Book Review: Auntie Kristina’s Guide to Asian American Activism

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.

We try to keep a relatively regular sleep schedule during the summer, but the morning routine kind of flies out the window when we don’t have anywhere in particular to be. To get little kids back in the groove of getting up and getting ready for school — or to help kids who are new to having a routine learn what to do when — printable routine cards can be a big help.

There are lots of different ways to do these. I like the flip chart style like this one from Mama Papa Bubba. This one is made with a file folder and you add magnets to each section so kids can close the flap on the items they’ve completed for the day. The post includes a free printable with some basic morning activities that kids can cut out and color.

Another version of this that is just paper comes from My Party Design. This one uses little pieces of peel and stick Velcro to close the sections when each step is completed, and there are versions for the morning and evening. (These are not free but might give you an idea of how to make your own with the steps you need.)

For a more detailed, full day schedule great for preschoolers, check out this one from The Savvy Sparrow. This paid resource includes tons of different icons from daily routine items to things like riding bikes, dance class and watering plants. There are 120 icons in all so you’re likely to find everything you need to visually build out your days.

If you want to see how a daily routine printable works for you without putting a lot of work in, try this printable checklist from Little Mager House. You can laminate it or stick it in a plastic sheet protector and mark off things as they get done. Then just wipe it off and start again the next day. This one is free when you sign up for emails.

Natural Beach Living has a free visual schedule printable with all sorts of items and including special things like picnics and nature walks. This one can be used at home or in the classroom and it includes days of the week. (Some of this is free for subscribers but there is also a bundle you can purchase.)

I also love the set of printable routine cards from Look We’re Learning, which includes a bunch of basic daily activities in both English and Spanish if you’re raising a bilingual child or just want to practice a little vocabulary. There are 16 activities in all and there’s a pronunciation guide if you need help with the Spanish. (This is a free resource for subscribers.)

Have you read?

Leave a Reply