Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade | Written by Lyla Lee & Illustrated by Dung Ho | Published by Aladdin (An imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division) 2020
I came across Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade when I was looking for a contemporary kid's book about Korean Lunar New Year. It was hard to find! Unfortunately, this book was on a waiting list. But thankfully, I found a poem called New Year Cheer by Linda Sue Park to share with students instead.
This is book 2 in the Mindy Kim chapter book series, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Mindy. I was curious about how Korean Lunar New Year's Day would be presented so that's why I read book 2 first. I just checked out the first book: Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business! Can't wait!
When You Trap a Tiger | Written by Tae Keller | Published by Random House Children's Book (A division of Penguin Random House) 2020
When I heard this book had Korean folktales, I immediately bought it. The main character, Lily, moves in with her sick grandma and tries to save her life—even if it means making a deal with a tiger. A middle grade must read!
Next on my list by Tae Keller is Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone.
The Science of Breakable Things | Written by Tae Keller | Published by Yearling (An imprint of Random House Children's Book) 2018
My second book by Tae Keller. I thoroughly enjoyed this one as well!
Natalie's mother is depressed, but Natalie doesn't know. She wonders why her mother is withdrawn and sleeps most of the day away. In hopes of saving her, Natalie joins a science competition with friends because the winning group gets prize money. She believes she can use her share of the money to go see the miraculous Cobalt Blue Orchids with her mother. Natalie desperately believes that's the only way to get her mother back. Beautifully written!
Stand Up, Yumi Chung! | Written by Jessica Kim | Published by Kokila (An imprint of Penguin Random House) 2020
Love, love, love this book! How often would you think a shy Korean American girl secretly wants to be a comedian? I don't think most. Yet, the unlikely combination is what I adore because it helps readers understand the many dimensions of the main character, Yumi. She is more than a quiet Asian girl! Huzza for diverse middle grade book options!
Bee-bim Bop! | Written by Linda Sue Park & Illustrated by Ho Baek Lee | Published by Clarion Books 2008