Celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of AAPI communities to our culture, history, and future.

From cookbooks and romance to kids & YA, fiction, and non-fiction—there’s something for everyone! Check out our curated picks from AAPI authors and enjoy their stories all month long.

COOKING

Salt Suagr Msg: Recipes and Stories from a Cantonese American Home by Calvin Eng and Phoebe Melnick

Discover a heartfelt tribute to heritage and home cooking from one of Brooklyn’s most exciting chefs. With inventive twists on Cantonese classics and personal stories woven throughout, this cookbook is a flavorful celebration of family, identity, and the dishes that bring us together.

Indian Cookery by Madhur Jaffrey

This beautifully updated edition of a beloved classic brings Madhur Jaffrey’s timeless Indian recipes to a new generation of home cooks. With fresh illustrations, new dishes, and Jaffrey’s unmatched warmth and expertise, it’s a vibrant celebration of one of the world’s richest culinary traditions.

Umma: A Korean Mom’s Kitchen Wisdom by Sarah Ahn and Nam Soon Ahn

Learn the heart of Korean home cooking through the warmth and wisdom of a mother-daughter duo whose viral videos have touched millions. Packed with 100+ tested recipes, this heartfelt collection blends cherished family dishes, personal stories, and generations of culinary know-how into a book that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Aloha Kitchen: Recipes From Hawai'i by Alana Kysar

Discover the vibrant flavors of Hawaiʻi in this stunning cookbook from Maui native Alana Kysar. With 85 recipes and rich cultural insight, she celebrates the island’s unique blend of culinary traditions—from shave ice to loco moco—sharing the stories and spirit behind each dish.

The Pepper Thai Cookbook: Family Recipes from Everyone’s Favorite Thai Mom by Pepper Teigen

Pepper Teigen shares 80 flavorful Thai-inspired recipes in this fun cookbook. From Roasted Lemongrass Chicken to Pad Thai Brussels Sprouts, Pepper’s dishes fuel her busy household. With quirky chapters and personal stories, this cookbook celebrates family, food, and bold flavors.

Malai by Pooja Bavishi

Explore South Asian-inspired frozen desserts with 100 recipes from Pooja Bavishi, founder of Malai Ice Cream. From Mango & Cream to Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds, this cookbook offers easy, vibrant treats perfect for any occasion.

FICTION

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang—Available 8/26/25

Alice Law will do anything to succeed, even journey to Hell. After a magical accident leaves her mentor dead, Alice must descend into the underworld to save him and her future. Joined by her rival, she faces a Hell full of surprises, secrets, and dark revelations in this sharp, spellbinding tale of ambition and redemption.

Real Americans by Rachel Khong

A sweeping story of love, legacy, and identity that follows Lily Chen, the daughter of Chinese scientists, as she falls for a wealthy heir in early-2000s New York. Years later, their son Nick begins to question everything he knows and sets off to uncover the truth about his family. Exploring class, race, and the search for belonging, this novel delves into two generations’ quest to define who they are and where they come from.

The Note by Alafair Burke

May Hanover has always been the good girl—top of her class and rule-abiding. But when a reunion with her childhood friends in the Hamptons leads to a prank gone wrong, May finds herself at the center of a police investigation. As secrets unravel, she begins to question her life long friendships and everything she thought she knew.

Homeseeking by Karissa Chen

After sixty years, Haiwen reunites with his lost love, Suchi, in Los Angeles. Their childhood love was torn apart by war and separation, and now they navigate their separate journeys through decades of change, each holding on to the home in their hearts.

Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan—Paperback Available 5/20/25

Rufus Leung Gresham, heir to a crumbling fortune, is tasked with marrying a wealthy woman to save his family’s legacy. At his sister’s high-profile wedding, he faces a choice between a hotel heiress, a venture capitalist, or the girl next door, Eden. However, when disaster strikes, secrets come to light, threatening to destroy everything.

The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong—Available 5/13/25

Nineteen-year-old Hai plans to end his life when elderly widow Grazina stops him and convinces him to stay. As his caretaker, they form an unexpected bond that transforms both their lives, leading to a journey of love, memory, and self-discovery.

KIDS & YOUNG ADULT

You've Found Oliver by Dustin Thao—Available 9/30/25

A year after his best friend Sam’s death, Oliver still texts Sam’s number, knowing he won’t get a reply. When he accidentally calls, a stranger named Ben answers. Sam’s number was reassigned, and Ben has been receiving Oliver’s messages for months. Despite feeling he should stop, Oliver connects with Ben in an unexpected way.

Everyone Loves Lunchtime but Zia by Jenny Liao and Dream Chen

Zia dreads lunchtime, embarrassed by her traditional Cantonese meals while her classmates eat sandwiches. But when her parents pack special dishes, each with a meaningful tradition, Zia begins to appreciate her heritage and finds a way to share her meals with her classmates. A heartwarming story about embracing culture and family.

Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson

In the 15th century, four Mahu from Tahiti bring science and healing to the people of Waikiki, who honor them with a monument of four boulders imbued with healing powers. Over time, the stones are forgotten, but their power remains, a timeless tribute to cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of the Mahu.

