Hello, Hungry Readers,

It is Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month here in the US. As many of you know I am of both Chinese and Hawaiian descent, and so qualify for 4 of those six letters. Woot! Where’s my prize? (Spoiler, there is no prize other than the joy of being me.)

You will see a lot of lists out there. I will tell you that I see a lot of lists that call themselves AANHPI but are really just AA. Which is fine. But it becomes a bit like calling it a holiday book list, when the only holiday is Christmas. If it’s just a Christmas list, or just an Asian American list, be specific. It’s not more inclusive to use a broader term that isn’t applicable.

So, without repeating prior picks too much, here’s three books to get you all the letters.

Bookshop links included.

Tae Keller’s When Tomorrow Burns is a middle grade about three friends whose relationships are shifting, banding together to find a book that appears to contain answers about the world. It is one of those books that reminds you how tough being a tween is. But also how much books can be a lifeline.

I mentioned T Kira Madden’s Whidbey last time. I believe I mentioned Rae Mariz’s Weird Fishes before, but if a book told entirely by ocean creatures appeals, it is a great read. (Content note, some incidents of sexual assault and consent violation mentioned.)

I am making my whole book club read Makiia Lucier’s Dragonfruit, which I’ve mentioned before. It’s a great story about pirates, and dragon eggs, and living up to the promises we’ve made to each other. Also, finding your childhood friend got hot.

I picked up Kotuku Titihuia Nutall’s Tauhou from A AANHPI display at my local bookstore, and it is a fascinating collection of fables about womanhood, and colonialism, and finding your way.

Anyway, the joy of reading books for the various heritage months is that you will hopefully find books and authors you want to read all year long.

Chee hoo! Happy reading.