The Heroes, the Stories, and the Cultures that Helped to Build America
February 1, 2024
Grades 3-7 Beautifully and vibrantly illustrated, A Child's Introduction to Asian American and Pacific Islander History is a wonderful way for young readers of all backgrounds to learn about the contributions that Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent have made to the U.S. throughout history. The book strives to have as wide a scope as possible. It begins with a historical survey--starting from early AAPI immigration from various Asia-Pacific regions to the U.S. in the nineteenth century, up to the present--before focusing on topics relevant to AAPI experiences, including civil rights, cultural practices, social and scientific contributions, and religion. In every section, notable figures, such as architect I. M. Pei and designer Vera Wang, and their contributions are highlighted. Both a quality reference source as well as a fun, lively read, this book makes a great addition to any young readers' library.
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March 15, 2024
A guide to Asian American history. Hirahara starts by discussing how college students Yuji Ichioka and Emma Gee coined the term Asian American in 1968; she also defines the phrase Pacific Islanders but notes that the book doesn't cover those with Central and Western Asian heritage. She goes on to explore various identities within the AAPI communities, as well as U.S. cities with large populations of each group, such as Springdale, Arkansas, home to half of the U.S.'s Marshallese population. From there, the author examines AAPI history, with topics such as the wayfinding explorations of the people of Oceania, the role of Asian Americans in both world wars, and discriminatory laws including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Frequently, the focus shifts to remarkable people in various fields, among them sports, science and medicine, and activism. The author also notes Asian influences in pop culture--General Tso's chicken, a 1960s Korean music group known as the Kim Sisters--and lists cultural celebrations and sites. Hirahara's straightforward writing evokes the feel of a reference work, enlivened by dynamic graphics. The cartoon illustrations are bursting with bold, contrasting colors and textures, and maps, timelines, and sidebars throughout aid in understanding. East Asian people and cultures feature prominently, and the book has notable coverage of Pacific Islanders and Filipinos, with some inclusion of other Southeast identities and South Asians. A vibrant and enlightening history. (list of AAPI museums and places of interest, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)
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