Asian-Americans Who Inspire Us
Named to the Gold House Book List, Asian Americans Who Inspire Us introduces readers of all ages to 16 Asian Americans who changed the world.
This beautifully illustrated book brings to life the stories of Vietnam Memorial architect Maya Lin, Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, musician Yo-Yo Ma, astronaut Ellison Onizuka, anchorwoman Lisa Ling, activists Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, and more!
Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, discover role models, and meet ordinary people who did extraordinary things. Whether they were breaking Olympic records, bringing education to millions of people around the world, or speaking up for the rights of others, these Asian-Americans broke stereotypes and took a stand to make the world a better place.
Highlighting the talent and contributions of Asian-American leaders and changemakers from around the United States, readers of all backgrounds will be empowered to discover what they too can achieve. These strong, courageous, talented, and diverse men and women have built a legacy of extraordinary achievements that will inspire generations to pursue their dreams.
Others featured: Duke Kahanamoku, Patsy Takumoto Mink, Tammy Duckworth, Salman Khan, Andrew Youn, David Ho, Margaret Chung, Grace Lin, and Haing Ngor.
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This book has gorgeous artistry and an excellently curated selection of Asian-American trailblazers whose stories are perfectly paced for both read-aloud and young readers. The stories present a well-balanced cross-section of scientists, artists, leaders of diverse Asian-American heritage both past and present. A terrific read and a wonderful addition to any library whether school or personal.
- Lisa Siegmann, Director of Hunter College Elementary and High School Campuses
As an educator, I am constantly looking for engaging, equity-centered readings for students. Particularly for the elementary school age range, it's incredibly hard to find informational text that blends identity and history in a way that kids actually want to read and talk about. "Asian-Americans Who Inspire Us" is that book. The short biographies are perfect independent or read aloud snippets to dive into larger themes and other readings around identity, history, career, etc. This is not only a book I'm recommending to all the teachers I work with, but one that I'm buying for my own child as well.
- D. Krugman, Past Principal of Elementary School
As a grandmother and great aunt, I am looking forward to sharing this beautifully written and illustrated book with the younger members of my family. I appreciate that each of the stories brought forth values to inspire young readers (and adults who are reading it to them). This is an important book that should be available in many libraries and schools, available to children of all races.
- Jill MacFadyen, Career Coach for Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management Alumni
As an educator, mother, and Asian-American, I found this book to be so inspiring and one that I will share with my children and students. Each of the stories offers a short (good for young children with short attention spans) story about the accomplishes of each person, with illustrations that are so endearing and beautiful. The variety of people in this book is also nice, because there are representatives of different generations and careers. In particular, I really enjoyed that Kristi Yamaguchi was spotlighted because she was my hero when I was a young girl. Thank you for writing this great book!
- Nisa Morey, Lecturer at California Polytechnic State University
This wonderful book has been missing from bookshelves. It contains short, beautifully written biographical stories on Asian-Americans who have reached their dreams and paved the way for others to follow. It is very difficult to find a book dedicated to Asian-Americans for children to explore and the author did a great job choosing and highlighting very impactful people that all children can learn from. It shows the beauty of diversity in America. I would recommend this book to all children.
- Sarah Filipovitz, Retired Teacher
