Change the World With Books
By Benay Hicks, Communications Manager
March 25, 2021
Book Harvest’s Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors approach is integral to everything we do. As an organization and as individuals, we firmly believe that every child – and human! – should have access to books that reflect themselves, offer glimpses into other ways of living, and provide immersive experiences that transport them into new worlds. This approach isn’t just about enabling abundant access to culturally-inclusive books…it’s about changing the world with them.
Books can change lives. They can change perspectives and inform conversations. They can expose the reader to new thoughts, ideas, and ways of living. Which is why when tragedies occur or people are unjustly targeted based on their perceived differences, the Book Harvest team takes time to reflect on the impact of books and why we need to keep working hard to fulfill our mission.
In response to our thoughts released last week, we curated a short list of children’s books written by Asian authors. May your children see themselves in these books, glimpse a world beyond their own, and grow to understand and appreciate a different way of living. And, of course, may the books bring joy.
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners Written by Joanna Ho Illustrated by Dung Ho
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before By Jenny Han
Dear Juno Written by Soyung Pak Illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung
Umbrella By Taro Yashima
The Ugly Vegetables By Grace Lin
Not Quite Black and White Written by Jonathan Ying Illustrated by Victoria Ying
Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji Written by F. Zia Illustrated by Ken Min
My Friends By Taro Gomi
Chinese New Year Wishes Written by Jillian Lin Illustrated by Shi Men