We've rounded up some of our recent YA favorites by and about people from the Asian/Pacific Islander diaspora. From a Korean-inspired sci-fi to the conclusion of Jenny Han's romance trilogy, these works will keep all teens reading the whole month (and beyond). Looking for more titles? Check out this blog post on "Teen Librarian Toolbox." For younger readers, this recent list of 20 titles might be of help.

AHMADI, Arvin. Down and Across. 336p. Viking. Jan. 2018. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780425289877.

Gr 8 Up –Scott Ferdowsi cannot commit to anything. He has written a novel with only three chapters and he quits his summer internship after only one week. He frequently gives up and has no drive to finish projects. Intrigued by a genius professor studying grit, Scott hastily jumps on a bus to D.C., meets Fiora and adventure ensues. Fiora is impulsive, creates crossword puzzles that are reflective of her rough childhood, and eventually pushes Scott out of his comfort zone. He begins sneaking into bars, asking girls he has never met out on dates, creating crossword puzzles, and finds himself in the process. Most teens do not know what they want to do at 16, so Scott is not in the minority with his indecisive behavior. Students will relate to the struggle Scott feels to find his passion and future path. This story authentically represents the pressures placed on a child of immigrant parents. The book skews older due to underage drinking and mention of drug use. With an Iranian main character and a female lead with anxiety and depression this book confronts issues of racism, mental health, and sexism in an appropriate and candid manner. VERDICT A story of friendship, growing up, and learning to commit to something, this YA debut will be a great selection for high school libraries.–Morgan O’Reilly, Riverdale Country School, NY

This review was published in the School Library Journal December 2017 issue.

AHMED, Samira. Love, Hate & Other Filters. 288p. Soho Teen. Jan. 2018. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781616958473. POP

Gr 9 Up –Maya Aziz should be on top of the world. She got accepted into film school at NYU, and the cute boy she has been spending time with seems to be into her. The only problem is, she’s been hiding all of this from her loving but very traditional Indian American parents. They have already chosen a local college for her to attend and introduced her to a nice Muslim boy who is (eventual) marriage material. As she builds up courage to tell them the truth, a terrorist attack takes place nearby, and one of the suspects shares the same last name as Maya’s family. They are suddenly the targets of suspicion, fear, and intimidation in their own community. Maya is singled out by an unhinged student at her school, and when his harassment escalates to violence, not only is she physically hurt, but all of the ground she gained with her parents is lost as their protective instincts go into overdrive. Maya’s voice is pitch-perfect; funny, warm, and perfectly teenaged in its bouncing focus—she is afraid for herself and her family, crushed by the hatred she is facing in her community, scared of disappointing her parents—but she also really wants to go to film school and is really falling in love. Sweet and smart with a realistic but hopeful ending, this novel is a great examination of how hatred and fear affects both communities, and individual lives. VERDICT Recommended for all libraries serving teens.–Beth McIntyre, Madison Public Library, WI

This review was published in the School Library Journal November 2017 issue.

CHAN, Crystal. All That I Can Fix. 320p. S. & S./Simon Pulse. Jun. 2018. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781534408883. Gr 7 Up –Exotic animals have been released by the owner of a local zoo, moments before he shoots himself dead in the small town of Makersville, IN. This is probably the last thing that teenager Ronney needs in his neighborhood. As newsworthy an event as this is, it is nothing compared to the harsh realities of his own life. Ronney is from a mixed-race family, and since Makersville is small, Ronney knows that all eyes are on him. That is, when they’re not on his father, who previously attempted suicide and now lives in a depressed state; or his mother who can’t deal with anything and instead pops pills; or his fourth grade sister, who is certifiably a genius but is dreadfully afraid of the escaped animals. Ronney deals with his family that is slowly falling apart, his best friend who wants to capture all the animals, and a lonely boy who asks him to take on an impossible quest. This quirky coming-of-age novel is full of hardships that the protagonist must endure, while still maintaining a lighthearted tone. VERDICT A strong choice for YA collections, this complex selection with a variety of relatable characters in extraordinary circumstances will win over teens.–Caitlin Wilson, Meadowdale Library, North Chesterfield, VA This review was published in the School Library Journal April 2018 issue.

