It’s May again, besties! You know what that means. We at THP are here to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
What’s a better way to celebrate than with six books written by AAPI authors and about AAPI characters? We love to see diverse representation in books, whether they’re contemporary, fantasy, or historical fiction. Here are six must-read book recommendations for AAPI Heritage Month!
Content Warning: The Honey POP encourages mindful reading and checking the author’s website for content warnings.
What A Desi Girl Wants By Sabina Khan
We’re kicking off our AAPI book roundup with Sabina Khan’s What A Desi Girl Wants! This book follows Mehar, a girl who reluctantly returns to India to celebrate her father’s wedding to socialite Naz. While there, Mehar meets Sufiya, her grandmother’s assistant, and their budding friendship turns into something more. But when Mehar realizes Naz has been using her father for his money, she plans to stop the wedding at all costs, even if it risks her relationship with Sufiya.
Release date: July 18, 2023
Order What a Desi Girl Wants here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SABINA KHAN:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE
Spin Of Fate By A. A. Vora
YA fantasies with AAPI representation hit different. Spin of Fate by A. A. Vora is set in a world governed by Toranic Law, which separates people into upper and lower realms. It’s inspired by karma where if sinful lowers commit to kindness and charity, they can ascend into the upper realms. In this novel, three teenagers, Aina, Meizan, and Aranel, must survive magical beasts and an impending war between realms. A. A. Vora’s debut is the first installment of The Fifth Realm trilogy and is perfect for fans of Six of Crows and Avatar: The Last Airbender!
Release date: May 7, 2024
Pre-order Spin of Fate here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT A. A. VORA:
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE
Hula: A Novel By Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes
Next in our AAPI book roundup, we have Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes’ Hula: A Novel. Set in Hilo, Hawai’i, this novel follows three generations of women: Hi’i, the youngest of the Naupaka dynasty, her mother Laka, and her grandmother Hulali, the Hula matriarch on the Big Island. Hi’i dreams of bringing her family together by devoting herself to hula and becoming the next Miss Aloha Hula. Hula: A Novel tells a story of complex mother-daughter relationships, tradition, and a forgotten kingdom.
Release date: May 7, 2024
Pre-order Hula: A Novel here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JASMIN ‘IOLANI HAKES:
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE
A Crane Among Wolves By June Hur
Continuing the thread of AAPI books in historical fiction, we have June Hur’s A Crane Among Wolves! Set in 1506, the people of Joseon have been suffering under the tyrant King Yeonsan, known for his kidnapping and abuse of women and girls. When 17-year-old Iseul’s sister becomes the king’s latest victim, she travels to the capital in hopes of getting her sister back. Prince Daehyun, the king’s half-brother, plots to overthrow the king and can only do so with the reluctant help of Iseul.
Release date: May 14, 2024
Pre-order A Crane Among Wolves here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JUNE HUR:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE
Of Jade And Dragons By Amber Chen
We’re switching gears from historical fiction back to YA fantasy with Amber Chen’s debut novel, Of Jade and Dragons! Mulan meets Iron Widow in this thrilling silkpunk fantasy inspired by Qing Dynasty China. Of Jade and Dragons is the first book of the Fall of the Dragon series. Eighteen-year-old Aihui Ying must disguise as her brother to uncover the mystery of her father’s murder. She joins the males-only apprenticeship trial with the help of an unlikely ally, who might even have his own mysterious plans.
Release date: June 18, 2024
Pre-order Of Jade and Dragons here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AMBER CHEN:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE
We Shall Be Monsters By Tara Sim
Finally, the last AAPI book we’ll recommend is Tara Sim’s Indian-inspired and Frankenstein-esque fantasy, We Shall Be Monsters! It’s the first book in a duology, so brace yourself for a cliffhanger ending. We Shall Be Monsters mixes fantasy and horror in a story following Kajal, a girl who tries to bring her sister Lasya back. But when Lasya’s soul turns into a murderous spirit and Kajal gets sentenced to death, the only way for Kajal to live is by resurrecting the country’s crown prince.
Release date: June 25, 2024
Pre-order We Shall Be Monsters here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TARA SIM:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER
We hope you found your next read from our roundup of AAPI books! Which of these titles are you adding to your list?
How else are you celebrating AAPI heritage month? Let us know on Twitter! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Need some more book recs? We got them!