Asian Americans have been contributing to US literature for over a century, but their role did not gain recognition in mainstream culture or academia until the 1970s. Among these beautiful and insightful works of literature is a plethora of children’s books that embrace and educate the AAPI’s (Asian American Pacific Islanders) traditions, victories, struggles, cultures, and much more. From biographies to cultural traditions to eliminating stereotypes, parents, caregivers, librarians and educators can be work to includes great books for kids of all ages in their reading habit.
Dealing with racism is nothing new to the AAPI community and the recent murders in Atlanta aren’t the first Asian victim crimes either. The recent horrific acts, just one example of the 150% increase in Asian hate crimes since 2020, are finally drawing more attention to racism and discrimination against these Americans.
“Growing up, I endured bullying and teasing almost every day. ‘Go back to where you came from,’ ‘Gook,’ ‘Chink,’ ‘Slant eyes,’ ‘Ching-Chong,’ and more.” shared Brook Mallack. “After graduating from high school, much of this stopped. Thankfully. In the meantime, I’ve lived in an ethnic limbo. Being an interracial adoptee, I’m not really accepted within the Asian community as I haven’t lived the same “Asian experience.” More so, I ethnically identify as a Caucasian as that’s the community I’ve been raised in and continue to be in, living in greater Minnesota. After hearing ‘Kung Flu’ and ‘China Virus”‘ last year, I’ve been filled with rage and fear. The racism against Asians is commonly ignored and belittled. I’m tired of the ‘Model Minority’ and ‘you’re not really minority rhetoric.’ It’s not enough to pray for us. It’s not enough to care. We must take action. And, support our AAPI community. Reach out to support each other and help us heal.”
{Shared with permission} We are also loving this show of support from the Asian Author and AAPI Community. Watch this moving video on Instagram here.
Asian authors and members of the AAPI community would like to share this message of support
“When you’ve been taught to:
Be good
To not make waves
To value acceptance
To assimilate.
Finding the words to speak
Finding the space to process
Finding a way to take action
Feels like a daunting task.
Like you’re going against
All that you know.
But we have to amplify our voices for our children.
They deserve safety, joy, innocence, kindness.
Each of us has a responsibility to make this world a better place.
Whether you start with honest conversations at home,
Donating to causes such as @PacificClinics@Welcome.To.Chinatown,
Following accounts such as @StopAAPIHate to get informed or challenge the status quo.
Do something.
Start somewhere.
We’re all needed to do our part:
To educate
To bring awareness
To change behaviors
To heal our community.
Let us stay strong.
We are not alone.”
We are with you. We stand together. Sending you all love.
THANK YOU to @lkblackburne@alittlechinese @bittybao @behabbi@learnchinesewithtofu
Edna Ma
@sunbridge @byyobeqiu @thebundbooks
Shiny Lantern
Bao Bao Learns Chinese
@eugeniachu8245
Watch this moving video on Instagram here.
Keep calm and be KIND.
Rebecca “Becky” Flansburg is an author, freelance writer, and project manager for the non-profit online children’s literacy initiative, Multicultural Children’s Book Day/ #ReadYourWorld. Join the celebration! Our 9th annual celebration will take place on January 28, 2022. For more information, visit Multicultural Children’s Book Day on the web.
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