CHAO, Gloria. American Panda. 320p. S. & S./Simon Pulse. Feb. 2018. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781481499101.

Gr 9 Up –Mei Lu is out of place at MIT and everywhere else in her life. At 17, she is younger than all of the other college freshmen. In her Taiwanese family, she is struggling against her parents’ expectations of med school and an approved marriage. Mei is a dancer at heart with a lifelong dream of opening a dance studio, and her fear of germs is another strike against her future as a doctor. As she fights to create her own place in the world, she must also restore her relationship with her exiled brother and figure out how her crush on a Japanese fellow student fits into her traditional family’s expectations. The college experience is a unique and welcome setting, and the Mandarin language woven throughout creates a rich reading experience. Mei’s relationship with her parents is emotionally complex, with deeply ingrained cultural traditions and biases in sharp contrast to the life Mei imagines for herself. While Chao writes in the author’s note that this is just one story of one Taiwanese American experience, the themes of defying parental expectations, following dreams, and fighting to belong are universal. VERDICT A first purchase for libraries serving teens.–Kate Olson, Bangor School District, WI This review was published in the School Library Journal February 2018 issue.

CHOI, Mary H.K. Emergency Contact. 400p. S. & S. Mar. 2018. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781534408968. POP

Gr 9 Up –This debut novel examines modern relationships in the age of smart phones. Penny Lee leaves behind her humdrum high school years and meets her new college roommate Jude, who introduces Penny to her tattooed, mysterious, and sexy young uncle, Sam. After a strange chance encounter, Sam and Penny become each other’s emergency contact. Choi creates an up-to-date and realistic contemporary romance by upending the love story trope. Miscues and miscommunications, which often propel romantic plots forward, are replaced by open and constant screen-to-screen communication. The tension exists in the development of the relationship, starting with just texts, and evolving to a multi-platform, “in real life” friendship. In alternating chapters, Penny and Sam reveal their innermost thoughts. Choi explores love, family issues, identity, loneliness, and acceptance in the context of 24/7 social media. Despite the ever-present contact, deeply connecting with another human being remains remarkably difficult. Choi creates another layer of meaning by addressing the microaggressions that Penny, who is Korean American, faces. The protagonist’s response is handled deftly. An internal monologue includes a multiple-choice list of potential reactions to external situations that will ring true with readers and make them appreciate Penny’s wry sense of humor and direct approach. VERDICT A highly recommended purchase for the teens who enjoy realistic relationship fiction. Recommended for fans of Nicola Yoon’s Everything, Everything and Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor & Park.–Eva ­Thaler-­Sroussi, Needham Free Public Library, MA

This review was published in the School Library Journal February 2018 issue.

Chupeco, Rin. The Heart Forger. 528p. Sourcebooks/Fire. Mar. 2018. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781492635857. POP

Gr 7 Up –The sequel to The Bone Witch takes up where the first book left off as Tea, a bone witch with the power to resurrect the dead, continues her rampage against the ones who exiled her and took the life of her one true love. As an impending, all-out war is brewing among The Eight Kingdoms, more of Tea’s past is revealed to readers, while her actions in the present race toward impending doom. Chupeco’s follow-up shares many of the same aspects of the first book that continue to make for a dark, engaging fantasy series. Alternating chapters continue to reveal the events of Tea’s past that led to her revenge-filled present. This installment takes on a darker tone than the first volume. However, it is still accessible for middle school readers because of its short chapters and fast-paced plot. VERDICT A must-purchase for libraries where the previous entry and other epic fantasies are popular.–Molly Dettmann, Moore Public Library, OK

This review was published in the School Library Journal March 2018 issue.

