A IS FOR ASIAN AMERICAN

An alphabetized celebration of Asian Americans.

Written in verse accompanied by detailed historical notes, the book opens by explaining that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have long been crucial parts of U.S. history. Images of Chinese railway workers on the following spread are evidence of that statement. Instead of dedicating each letter to a different individual, Loh-Hagan explores broader concepts, with Bishop’s illustrations filling out the details. For instance, on the page with the words “D is for Dishes,” we see images of noodles, spam musubi, dumplings, and Korean barbecue. “I is for International Travel” notes that many families fly overseas to visit relatives. There are several nods to activism: “M is for Movements” highlights Philip Vera Cruz and Grace Lee Boggs, while “P is for Pioneers” spotlights Dalip Singh Saund, the first Indian American to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and athletes Sunisa Lee and Victoria Manalo Draves. Bishop’s warm palette fills every page with soft lines and shapes, bringing to life charming portrayals of the subjects set against attractive backgrounds. While Queen Lili‘uokalani of Hawai‘i and a few people of Southeast Asian and South Asian descent are featured, most entries focus on East Asians. There are a few stretches with “X Marks the Martial Arts Move” and “Y is for Yahoo and YouTube.” Still, overall, this is a strong and compelling overview. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A few flaws aside, a bright tribute to the contributions and cultures of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.