Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beautiful, inspiring picture book promotes Asian America.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In WE WHO PRODUCE PEARLS: AN ANTHEM FOR ASIAN AMERICA, a long poem speaks to Asian American history, culture, and pride. The poem celebrates Asian American diversity, immigrant experience, and struggle. Focusing on the importance of Asian Americans being able to control their own narratives, this beautifully illustrated book highlights the diverse legacies of Asian America.
Is It Any Good?
The illustrations in this picture book are stunning and beautiful, each page highlighting different Asian American people, communities, cultural symbols, and images. The one long poem that makes up the main section of We Who Produce Pearls: An Anthem for Asian America is powerfully written and inspiring. The poem and the back section of the book both speak to Asian American history, immigration, cultural impact, pride, and a hopeful legacy. The information in the back section is thorough, deep, and educational.
The only potential drawback is that this book is a sophisticated read alone for the target age group and is better suited for older kids. Despite Phingbodhipakkiya's attractive, vibrant illustrations young kids will pour over, the content and focus is at times intense (vague allusions to violent historical events, oppression, Asian hate). Many words in the poem are quite advanced. Even as a read aloud, this book demands to be unpacked and talked about with a knowledgeable adult or educator. The rich back section of the book is a teacher's resource list dream, with excellent context and questions. For the right aged kid or with the right adult guidance (or both!), this book will be a compelling and inspirational read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence against certain communities, like Asian Americans. Did any of the violence against Asian Americans mentioned in We Who Produce Pearls: An Anthem for Asian America scare you? Should kids be stopped from learning about scary parts of history or encouraged to learn them? Why or why not?
How does the poem show Asian American pride, integrity, and courage?
What most stands out about the Asian American history covered in the back of the book? What are your favorite moments?
Like the book asks, what are some of the meanings of all the flowers that are on display throughout the book?
Why do you think it might be important for Asian Americans to be able to write their own narratives?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Orchard Books
- Publication date : April 16, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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