Masala Chai, Fast and Slow by Rajani Larocca and Neha Rawat

Aarav is always rushing, but his grandfather Thatha takes his time making masala chai. When Thatha injures his ankle, Aarav tries to make the chai himself, but his impatience leads to mistakes. Can he slowdown and get it right? This heartwarming story celebrates patience, family, and tea.

Illusions of Fire by Nisha Sharma—Available 10/7/25

Laila Bansal trains with her immortal aunts to protect her as a descendant of Draupadi—until Karan, a mysterious archer, tries to kill her. With a mission to save his parents, he brings gods, demons, and a deadly threat that could destroy the world. Now, Laila must confront her powerful legacy and the danger closing in.

From Little Tokyo, With Love by Sarah Kuhn

Rika’s life feels like anything but a fairy tale. She’s an orphan with judo skills, a fiery temper, and a sense she doesn’t quite belong. But when clues hint that her mother might be alive, she teams up with the charming Hank Chen to uncover the truth. As their search deepens, Rika must face her insecurities and decide if she’s ready to write her own happy ending or if tragedy is her fate.

NONFICTION

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

Chanel Miller’s powerful memoir reveals her journey from trauma to healing, transforming the way we think about sexual assault. With unflinching honesty and striking resilience, she challenges a broken system and reclaims her voice as a survivor, artist, and writer.

Kuleana by Sara Kehaulani Goo—Available 6/10/25

Sara Kehaulani Goo returns to her family’s land in Maui to face a rising tax bill and a difficult choice: sell or fight to keep what’s been theirs for generations. Blending memoir and journalism, this powerful story explores identity, legacy, and the struggle of Native Hawaiians to protect their land and culture in the face of ongoing displacement.

Corky Lee's Asian America by Corky Lee

This powerful collection of over 200 photographs captures five decades of Asian American activism, culture, and community through the lens of photojournalist Corky Lee. With both iconic and rarely seen images, it honors Lee’s legacy of challenging stereotypes and documenting the ongoing fight for justice, identity, and belonging.

Walk Like A Girl: A Memoir by Prabal Gurung—Available 5/13/25

Prabal Gurung shares his powerful journey from a queer boy in Nepal to a celebrated fashion designer in New York. In this bold memoir, he opens up about identity, resilience, and the strength he found by embracing femininity, creativity, and the love of his mother while challenging the mold society tried to force upon him.

Big Asian Energy by John Wang—Available 5/27/25

Leadership coach John Wang offers a bold practical guide to help Asian Americans step into their power at work in relationship sand beyond. Drawing on research personal stories and insights from coaching Fortune 500 clients he explores how cultural values shape confidence and offers tools to lead with authenticity not assimilation.

Dear Girls by Ali Wong

Ali Wong shares personal and hilarious letters to her daughters, reflecting on marriage, sex, Asian culture, and motherhood. From single life struggles to reconnecting with her roots, her stories are both funny and surprisingly heartfelt. A sharp and candid look at life, love, and parenting.

ROMANCE

Jasmine and Jake Rock the Boat by Sonya Lalli

Jasmine's life feels out of control after a breakup, so she joins her parents on an Alaskan cruise, only to find herself stuck on a seniors getaway with childhood rival Jake Dhillon. As they clash, secrets start to surface, and they realize their connection is deeper than expected. But can this unlikely romance survive once the cruise ends?

'Til Heist Do Us Part by Sara Desai

Simi Chopra thought her heist days were behind her until a Mafia boss demands the return of a stolen diamond necklace plus interest. With Jack Danger in the mix, a master thief with a vendetta, and a gorgeous detective hot on her trail, Simi is about to face the most dangerous job yet. Secrets, betrayal, and sizzling tension complicate everything as Simi races to pull off the ultimate con.

There's Something About Mira by Sonali Dev

Mira Salvi has the perfect life with a great job, a fiancé, and a bright future. But when she finds a lost ring in New York, her social media post goes viral. Journalist Krish Hale is determined to track down the owner and the two team up to solve the mystery. As they search, Mira starts questioning if her perfect life is truly what she wants.

Time Loops and Meet Cutes by Jackie Lau

Noelle Tom is trapped in a time loop, reliving the same Friday after eating mysterious dumplings. Each day her work disappears, and the only constant is Cam, a brewery owner who can't remember her. As Noelle grows closer to him, she wonders if she'll ever escape the loop and if they can be together in the real world.

Courtroom Drama by Neely Tubati Alexander

Sydney Parks is thrilled to serve on a jury for a high-profile case involving reality TV star Margot Kitsch. Things take a turn when her childhood friend, Damon, is also on the jury. As they reconnect, Sydney struggles with old feelings and unresolved tension while trying to keep the trial on track.

Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Mulan steps in for her ill father to close a crucial deal with Shang’s whiskey company. Pretending to be her father, she spends a week at his ranch, facing tough challenges like cattle wrangling and butchering lessons. As she struggles to maintain the ruse, the undeniable chemistry with Shang grows, making it harder to stay focused on the deal and avoid falling for him.

AAPI Heritage Month is the perfect time to explore new stories, celebrate diverse cultures, and support the voices that inspire us all. Shop these incredible titles and many more in-store and online here.

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