  | A is for Asian American : an Asian Pacific Islander Desi American alphabet Author: Loh-Hagan, Virginia | |
| Price: $23.08 | ||
Summary:
Following the alphabet, poetry and expository text explain and showcase the cultural traditions and contributions of Asian Americans throughout U.S. history. Topics include traditions in food, family, and social celebrations, as well as key moments in history and milestone achievements.
| Illustrator: | Bishop, Tracy Nishimura |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (09/01/22)
School Library Journal (08/26/22)
Booklist (08/01/22)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 08/26/2022 Gr 1–5—From Awkwafina to Jerry Yang, this this fact-filled picture book celebrates the milestones and achievements of Americans whose ancestry includes East, Central, South, or Southeast Asia or Pacific Islands. As in previous books in this series, an alphabet format introduces aspects of history, social justice movements, and culture. Examples include "Q is for Queen Lili'uokalani" and "X Marks the Martial Arts Move." A spread for "P is for Pioneers" depicts two movie stars, three politicians, and three athletes, including gymnast Sunisa Lee, the first Hmong American Olympian. Four lines of verse and a sidebar of text add information on those pictured, including politicians Dalip Singh Saund, Patsy Mink, and Kamala Harris. "M is for Movements" highlights champions of social justice, such as Wong Kim Ark, who fought for citizenship, and labor leaders Philip Vera Cruz and Larry Itliong. It also shows young people carrying signs: "Unity Against Racism," "Not Your Model Minority," and "Stop Asian Hate." Historic milestones are noted, including the settling of the Louisiana bayous starting in 1763 by Filipinos. Individual accomplishments range from pioneering aviatrix Katherine Sui Fun Cheung to astronauts Sunita Williams and Kalpana Chawla. Helpful appendices link to up-to-date digital resources and intriguing follow-up activities. Misspellings of two authors' names in captions of the illustration for "W is for Writers," Maxine Hong Kingston and Ronald Takaki, mar an otherwise accurate and well-crafted presentation; these are to be corrected in future printings. VERDICT This upbeat collection of fascinating facts is supplemented by lively illustrations and appendices. A great resource for teachers; young readers will also be inspired to follow up and learn more.—Marilyn Taniguchi - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 08/01/2022 Using the same format as Sleeping Bear’s numerous other alphabet books, Loh-Hagan introduces Asian American and Pacific Islander facts and culture through short rhyming couplets and expands upon them in several paragraphs in an accompanying sidebar. The opening “A is for Asian American” sets an inclusive tone, revealing the many geographic areas that make up Asia and the Pacific Islands and how activists began to use the term Asian American to bring together these groups of peoples. Ensuing alphabet letters address such topics as family, food, and language, identifying both commonalities across Asian American communities and differences within them, as well as their influence on history, literature, science, and technology. The colorful, softly rendered illustrations aptly reflect these accomplishments and diversity. The author also balances tough matters, like Japanese American incarceration camps during WWII and other forms of discrimination, with more lighthearted entries, like those on Japanese anime, K-pop, bubble tea, and martial arts. A list of AAPI milestones, a glossary, and related activities add more context to this accessible, appealing, and much-needed resource. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
