The term Asian American covers a huge number of people from different nations, cultural backgrounds, languages and food traditions. While we might think of Chinese, Japanese and Korean people first, it also encompasses native Hawaiians and people from the Pacific Islands, people from India and Southeast Asia to name a few.
All of those places and traditions come with different histories, stereotypes and struggles, and young people in the Asian American community can have difficulties understanding their history in this country (since it still often isn’t taught), how they fit with other Asian Americans and what that identity means to them.
Artist and writer Kristina Wong (along with Theodore Chao, Anna Michelle Wang and Jenessa Joffe) encourages young people to learn about their cultural history, get involved with Asian American groups in their community and find their place in the community whether as an activist, an artist or simply someone who knows where they came from and why they should be proud of that.
Auntie Kristina’s Guide to Asian American Activism is written in the voice of Auntie Kristina, Wong’s character in Radical Cram School, a web series about Asian American history and activism. The book covers topics like defining the community, learning history, telling your story, intersectionality, allyship, being a leader and a global citizen, as well as self-care for young (and older!) activists.
Each chapter includes profiles of young rebels and “auntie heroes,” a creative project and a STEM themed project, a call to action, writing prompts for your diary-ah and a fun drawn patch to commemorate what you’ve learned.
The book doesn’t take itself too seriously and works hard to draw young people in, with discussions presented as text messages, colorful illustrations and hands on projects, as well as encouragement to start where you are rather than trying to take on the whole world at once. And while the book centers Asian American rebels, history and lived experiences, this book would be a good read for allies and those in other marginalized groups to think about how they relate to their own histories and what they would like to change in the world.
This would be a great one for school libraries and for teachers of kids in this age group (the target audience is 10-14 but I think older kids might like it, too) to consider classroom activities for AAPI month (that’s May!) or any other time you want to work on projects centering social change and how kids can change the world.
About the book: 236 pages, hardcover. Published 2026 by Beaming Books. Suggested retail price $19.99.
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