The Library of Legends by Janie Chang

The Library of Legends is a slow book that builds up to an amazing story. I appreciate how the author tied up two stories, the one placed in China, in the 1930s when Japan invaded China, and a legend of a star who fell in love with a prince. It's a great story and listening to the audiobook is worth a go. Enjoy.

Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee

Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee is a great historic murder mystery. The drama and characters are crafted well to make this a very intresting story. The audibook brings this book to life and keeps you interested. I would recommend this book to read. I don't think very many high school students would read it but they should. Perfect for regular libraries. It's a good read.

This Time It's Real by Ann Liang

At first I thought the main character was rather shallow but she did warm up quickly. I thought the story was alright and fine. I also listed to the audiobook. I ended up liking the story after all. I would read more by Ann Liang in the future. Okay for school libraries.

Flying Paintings by Alznauer, Zhou & Zhou

 A very dynamic book to add to library shelves.  History and Art blended together to tell the brothers' stories.  A good book to use in world history when talking about China, when they changed to a very strict communism.  

In The Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Betty Bao Lord

 I loved this book.  It reminded me when I taught English as a Second Language.  Especially when the students were playing baseball and Shirley hears Run Home and she starts to end back to her apartment. Something similar happened when I was covering PE.  It's a coming of age story that is endearing.  Enjoy.

The Joy Luck Club By Amy Tan

This is now a long classic book taught in high school.  I had seen the movie years ago and just finished the audio book.  Loaded with conflict, secrets, hope and over all love.  A good story to enjoy, learn and understand culture and families.  
 

Little White Duck by Nau Liu

 Here is a  link that will help if you use this in your classroom/library:

In The Classroom

A good read.

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

 

I've been meaning to read this and I now I have.  A good theme of when things go wrong, keep on going  It's a good story and fine for any school library for elementary and middle school.

Someday We Will Fly by Rachel DeWoskin

 Add this one to your library.  There are some mature episodes but it's handled well.  This book/story still haunts me and I read it a few months ago.  Imagine fleeing your home with the clothes on your back.  Landing in a foreign land with a way different culture.  And your mother is probably in a Nazi camp.  It's a good read.  

The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf

Wow.  The author has talked to many people who have survived this violent time.  So many people were killed that the government had to create a mass burial.  Melati has a mental condition, formed after the death of her father, a policeman killed on duty.  Her mother is a nurse.  There is a lot of violence in this story.  This story was written in a way that it takes you there back in time.  With the tread of music to tie it all together.  History becomes alive in this very scary time.  Get this one for your high school library.

Peony in Love by Lisa See

A fine piece of writing and bring the past alive.  Women in this century are about sacrificing for the the men.  That they don't have their own identity.  Peony is the 16 year old daughter of a well to do family.  Journey with her as she goes from full of life, to how literature changes her and follow her in death as she watches her family and love continue on.  A brilliant piece of literature.  I would say for adults. 

Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park

It's a good read for middle school and upper elementary school.  For those who enjoy Little House on the Prairie series, add this to young people's reading pleasure. 

Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen

I liked this story just a big concern,  it's a very sexy story.  I'm going to say for seniors and adult because of the mature content.  The audio book is also good. 

PAPER Son by Leung & Sasaki

Beautiful images illustrate the life of this talented artist.  It's a good picture book that brings history, culture and art all together.  Enjoy.

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

The audio book is an excellent one to listen to.  The story is one that stayed with me for weeks.  It's a good read.  Go back in time before cars were around, when bicycles were a new novelty and hats were fancy and expensive.  Jo is plucky and resourceful.  She is intelligent and must face racial discrimination.  It's a good story and fine for any high school library.  Enjoy.

The Magnolia Sword by Sherry Thomas

It's a good story of the legend of Mulan.  I am going to get for my high school library.  Audio book also very good also.  Enjoy.

Natalie Tan's Book of Luck & Fortune by Roselle Lim

I loved this book even though it made me hungry.  It's brilliant.  It's like Chocolate the movie, Like Water for Chocolate and a bit of The Joy Luck Club.  It is perfect for Teen Libraries as well as adult.  I loved the audio book also.  Enjoy.  You'll thank me later.

The Moon Lady by Amy Tan

Jewel toned colors high light this charming grandmother's story.  It's fine for any school library.  Enjoy

The Ugly Vegetables by Grace Lin

It's a nice book celebrating diversity and community gardens.  A great intro to Chinese vegetables.  Enjoy this picture book.

Outrun The Moon by Stacey Lee

I was not impressed with this book.  It's fine for any school library.  Here is what my concerns were, the plot and character was way over the top.  It was hard to believe.  It's historical fiction with great liberties.  I really wanted it to work but it was just hard to believe.