Dao, Julie C. Forest of a Thousand Lanterns. 384p. Philomel. Oct. 2017. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781524738297.

Gr 10 Up –The first volume in the “Rise of the Empress” series, Dao builds the world of Feng Lu, five kingdoms ruled by the Dragon Lords through their earthly descendants. Xifeng is raised by her aunt Guma in desolate poverty. Guma instills in the child that she’s meant for greater things than being a simple peasant. Xifeng has courtly manners and an education that will enable her rise to rule the kingdoms. Guma practices dark magic and welcomes the Serpent God who will lead Xifeng to greatness. The girl leaves her village for a life in the palace and must learn to balance cruelty with intelligence. Rich in detail and full of gore and blood, this dark novel will satisfy “Game of Thrones” fans. The magical elements are few and slow to develop in the beginning; the setting and unfolding of the plot is based in East Asian storytelling and drama. Uneven writing is confusing in chapters, but the reimagining of the Evil Queen story will entice fans of antiheroine journeys. VERDICT Violent and gory descriptions place this strong choice on high school crossover to adult fantasy shelves.–Pamela Thompson, Col. John O. Ensor Middle School, El Paso, TX

This review was published in the School Library Journal September 2017 issue.

FLEMING, Ann Marie. Window Horses: The Poetic Persian Epiphany of Rosie Ming. illus. by Kevin Langdale & others. 274p. Bedside. Mar. 2018. pap. $25. ISBN 9781988715025.

Gr 7 Up –Based on the film of the same name, this graphic novel centers on Rosie Ming, a young Canadian of Chinese and Persian descent who lives with her Chinese grandparents in Vancouver and writes poems about Paris, a city she longs to visit. After self-publishing a book of verse, Rosie is invited to a poetry festival in Shiraz, Iran, where she discovers the richness of Iranian history and culture, makes new friends, uncovers the truth about her estranged Iranian father, and learns about poetry from all over the world. A variety of celebrated poets are portrayed in the book, including Hafiz and Rumi, and their writings and several snippets of Iranian history are accompanied by striking artwork from many gifted artists. Langdale is the primary illustrator, and his colorful backgrounds and expressive characters move the narrative forward and tie together the various art styles and cultures represented. The depiction of Rosie (a character, also known as Stick Girl, whom the author created years ago and who has appeared in short films and webisodes), the lone stick figure, contrasts starkly with Langdale’s fluid style. The meagerness of the protagonist’s body and face emphasizes her immaturity and makes her journey towards self-discovery that much more powerful. VERDICT A heartwarming exploration of art, poetry, history, and culture, this is an inspired look at forging connections and finding one’s place in the world. Pair with Nidhi Chanani’s Pashmina for a profound look at identity and imagination.–Kelley Gile, Cheshire Public Library, CT

This review was published in the School Library Journal April 2018 issue.

GILBERT, Kelly Loy. Picture Us in the Light. 368p. Disney-Hyperion. Apr. 2018. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781484726020.

Gr 9 Up –A glimpse into the lives of teens who are dealing with issues surrounding academic excellence and parental pressure. This offering by the author of Conviction tackles topics such as suicide, sexual identity, and loss. Danny Cheng and his friends attend one of Cupertino’s privileged public high schools and future success is almost certain. Danny’s artistic talent has been recognized by his dream school, RISD, and no one is more proud of his full scholarship than his first-generation Chinese American parents. When Danny accidentally discovers a box of his father’s papers containing copies of names, photos, and public records of a powerful Silicon Valley family, he wonders if his parents are involved in something illegal with ties to their former life in China. On the cusp of adulthood yet under consistent parental watch, Danny is determined to unravel the mystery of his family’s painful past while navigating increasingly complicated personal relationships and school life. The strength of this novel lies in the ambitious main character’s simultaneous snark and vulnerability, which sways readers’ loyalty between him and his well-meaning parents. Uncomfortable feelings are communicated through smart, acerbic exchanges and Danny’s inner monologues. Dreamlike flashbacks smoothly weave the past’s secrets into present-day plotlines. Despite their obvious wealth and sheltered upbringings, the characters are a likable complement to the strange but plausible underlying mystery. The author demonstrates exquisite facility with tech-savvy teen-speak in every scenario and balances the authentic dialogue with elegant prose. VERDICT An excellent choice for YA collections.–Jane Miller, Nashville Public Library

This review was published in the School Library Journal April 2018 issue.

