Best Asian History Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

The Young Readers Edition of "I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World" is a powerful memoir that tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner and an international symbol of peaceful protest. Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala fought for her right to be educated and was shot point-blank while riding the bus on her way home from school. This edition, reimagined specifically for a younger audience, includes exclusive photos and material. Malala's powerful story will inspire young readers and make them believe in hope, truth, miracles, and the possibility that one person can inspire change in her community and beyond.

"Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea" is a memoir that presents a horrifying real-life dystopia of contemporary North Korea. Sungju, a North Korean boy, was forced to live on the streets at the age of twelve. He creates a gang and lives by thieving, fighting, begging, and stealing rides on cargo trains. The book depicts his four years of danger and desperation after being abandoned by his parents. Sungju richly recreates his scabrous story, allowing young readers to learn about another culture where the freedoms they take for granted do not exist. Overall, it is a true story of survival and determination that provides a unique perspective on the modern state of North Korea."

"Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution" tells the story of twelve-year-old Ji-li Jiang during China's Cultural Revolution. With brains, popularity, and a bright future, Ji-li's world begins to fall apart when Mao Ze-dong launches the revolution. Her friends and neighbors turn on her family, forcing them to live in constant terror of arrest. Ji-li faces the most difficult dilemma of her life when her father is finally imprisoned. This page-turning autobiography appeals to readers of all ages and is a powerful reminder of the courage and love that can be found in even the most difficult of circumstances."

Banned Book Club is a gripping graphic novel that tells the true story of a young woman's experience in an underground book club during South Korea's Fifth Republic. The book highlights the power of literature and the dangers of censorship, fear-mongering, and anti-intellectualism. The messages of hope in this book are universal and highly relevant in today's political climate. This Junior Library Guild Selection is highly recommended for readers passionate about activism and is sure to inspire today's youthful generation of tenacious changemakers. Overall, Banned Book Club is a must-read for anyone who values freedom of expression and the power of literature.

Try a Little Kindness: A Guide to Being Better by Henry Cole is a funny and heartwarming picture book that teaches kids the importance of being kind. Cole's adorable cartoon animal characters demonstrate different ways to be a good person, from using proper manners to sharing treats. The illustrations are accompanied by related vignettes of different animals giving examples of ways to be kind, with one animal not doing the best job of being kind in each set. This book is a great way to help children learn the importance of kindness in a fun and entertaining way.

Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War is a gripping nonfiction account of an ordinary man who wielded the most dangerous weapon: the truth. Author Steve Sheinkin perfectly captures the height of the Cold War and the government's efforts to stop the spread of communism, even if it meant keeping the American people in the dark. The book's focus on Daniel Ellsberg's journey from a government analyst to a whistleblower is both fascinating and thought-provoking. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the true history of the Vietnam War and the importance of transparency in government.

Campfire's World War II: Against The Rising Sun is a graphic novel that provides a balanced and well-considered account of the war in the East. It covers the conflict from the invasion of Manchuria by Japan in 1937 to the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Unlike most authoritative texts on World War Two that focus on the European theater of war, this book tells the history of World War Two in the Pacific theater, from many perspectives. This action-packed, graphically arresting, thought-provoking, and dramatically disturbing book makes history come alive. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the history of World War Two.

One Thousand Paper Cranes is a powerful and inspiring story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died as a result of the atomic bomb dropped in Hiroshima. The book tells the story of Sadako's determination to fold one thousand paper cranes and her classmates' national campaign to build the Children's Peace Statue in honor of Sadako and the hundreds of other children who died in the bombing. The book is beautifully written and illustrated, making it an excellent choice for children's literature. It is a touching tribute to the human spirit and a reminder of the horrors of war.

Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune by Pamela S. Turner is a compelling narrative nonfiction book that tells the story of Minamoto Yoshitsune, one of the most famous samurais in Japanese history. The book recounts the journey of Yoshitsune from an infant to a warrior-hero, showcasing the drama, romance, and tragedy of his life. The book is beautifully illustrated by Gareth Hinds, making it an irresistible package. Overall, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about Japanese history and culture.

Flags of Our Fathers: A Young People's Edition is a New York Times bestselling book that chronicles the raising of the US flag at Iwo Jima during World War II. It tells the story of six men who came together in the heroic fight for the Pacific’s most crucial island, three of whom were killed in battle. The book is a powerful account of the difference between truth and myth, the legacy of a hero, and the brutal cost of war. This military historical fiction book is a must-read for teens and young adults who want to learn more about American military history and the sacrifices made by those who fought for their country.