) was the first Chinese American woman to fly for the U.S. military and this 48-page picture book biography tells the story of how she wouldn’t take no for an answer. She served as a pilot during World War II and this book inspires with a tale of determination. Written by Julie Leung, illustrated by Julie Kwon.

It Began With a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way

This picture book won many accolades, including four starred reviews, and actually tells a story of picture book history. Gyo Fujikawa (1908-1998) was a Japanese American picture book illustrator who fought for racial diversity in picture books. Her family was imprisoned in an internment camp in Arkansas in World War II and she went on to become the illustrator of a bestselling picture book. Written by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Julie Morstad.

Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom

Wu Chien Shiung (1912-1997) was a Chinese American woman who Newsweek called the “Queen of Physics” for her work on beta decay. She battled racism and sexism to follow her dreams and became the first woman hired as an instructor by Princeton University, the first woman elected President of the American Physical Society, and the first scientist to have an asteroid named after her when she was still alive! This award-winning, 48-page picture book shares her inspiring biography. Written by Teresa Robeson, illustrated by Rebecca Huang.

We Are Inspiring: The Stories of 32 Inspirational Asian American Women

Kids 10 and older could read this on their own, or you could read this to them if they’re younger. Covering 32 different AAPI women in history, this self-published book by an Asian American woman wanting to add representation to the children’s book world gets great reviews. By Angel Trazo.

A mother reads to her young daughter
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’ve been searching for AAPI women kids’ books, these five will fit the bill for your AAPI Heritage Month or Women’s History Month needs and beyond.

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Sarah Prager
Sarah is a writer and mom who lives in Massachusetts. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, National…
A simple guide for talking with your grade schooler about LGBTQ+ identity
LGBTQ+ identity could be a tough subject. Here's how to talk to your kids about it
Rainbow flag for Pride Month

Pride Month is celebrated in June. The month coincides with the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan in 1969, which is considered to be the catalyst for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. Today, times are much different from the '60s and even the 1980s and 1990s when LGBTQ+ identity wasn't a topic of conversation. Many parents may struggle with the thought of talking to their kids about LGBTQ+ identity, and that's okay. The first step is understanding the need, and the second is discovering how to talk to kids about LGBTQ+ identity.

What does LGBTQ+ identity mean?
Before understanding how to talk to kids about LGBTQ+ identity, it's a good idea to understand what the acronym means. In the later 80s, LGB or lesbian-gay-bisexual took the place of the blanket term gay. In order to be more inclusive, the acronym was expanded in the 90s to LGBT or lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender.

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Stellar picture books about LGBTQ+ history to help educate your kids
Help kids learn about LGBTQ+ history with these amazing picture books
Person at a Pride parade making a heart with their hands

LGBTQ+ history may feel like a more grown-up topic that's harder for parents to tackle, but it's easily accessible with these picture books. Just like women's history or Black history, it's about sharing the stories of inspiring historical figures in age-appropriate ways. Skilled authors sharing identity, joy, pride, and courage will enhance your children's educational foundation and open-mindedness for interacting with all kinds of friends and families.

Before the 2010s, there were few books on LGBTQ+ history for children. Today, there is plenty to choose from to help teach children about respect. We've combed through them to bring you the best picture books for sharing with kids in honor of LGBTQ+ History Month and beyond.
Be Amazing: A History of Pride by Desmond Napoles and Dylan Glynn

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There are actually some helpful benefits of tongue twisters for kids
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teenagers getting twisted over tongue twisters

Ready to get twisted? With tongue twisters that is! November 12 is National Tongue Twister Day, but you don't need to put those pickled peppers Peter Piper picked in a pot nor do you need to save tongue twisters for the fall. Tongue twisters have been around for ages and are simply a phrase that's hard for people to say clearly, especially when spoken quickly. Of course, tongue twisters don't have meaning and they're always a laugh, but did you know tongue twisters for kids can actually be helpful?
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Pronunciation
Since people try hard to say tongue twisters correctly, the practice actually helps speakers to articulate clearly and work on word pronunciation.
Developing speech muscles
Yes, people have speech muscles, and saying tongue twisters can help develop the muscles in the tongue used in pronouncing words. This's why tongue twisters are a great way to warm up those speech muscles before an oral presentation. Tongue twisters are also used to help kids and adults with stuttering.
Improve reading and language skills
Another added benefit of saying Sally sells seashells by the seashore is that tongue twisters for kids help improve fluency when speaking. Tongue twisters also expand vocabulary. Both of these perks translate into enhancing reading skills.
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Which witch is which?
He threw three free throws.
A snake sneaks to sneak a snack.
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
If a dog chews shoes, whose shoes does he choose?
Nine nice night nurses nursing nicely.
Four fine fresh fish for you.
I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen.
Six sleek swans swam swiftly southwards.
We surely shall see the sun shine soon.

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