Below I’ve listed some excellent Asian and AAPI historical fiction for middle grade readers. Not only do these titles make history come alive, but they also bridge gaps between cultures and help diverse readers understand their own family’s backstory in their countries of origin. Sometimes the backstory involves war or political instability. In those cases, it can be a tough but life-changing realization when a young reader makes that connection with their family or their people’s history for the first time. Other times, the stories are less traumatic and more upbeat. Either way, these titles speak truth, both emotionally and historically. It’s important to note that all of these titles are written by authors of color who identify with and can therefore speak authentically about their people’s past. For broader coverage of middle grade historical fiction, you don’t want to miss these 30 Fascinating Historical Fiction Books for Middle School Readers.