See SLJ's interview with Kelly Loy Gilbert.

LO, Malinda. A Line in the Dark. 288p. Dutton. Oct. 2017. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780735227422. POP Gr 9 Up–Friendship, romance, obsession, and crime all get tangled up in this complicated mystery about love and lies. Angie Redmond and Jess Wong are best friends, though Jess harbors a desperate and rather obvious crush on Angie. Their relationship becomes complicated when Angie begins to date Margot, a wealthy student at a nearby boarding school. Jess, a talented artist who creates a dark, supernatural comic about a love triangle, has her doubts about Margot, who seems cruel and controlling. Margot drives a wedge between Angie and Jess, but eventually, a murder brings them back together. As the police interview all three girls, the details of the night a student is killed highlight the tension among Angie, Jess, and Margot, but do not clearly point to who may have committed the crime. Just when it seems like the truth is coming to light, the story takes another turn, forcing readers to reassess everything they think they understand. Dark, twisty, and unsettling, this book almost begs to be read in one sitting, and then instantly reread. The pace picks up in the second part, with higher tension and uncertainty propelling the story forward quickly, encouraging teens to race to the whodunit conclusion. Though the final few chapters feel rushed, they provide a satisfying—and shocking—finale to this scandalous examination of jealousy, secrets, and untrustworthy characters. ­VERDICT A high-interest thriller with wide appeal recommended for all collections.–Amanda MacGregor, formerly at Great River Regional Library, Saint Cloud, MN

This review was published in the School Library Journal September 2017 issue.

See Malinda Lo's conversation with Stephanie Perkins.

MENON, Sandhya. From Twinkle, with Love. 336p. S. & S./Simon Pulse. May 2018. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781481495400. POP

Gr 7 Up –Aspiring filmmaker Twinkle Mehra wants to dismantle the patriarchy and show the world that a woman of color has stories worth telling. A typical teenager, she also has less lofty goals: shedding her “uncool” status, dating charismatic Neil Roy, and rekindling her strained relationship with her newly popular best friend Maddie. Complicating matters, Neil’s twin brother, Sahil, is secretly in love with Twinkle. When Sahil offers to work with Twinkle on a movie for the Midsummer Arts festival, she accepts. Though she develops feelings for awkward, endearing Sahil, she holds out hope for a romance with Neil—especially when she receives emails from a mystery admirer. Made up of journal entries from Twinkle (addressed to her favorite female filmmakers) and supplemented with text messages, emails, and Sahil’s blog posts, this bubbly, humorous novel effortlessly explores complex subjects, such as working-class Twinkle’s anger toward her more privileged classmates. Though this is Twinkle’s tale, the supporting cast is well defined, particularly Sahil, who grapples with his resentment of golden boy Neil. As in When Dimple Met Rishi, Menon gives her heroine room to stumble as she comes into her own; teens will be rooting for Twinkle the whole way. VERDICT A sweet, smart gem for most readers, especially fans of Menon, Jenny Han, and Miranda Kenneally.–Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal

This review was published in the School Library Journal March 2018 issue.

NA, An. The Place Between Breaths. 192p. S. & S./Atheneum. Mar. 2018. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781481422253.

