The ABCs of Asian American History written by Renee Macalino Rutledge and illustrated by Lauren Akazawa Mendez, is an inclusive compilation of the holidays, famous figures, traditional dress, cuisine, and other interesting facts from 19 Asian American groups (as defined by the 2020 United States Census).
I had a chance to review the book, which is targeted for kids ages five and up. The way that it's written makes it a great family book - younger kids will enjoy the rhyme and get exposure to concepts, while older kids will have a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the many different cultures represented in the book. Famous figures from science, art, politics, and sports appear. Food, music, and holiday traditions also get featured in the book.
“Asian American history is US history. In ways big and small,” author Renee Macalino Rutledge said. “Did you know that the N95 mask was invented by a Taiwanese American scientist? Or that the architect of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was Maya Lin, whose parents emigrated from China? It was impossible to include enough about the contributions of Asian Americans to US history in one place, but this book acts as a door, helping readers gain an understanding of that vastness and legacy, and the many heroes, past and present, to celebrate.”
This is a great book for anyone seeking to create a more diverse bookshelf, whether that's at home or in the classroom.
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