The Library has an AMAZING collection of books featuring stories and information written by and about people from varied backgrounds, races, ethnicities, life experiences, and viewpoints. We love to share selections that demonstrate the range of our collection all year and we encourage you to explore these books with us!
This month, we are highlighting activities and books in our collection by and about people in the Asian-American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. This includes people with connections to the cultures and ancestries of China, India, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, Hawaii and other Asian and Pacific Islands. Check out the books and activities below and join us at one of our programs, which feature information and stories in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month.
READ: Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country by Kelly Yang
Use your library card or apply for an ecard here to access our digital library!
From creating beautiful music like Yo-Yo Ma to flying to outer space like Franklin Chang-Díaz; from standing up to injustice like Fred Korematsu to becoming the first Asian American, Black, and female vice president of the United States like Kamala Harris, this book illuminates the power of Asian Americans all over the country, in all sorts of fields. Each spread is illustrated by a different renowned Asian American or Asian artist. Includes one-line biographies of the person or historical moment featured on the page, with extended biographies at the end. Readers of different ages and needs can use the book in different ways, from classroom discussions to bedtime read-alouds and more.
Questions to think about while you read:
- This book isn't illustrated by one person; the artists' names are on the page(s) they created. How many illustrators contributed to this book? Which one is your favorite and why?
- Which person's story inspires you the most? What characteristics do you share with this person?
- Yes We Will encourages readers to dream big. What do you dream of doing?
PLAY: Architect Challenge
This activity is inspired by Maya Lin, a Chinese-American architect. To learn more about her, check out She Persisted: Maya Lin by Grace Lin. While Maya was still in college, she was awarded the opportunity to design a national memorial for U.S. servicepeople who died in the Vietnam War; however, many people weren't happy with her selection because of her age, race, and Asian heritage. Nevertheless, she persisted, and today her talent is known all over the world and she inspires others. Let her inspire you as you design a tower! This game is for 2 or more players.
Supplies:
- Drinking straws (10 per person, plus extra for game extension)
- Tape (clear, masking, or Washi)
- Timer
- Yardstick or measuring tape
Instructions:
- Each player gets 10 straws and a roll of tape.
- Set the timer for 20-30 minutes (all players must agree on how long).
- Each participant uses the time to plan and build the tallest tower with the straws and tape. They can start with a base for the tower, if desired. Smaller children may need adult assistance to arrange straws for a base. Players continue designing and building their tower until time is called.
- Use the yardstick or measuring tape to see which tower is the tallest and which designer won the challenge.
To continue/extend the game, set another time limit and players continue building with 10 more straws to see whose tower is tallest.
From: The Curious Kid's Science Book by Asia Citro (available on Hoopla Digital)
EXPLORE: Create a Nature Mandala
Mandala translates to "circle" in Sanskrit, the classical language of India. Most commonly, mandalas are circles with intricate, detailed patterns, joining together with a single, central point. The circular design is meant to express the concept that everything is connected in life. Once you start looking, you can find mandalas everywhere: in nature (a seeded dandelion or seashell), architecture (round windows or domes), and in designs (circular patterns).
Supplies:
- To make this mandala, collect items from nature, such as stones, leaves, shells, sticks, flower petals, pine cones, nuts, feathers, etc.
- Round paper plate (for template, if desired)
Instructions:
- Choose a location to create your mandala. This can be on a smooth patch of grass, dirt, or sand, or a piece of sidewalk.
- If you want to use the paper plate as a guide to create a circle, lay it face-down, and if the surface is grass, dirt, or sand, use a stick to trace around it. If the surface is sidewalk, use chalk or a stone to trace around the plate. This will be the outside edge of the mandala.
- Start by placing a meaningful item in the middle of the circle, as the "unifying center." Then place other items you gathered to form the rest of the mandala, starting near the center and working outward until you’ve created a circular design.
- Continue making patterns until your nature mandala looks complete. You can create it however you like; as simple or as complex as you want.
- Take a picture of your mandala to remember it; it is outside and will eventually be disturbed by rain, wind, animals, or humans.
JOIN: Attend a program!
View all school age programs and events offered this month.
Registration is required for all programs; if space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the link in the program information to register.
