(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong. This picture book introduces the history of foods that are both at-once familiar (ice cream, pizza) and perhaps less so (pavlova, ceviche). Accompanied by vibrant illustrations, each spread describes what the food is, its origins, and how it changed when introduced to other peoples or countries. The book does indeed include some surprising facts (fish and chips have Jewish roots!); readers are likely to learn more about their favorite recipes -- or be inspired to try new ones.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Colleen Kong-Savage. Grandma Miyako tells her grandchildren that she knew the inventor of the fortune cookie, a Japanese American man who managed the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco. During World War II, while Japanese Americans (including the inventor and Grandma Miyako) were being sent to internment camps, the cookie became even more popular in Chinese restaurants. Collage-style illustrations incorporate Japanese designs; the fictionalized personal narrative makes the history -- even with its dark side -- accessible.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Victor Bizar Gómez. "We know you / fear change / it's something / so strange." Simon Tam, musician and activist, combatted racism against Asian Americans through his music. When he sought to trademark his all-Asian band's name, "The Slants" -- deliberately chosen to reclaim a slur -- so that non-Asians couldn't use the name and profit from it, the U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office rejected the application, deeming the name racist. Simon launched a battle that led to the Supreme Court, organizing local Asian American leaders and receiving support from young fans. On the day of the verdict in June 2017, a thousand people stood outside the Supreme Court to hear the unanimous ruling in favor of The Slants. Wenjen layers various voices into the story: song lyric excerpts as provocative taglines, an engaging (if at times fractured) narrative of the band's groundbreaking story, and explanatory blurbs that help young readers understand the historical context. Gómez's illustrations evoke the energy and provocation of political posters, with a muted palette and exaggerated, even grotesquely drawn figures in dramatic poses. Back matter offers supplemental information, including introductions to others who have fought anti-Asian racism.

Reviewer: J. Elizabeth Mills | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2025