Best Children's Asia Books of 2025

Inside Out and Back Again is a powerful coming-of-age debut novel that tells the story of Hà, a young girl forced to flee Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon and immigrate to Alabama. Written in accessible, short free-verse poems, the book captures the struggles of a child refugee with rare honesty. The taut portrayal of Hà's emotional life is especially poignant, as she cycles from feeling smart in Vietnam to struggling in the States, and finally regains academic and social confidence. Overall, this Newbery Honor Award winner is a touching child's-eye view of family and immigration that will leave readers moved and enlightened.

Ground Zero by Alan Gratz is a heart-wrenching children's military fiction book that tells two parallel stories. The first one is about nine-year-old Brandon, who is trapped in the World Trade Center during the 9/11 terrorist attack. The second one is about 11-year-old Reshmina, who lives in a remote Afghan village and dreams of peace. The two stories intersect in a fateful encounter that challenges America's policies and puts a human face on the resulting suffering. Gratz's superbly structured plot and vivid details immerse readers in the two disparate settings. This book is a remarkable and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear, and the stunning links between the past and present.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a stunning fantasy novel inspired by Chinese folklore that follows a young girl named Minli on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. Along the way, she meets an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer. The book is a timeless story reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz and Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Grace Lin's beautiful illustrations, printed in full-color, accompany the text throughout. This charming, engaging book for young readers is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure, faith, and friendship.

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team is a gripping true story that takes readers on a heart-racing journey through the dramatic rescue of twelve young soccer players and their coach who were trapped in a cave in northern Thailand. Author Christina Soontornvat masterfully blends suspense, science, and cultural insight to create a you-are-there experience that is both informative and inspiring. The book is meticulously researched, generously illustrated with photographs and includes an author’s note, source notes, and a bibliography. It is a must-read for anyone interested in adventure, survival, and the strength of the human spirit.

The Awakening Storm: A Graphic Novel (City of Dragons #1) is a captivating children's book that follows Grace and her friends as they protect a newly hatched dragon from mysterious evildoers. With explicit roots in myth, the story explores how Chinese dragon legends might play out on a modern stage. The illustrations are colorful and playful, moving the story at a quick clip. The diverse group of friends, including an Asian American protagonist, a Hong Kong local, an inventive Indian kid, and an Australian Aboriginal character, make for a dynamic and engaging read. Overall, this book is a thrilling tale of bravery and self-discovery that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat is a Newbery Honor Book that takes readers on a high-seas adventure in a Thai-inspired fantasy world. The story follows Sai, an assistant to a celebrated mapmaker who is secretly a conman. Sai joins an expedition to chart the southern seas, but soon discovers that the ship may be heading to the fabled Sunderlands. The book explores themes of identity, integrity, and power dynamics in a thought-provoking and beautifully intricate tale. Soontornvat skillfully uses tropes to keep readers engaged, creating a story that is both suspenseful and heartwarming. This children's action and adventure book is a must-read for those who love exploring new worlds.

Tikki Tikki Tembo is a classic children's book that retells an ancient Chinese folktale. The story follows the firstborn son with the long name, Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo, who falls into a well and his younger brother's attempt to get help. The book's illustrations are bright, active, and delightfully expressive, making it an excellent read-aloud material. The book's uniqueness lies in its ability to teach children about the danger of having such an honorable name. Overall, this book is a must-read for parents looking for a fun, educational, and engaging book for their children.

All Countries, Capitals and Flags of the World is a comprehensive guide to geography for children. The book provides up-to-date information on continents, countries, capital cities, populations, and flags. It also features maps of each continent and interesting facts about transcontinental countries. The book is a great tool for parents to assist their children with homework or satisfy their curiosity about the world. The updated version of the book, released in September 2022, includes new information and maps. This book is an ideal birthday gift or reward for children who love to learn about the world around them.

A is for Adobo: ABCs of Filipino Culture is a delightful rhyming ABC book that introduces children to Filipino culture in a fun and engaging way. The book takes readers on a journey through Filipino food, landmarks, and items, with each letter of the alphabet representing a unique aspect of the culture. The illustrations are colorful and charming, adding to the book's appeal. This book is an excellent resource for Filipino children to learn more about their heritage, but it's also a great way for non-Filipino children to learn about a different culture. Overall, A is for Adobo is a must-have for any children's book collection, especially for those interested in learning about Asian cultures.

Raid of No Return (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #7): A World War II Tale of the Doolittle Raid is a thrilling graphic novel for kids that sheds light on the top-secret Doolittle Raid carried out during World War II. The book provides a brief yet comprehensive explanation of the events leading up to the war and recounts the bombing of Pearl Harbor from both the Japanese and American perspectives. The author's signature storytelling style and vivid illustrations make this book an exciting read for children interested in American history. Overall, this book is a fantastic addition to Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series and is highly recommended for children who love action-packed stories from American history.