Julie Riew, author of 'Shim Jung Takes the Dive' shares her recommendations for books to read that celebrate the Asian American and Pacific Islander experience
Credit: Penguin Teen Canada; Scribner; Margaret K. McElderry Books
NEED TO KNOW
- The author reflects on growing up as a Korean American and the impact of increased AAPI representation in media
- Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with a curated list of books highlighting diverse stories and voices from the community
- Her recommendations include memoirs, novels and children’s books that explore identity, culture and imaginative storytelling
It's May, which means that graduation caps are being donned, flowers are blooming, I'm sneezing uncontrollably, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is here in full swing!
Sorry to my 5th-grade English teacher for all the passive verbs in that sentence. But I am tremendously pleased to think back to my 5th-grade self, who never could have imagined how Asian stories would soar into the American pop culture spotlight today.
Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, as a 3rd(ish) generation Korean American two decades before K-pop Demon Hunters would achieve world domination, my dream of becoming an author and composer seemed as fantastical as the stories I loved to write. What a blessing it is now, to be able to wander around a bookstore and find a remarkable array of AAPI storytellers to celebrate.
Credit: harper collins
I often think about how greater representation and visibility might have strengthened my confidence as a child. Seeing the strides we’re making now fills me with hope for what the next generation will be able to accomplish.
It is with great gratitude that I present to you my book recommendations for AAPI Month 2026!
01 of 08
'Five Star Stranger' by Kat Tang
Credit: Scribner
Inspired by the real-life phenomenon of "families for hire" in Japan, Five Star Stranger by Kat Tang tells the story of a man who makes a living donning false identities through the Rental Stranger app, a business that allows customers to hire stand-ins for any situation — wedding, funeral, fake proposal, you name it. Dark, inventive, witty and heartbreaking.
02 of 08
'An Ember in the Ashes' by Sabaa Tahir
Credit: Razorbill
Sabaa Tahir's An Ember in the Ashes absolutely swept me away. It's a page-turner about a young woman named Laia who infiltrates a brutal military academy as a spy in order to save her brother, and Elias, a deserter raised within the oppressive regime.
The series features imaginative and deadly trials, excellent twists and a delightful romance.
Related: Bestselling Heir Author Sabaa Tahir Concludes Duology with Empire — See the Cover! (Exclusive)
03 of 08
'These Violent Delights' by Chloe Gong
Credit: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Speaking of delights, Chloe Gong's stunning debut novel is a huge treat for fans of historical romantic fantasy. A heart-pounding, epic retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set in 1920s Shanghai, These Violent Delights is the first of Gong's Secret Shanghai series.
Related: Chloe Gong Enters Her Cyberpunk Era in Coldwire — See the Cover! (Exclusive)
04 of 08
'Gwei the Hungry Ghost' by Emeline Lee, Illustrated by Basia Tran
Credit: Kokila
Written by Emeline Lee and illustrated by Basia Tran, this beautiful picture book tells the story of a very hungry ghost named Gwei who's on the hunt for a meal that will satiate his endless appetite — only to find that sometimes, what we truly need to fulfill us is a friend.
It will leave your heart full and your tastebuds hungry for delicious hand-pulled noodles and crispy chili fish!
05 of 08
Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story' by Sarah Kuhn, Illustrated by Arielle Jovellanos
Credit: DC Comics
I love the concept for this young adult graphic novel. With a script by Sarah Kuhn and illustrations by Arielle Jovellanos, it features a reimagining of Lois Lane as a small-town Asian American teen taking on an internship (and uncovering a scandal!) in the big city of Metropolis.
06 of 08
'Iron Widow' by Xiran Jay Zhao
Credit: Penguin Teen Canada
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao is an unputdownable science-fantasy retelling of the life of Wu Zetian, China's only female emperor. Featuring a biting and vengeful protagonist, an inventive magic system, a delightful (and truly triangular) love triangle and some hilarious one-liners, this young adult novel is so much fun.
07 of 08
'Ruby Lost and Found' by Christina Li
Credit: Quill Tree Books
This touching middle-grade novel by Christina Li tells the story of Ruby Chu — a tween girl determined to hold onto her late grandfather's memory by honoring his yearly scavenger hunts in a time where everything and everyone in her life seems to be changing: family, friends and even her hometown.
Related: Grandpa Was an 'Ordinary Hero' in South Korea. Our New Book Honors His Legacy (Exclusive)
08 of 08
'We Were Dreamers' by Simu Liu
Credit: William Morrow
In We Were Dreamers, actor Simu Liu, star of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, divulges how he went from being a miserable accountant to a Marvel superhero. This uplifting memoir reminds us that following our dreams is no easy task — and that success stories often begin with a series of failures.
Related: Simu Liu Teases Role in Avengers: Secret Wars and Shares What’s Next for Shang-Chi (Exclusive)
Julie Riew's new book, Shim Jung Takes the Dive, is available now wherever books are sold.
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