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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, so we asked our staff to share books by AAPI authors and movies by AAPI directors. Here's what they had to share.

Book River
Book River Items

Chlorine (2023)

by Jade Song

In this unnerving and poignant coming of age tale, Ren Yu has dreamed of being a mermaid since she was young. Ren tells us her story as a reflection on her youth, growing and living as a human amongst humans, watching her father move back to China leaving Ren and her mother in the home they all shared in Pennsylvania, finding what she believes is safety and real achievement in swimming, and finding nourishment in chlorine. This novel is impossible to put down and, like the scent of chlorine on one’s skin, it lingers. — Emily, Fiction, Movies & Music


Tokyo Ever After (2021)

by Emiko Jean

I will never tire of recommending this delightful young adult novel. When Izumi finds out that her father is the CROWN PRINCE OF JAPAN, everything changes. When she travels to Japan to learn more about her father and her heritage, she didn't plan on also falling in love ... This title is perfect for fans of The Princess Diaries and Crazy Rich Asians. — Allison, Youth Services


The Fervor (2022)

by Alma Katsu

Alma Katsu's gift for historical horror is once again one display in this novel featuring the Japanese American internment camps in World War II where a mysterious disease begins to spread among those interned. — Emily, Fiction, Movies & Music


Seven Samurai (2010)

by Janus Films

This 1954 movie was directed by Akira Kurosawa who introduced Japanese films to the world. Rated 8.6 on IMDB, this film's screenplay was the basis for The Magnificent Seven, an epic story of victory for the underdogs. — Carol, Fiction, Movies & Music


Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2009)

by Sony Pictures Classics

Directed by Ang Lee, staring Michelle Yeoh (2023 Oscar Winner for Everything Everywhere All at Once). A young Chinese warrior steals a sword from a famed swordsman and then escapes into a world of romantic adventure with a mysterious man in the frontier of the nation. — Carol, Fiction, Movies & Music


Siren Queen (2022)

by Nghi Vo

An immensely fun jaunt into old Hollywood with a fiery and unapologetic queer Asian protagonist. A perfect in-one-sitting read! — Rachel, Access Services


Saw (2004)

by Lions Gate Films

Directed by James Wan, the first Saw movie was predominantly a mystery and thriller and not as gory as the subsequent movies in the franchise. The concept of two strangers relying on each other for their survival provides a tense premise in a film largely taking place in just a single room. I appreciate the feeling of suspense and claustrophobia the single room setting provides and the gripping series of events that unfold till the very end. — Sara, Fiction, Movies & Music


Crying in H Mart : a Memoir (2021)

by Michelle Zauner

In her memoir, Michelle Zauner recounts growing up as a Korean-American and her complicated relationship with her mother, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She embraces her mother's culture as a way for them to reconnect in her mother's last days. — Sarah, Digital Services


Front Desk (2018)

by Kelly Yang

Front Desk follows the story of Mia Tang and her family. Mia's parents are immigrants from China, and they have taken over management at a motel in California. Through this story, Yang shows resilience, determination, and empowerment through Mia's character as she works through the many road bumps life throws at her family. — Abbey, Youth Services


A Spoonful of Time (2023)

by Flora Ahn

When You Trap a Tiger (Tae Keller) meets Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Toshikazu Kawaguchi) in this magical middle-grade Korean-American story about time travel, soul-warming food, and family secrets. — Abbey, Youth Services


It's Boba Time for Pearl Li! (2023)

by Nicole Chen

It's Boba Time for Pearl Li is an inspiring, adorable middle-grade novel about a young girl navigating changes in her friendships, family dynamics and town. Pearl is hoping to have a great summer before her seventh-grade year begins, and she begins to dive more into her newfound art of amigurumi, something her family doesn't quite seem to understand. Pearl feels like the only adult to understand and encourage her artwork is the owner of the local Boba tea shop, Boba Time. Once Pearl learns that Boba Time is struggling financially, however, she tries to brainstorm a plan in which she might just be able to save the tea shop. — Abbey, Youth Services