Gr 9 Up –Grace King is a resilient and talented high school senior, who has had to raise herself since her mother, who has schizophrenia, left the family when Grace was five. Grace’s father, a doctor turned researcher and recruiter, has obsessively devoted his life to finding his wife and advancing the treatment of the disease. More than a decade later, he is sure that he has lured the best geneticists in the field to work at a lab outside of Chicago and that they are about to make a significant breakthrough. Grace, who has won a coveted internship at the lab, has long since given up on romantic notions of her mother’s return or the belief in a miracle cure. She is a hard-core realist and a scientist through and through, until she starts to exhibit many of the symptoms that took her mother away from her and is forced to reexamine everything she thought she knew about faith and religion, science, and, most of all, hope. Steeped in lyricism and metaphor, Na’s devastating story explores the workings of the human mind, the melancholy sweetness of memory, and the power of dreams. The narrative is revealed in nonlinear seasonal chapters told in different voices, which reinforce the protagonist’s sense of dislocation and disorientation. VERDICT A slim but demanding and haunting novel for readers of Beth Kephart’s One Stolen Thing or John Green’s Turtles All the Way Down.–Luann Toth, School Library Journal

This review was published in the School Library Journal March 2018 issue.

Oh, Axie. Rebel Seoul. 400p. Tu Bks. Sept. 2017. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9781620142998.

Gr 7 Up –It’s the year 2199, post the Great War that left East Asia divided. Living in the slums of Old Seoul, Lee Jaewon wants a better life and enrolls in the Apgujeong Academy in Neo Seoul to secure a high-level position in the military. After surviving a crucial simulator placement test, Jaewon is placed in the Tower to monitor a secret military weapon—human killing machines. As the rebels become stronger, the military must hurry to prepare their human weapons for battle. There’s just one problem: Jaewon has fallen in love with his assigned killing machine, Tera, and must make a tough decision between love and war. The theme of fathers and sons is multilayered and engaging in this stand-alone novel. Alex Kim, a friend of Jaewon, desperately seeks his father’s approval while his other friend Park Young has made peace with his father. Jaewon’s own parental issues fall somewhere in between as he struggles with abandonment and identity. This debut has a large cast of characters that includes teens and adults, and heroes and villains. Jaewon is the most fully developed, but those around him help to shape this appealing young man and to help him grow and decide which side he is on in the impending civil war. VERDICT This action-packed sci-fi novel, with deeper explorations of empathy, humanity, and the capacity to love, is a great choice for most collections.–Dawn Abron, Zion-Benton Public Library, IL

This review was published in the School Library Journal September 2017 issue.

OH, Ellen & Elsie Chapman, eds. A Thousand Beginnings and Endings. 336p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Jun. 2018. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062671158.

Gr 8 Up –Fifteen well-known young adult authors retell myths and legends from a variety of Asian countries and regions. Ghosts, androids, demons, and avatars make an appearance in this anthology. Each story is followed by a short essay in which the authors discuss the origins of their retold myths. This collection fills a gap in modern retellings of fairy tales and myths by presenting non-European myths. With stories that cover the science fiction, fantasy, contemporary, and paranormal genres, there is something for everyone. Alyssa Wong takes the Chinese hungry ghost festival and places it in the American Southwest. Lori M. Lee’s retelling of the Hmong folktale “The Woman and the Tiger” involves an android who experiences emotions. Preeti Chhibber’s tale of the Hindu festival Navrati takes place in a gym in New Jersey and demonstrates how revenge can be bittersweet. In “Code of Honor,” a Filipino aswang—similar to a vampire—attends high school. Give to fans of Marissa Meyer’s “Lunar Chronicles” or Rick Riordan’s Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard. VERDICT An excellent first purchase for all libraries.–Jenni Frencham, formerly at Columbus Public Library, WI

This review was published in the School Library Journal March 2018 issue.

