During the COVID-19 Pandemic, hate crimes against Asians and Asian-Americans have greatly increased; most recently, we’ve seen the tragic shootings in Atlanta that took the lives of six women of Asian descent and at the Indianapolis FedEx that killed four Sikhs. There has also been a surge in the past year of anti-racist reading lists in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests. As we continue our anti-racist educations, we should always consider about the history of racism in America against Asian people. This anti-racist Asian reading list covers a wide range of nationalities, identities, and experiences that are important to learn about as we work to #StopAsianHate.
All You Can Ever Know: a Memoir
By Nicole Chung
Adult Nonfiction
This memoir tells the story of a Korean American woman, adopted by white parents, as she develops her identity, learns the truth about her birth parents, and gives birth to her own child.
America is in the Heart
By Carlos Bulosan
Adult Nonfiction
This semi-autobiographical novel describes the racism that migrant Filipinos faced after the Spanish-American war, both in their homeland and in the United States.
Fairest: a Memoir
By Meredith Talusan
Adult Nonfiction
This coming-of-age memoir shares the true, intersectional story of a transgender Asian immigrant, crossing boundaries of race, gender, and disability.
We too sing America : South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh Immigrants Shape our Multiracial Future
By Deepa Iyer
Adult Nonfiction
Asians and Asian Americans come from a wide range of countries and cultures, and this book details the struggles of overlooked Asian communities.
The Eagles of Heart Mountain: a True Story of Football, Incarceration, and Resistance in World War II America
By Bradford Pearson
Adult Nonfiction
A heartbreaking and hopeful story, this is the account of a Japanese-American internment camp and their high school football team.
America for Americans: a History of Xenophobia in the United States
By Erika Lee
Adult Nonfiction
Xenophobia, or fear and hostility towards immigrants, is an aspect of racism that Asian Americans often face, whether or not they are actually immigrants; this book describes the xenophobia that Asians and other minorities have faced, from the colonial period to today.
Minor Feelings: an Asian American Reckoning
By Cathy Park Hong
Adult Nonfiction
One of the most recommended books this year, this collection is part-memoir and part-cultural criticism, and it explores the complexities of the Asian American experience.
Asian Americans in Utah: a Living History
By John H. Yang
Adult Nonfiction
Learn more about the fastest growing minority group in the state.
Driven Out: The Forgotten War Against Chinese Americans
By Jean Pfaelzer
Adult Nonfiction
The fear of Chinese people and the exclusionary policies that follow did not first appear in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic; this book details the long history of Chinese Americans fighting for their rights.
Written by Emma, Flexible Assistant Librarian
