Books with Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Characters

Last updated: April 6, 2026

From Japan to Pakistan, from the Phillipines to New Zealand, from California to Alabama, this list of more than 100 books covers a lot of geographical ground. Kids, tweens, and teens will find all sorts of exciting stories about people who live in or have ancestors in many different Asian and Pacific Island countries. Historical fiction, fantasy, coming-of-age novels, immigrant tales, mysteries, graphic novels -- the genres are almost as numerous as the countries where the stories are set. So dig in! And be sure to also check out our list of Movies with Asian, Asian American, Desi, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Characters and Books with Characters of Color.