PAN, Emily X.R. The Astonishing Color of After. 480p. Little, Brown. Mar. 2018. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780316463997. Gr 9 Up –Leigh comes home to the unimaginable—her mother, who has always been depressed, has committed suicide. As her grief swells, Leigh believes in her fog that her mother has not died but her mother’s spirit has now turned into a vivid bird who brings Leigh gifts, both physical and in the form of memories. Trying to put all the pieces together, her father and Leigh travel to Taiwan, where her mother immigrated from to the United States after meeting Leigh’s father. She has never met her mother’s family, and does not understand why her mother never spoke to Leigh about her parents or her childhood. Seeking answers for these questions and more, Leigh’s father leaves her in Taiwan to stay with her grandparents. The present-day is woven with flashback memories; Pan’s writing takes readers on a journey filled with so much emotion, color, and such well-developed characters with a touch of magic, readers will come to the ending drained and fulfilled at the same time. An exploration of grief and what it means to accept a loved one’s suicide, this book’s lyrical and heart-rending prose invites readers to take flight into their own lives and examine their relationships. VERDICT Pan’s debut novel is not to be missed. Give this to fans of magical realism titles and any reader who is battling grief.–Stephanie Charlefour, formerly of Wixom Public Library, MI

This review was published in the School Library Journal March 2018 issue.

See SLJ's interview with Emily X.R. Pan.

Pon, Cindy. Want. 336p. S. & S./Simon Pulse. Jun. 2017. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781481489225. POP

Gr 9 Up –Jason Zhou and his friends are determined to change the world for the better. They live in an alternate future in smog-filled Taipei, where prolonged exposure to pollution can be fatal. The Jin Corporation holds a monopoly on manufacturing suits to protect citizens from the toxic air. Yet a rigid class structure divides those who can afford suits (yous) from those who cannot (meis). When it becomes clear to Jason and his friends that Jin, the CEO of Jin Corp, is driving profits by intentionally harming the environment and infecting citizens with a powerful strain of the flu, they decide to infiltrate and destroy the corporation. The success of this plan depends on Jason, who intends to pose as a you and gain intel by befriending Jin’s daughter. However, his developing feelings for Daiyu threaten to thwart the scheme. This fully realized futuristic city is complete with descriptions of airpeds, bots, and colorful nightlife. While the technological advancements are alluring, Pon reminds readers of the devastating effects of pollution by depicting the dull and damaged landscape of Taiwan. The plot moves along at a fast pace. There is plenty of romance to appeal to wistful readers, but this won’t deter fans who prefer action. A supporting cast of diverse and intelligent characters with relationships rooted in loyalty round out the book. VERDICT A strong sci-fi novel that will entice an array of readers. A solid addition to any library.–Amy Reddy, Lewiston High School, ME

This review was published in the School Library Journal April 2017 issue.

Nonfiction

DENSON, Abby. Cool Tokyo Guide: Adventures in the City of Kawaii Fashion, Train Sushi and Godzilla. illus. by Abby Denson. 128p. illus. Tuttle. Mar. 2018. pap. $14.99. ISBN 9784805314418. Gr 6 Up–Denson’s (Cool Japan Guide) second travel manual uses colorful cartoons to bring to life the sheer variety of experiences that Tokyo offers. The book is written by a frequent visitor to Japan for those organizing their first trip there. Initial chapters focus on planning and scheduling as well as crucial survival skills to commit to memory. Denson then describes an assortment of restaurants, theme parks, stores, architecture, and cultural locales. She highlights a wide array of activities and locations, emphasizing that there’s something for almost anyone to enjoy in the city. All the while, the character Kitty Sweet Tooth imparts key Japanese words and phrases. With bright colors and wavy lines, the illustrations present the city as an imaginative wonderland. These visual elements, paired with Denson’s breezy writing style, make what could have been a dull exercise into a delightful and educational excursion through Japan’s capital city and its surrounding areas. ­VERDICT Anyone with even a passing interest in visiting ­Tokyo someday would do well to seek out this title. It contains valuable information for those unfamiliar with the city as well as a few nuggets even the seasoned Japanophile will find useful.–Chuck Hodgin, Belmont University Library, Nashville