This week is Children’s Book Week, and May is also Asian-American Month, and since this week’s theme for top ten Tuesday is about authors from/live in the region I am from, I put them together to feature Bay Area children’s book authors and their amazing books today!

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Here’s a quick (and I mean, in a jiffy!) look at some remarkable Asian-American authors and illustrators, who call the Bay Area their home (or are from here). And whose books bring rich cultural perspectives and powerful storytelling to young readers.

Awesome Asian-American Bay Area Children’s Book Authors

Thi Bui

An acclaimed graphic memoirist and illustrator.
A Different Pond, illustrated by Bui, is quiet and powerful. A fishing trip, a father and son, and layers of the immigrant experience packed into one gorgeous picture book. Then we have The Best We Could Do, her beautifully illustrated and evocative memoir exploring the anguish of immigration.

Nidhi Chanani

A graphic novelist and illustrator known for expressive, heartwarming art.
Her graphic novel Pashmina blends magical realism with questions of identity and heritage. She also illustrated Binny’s Diwali, which captures the joy and meaning of Diwali from a child’s point of view.

Joanna Ho

An educator and author who celebrates self-worth and identity through her books.
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners is lyrical and loving—a gentle, powerful ode to Asian eyes and heritage. This is one of the many books I read ages ago but never reviewed. Her books glow with pride and quiet strength, like this other read, which simply charms you with its quiet vibrancy – We Who Produce Pearls: An Anthem for Asian America

Darshana Khiani

A picture book author who celebrates culture with lyrical storytelling. I recall I started reading Khiani’s blog many years ago, and it was wonderful to see her books published later as well!
Her How to Wear a Sari is pure fun. A girl tries to prove she’s all grown up—and things hilariously don’t go as planned. Next, in Building a Dream, Khiani takes us on an inspiring journey.

Julie Leung

An author and editor who highlights lesser-known stories of Asian American history.
Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong is a stunning tribute to the visionary artist behind Disney’s Bambi. In both Leung’s narrative and Chris Sasaki’s illustrations, Paper Son excels while taking us on his immigration story and artistic legacy. And The Truth About Dragons takes us on a fascinating journey along with a young child as he listen’s to his mother’s bedtime stories!

Mitali Perkins

An award-winning author who explores themes of identity, family, and belonging.
Whether it is picture books or middle grade or anything else, Mitali’s stories always shine. I adored and identified with Home Is in Between, and was inspired by her Rickshaw Girl. Next, I hope to get to her other books, starting with Bamboo People

Thien Pham

A cartoonist and educator passionate about immigrant stories.
His memoir, Family Style, tells his food-filled refugee story with honesty and humor. I promise you that each bite (aka panel) brings flavor and feels. Pham has collaborated with Yang (also on this list) to work on Level Up, a book teenagers will enjoy (as will I, when I get to it).

Meera Sriram

Former engineer turned author whose picture books are rooted in culture and wonder.
The Yellow Suitcase explores loss and love across borders with such heart. Her stories bring the warmth and depth of home in every page. I recall reading A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India (a great one to add to your list for Mother’s Day!)- a sweet and delightful read. While I was reading Six Days in Bombay (Alka Joshi), I discovered Sriram’s Between Two Worlds: The Art & Life of Amrita Sher-Gil. It is currently on my TBR.

Maggie Tokuda-Hall

An author whose work spans genres and age groups.
I loved her picture book, Love in the Library. It is a sweet yet powerful love story in the backdrop of a Japanese internment camp in World War II. Then there is her teen/YA novel – The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea – which I would have added to my 6 degrees chain this Saturday if I had recalled. I am yet to get to this one but I know I will love it as well!

Gene Luen Yang

A trailblazing graphic novelist and former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.
American Born Chinese is clever, bold, and funny. Identity, stereotypes, and self-acceptance—all wrapped in this stunning graphic novel package. And can’t forget about Dragon Hoops!

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, have you read books by any of these authors? Which book would you pick first to read for yourself, or to gift someone? Your favorite authors from your city/state/country? Do let me know in the comments! And any other thoughts on my post are welcome as always.