Best Children's Asian History Books of 2026

What Is Nintendo? (What Was?) is a fascinating book that delves into the history of one of the most influential companies in the video game industry. It tells the story of Nintendo's humble beginnings as a small playing card company in Japan in 1889 and how it became internationally renowned for creating some of the best-known and top-selling video game franchises of all time. Written by Gina Shaw, this book is an engaging read for kids and adults alike, complete with fun black-and-white illustrations and a 16-page photo insert. It's a great addition to the Who HQ series, and a must-read for anyone interested in the history of video games.

The Story of the World is a four-volume narrative world history that takes young readers and their parents on a journey from the earliest nomadic humans to modern-day events such as the Persian Gulf War. Written in an entertaining and engaging style, the series uses the stories of various individuals, countries, and empires to provide a continuous, chronological account of human events. The reading level of each volume increases slightly in difficulty, growing along with the developing ability of the children following the narrative thread. The addition of hundreds of black and white illustrations add to the appeal of the series. Overall, the Story of the World is a must-have for parents and educators seeking to introduce children to world history in an engaging and accessible way.

I Am An Amazing Asian Girl is a children's book that encourages positivity, confidence, and self-worth in young Asian girls. Author and educator Yobe Qiu has written a story that helps young readers recognise their power, strength, and value. The book contains page-by-page affirmations and colourful illustrations that represent a journey to daily positivity. This book is perfect for readers aged 3 to 6, introducing concepts that help children overcome self-doubt and develop good self-esteem. Overall, I Am An Amazing Asian Girl is an empowering book that teaches young girls to embrace their culture and acknowledge their worth.

Asian Adventures A-Z Foods: Delicious Asian Foods From A-Z is a delightful ABC book that introduces young readers to various Asian dishes. Written by author and educator Yobe Qiu, the book features a food item for every letter of the alphabet, providing children with an early introduction to Asian culture and culinary traditions. The simple ABC statements in the book help children develop reading and writing skills while learning about different dishes. The bright illustrations bring Asian cuisine to life, making it a perfect addition to any children's book collection. Overall, Asian Adventures A-Z Foods is a unique and educational book that is sure to delight children and food lovers alike.

Great Battles for Boys: The Korean War is an exciting addition to the #1 bestselling history series that's perfect for boys who struggle with reading. The book focuses on the battles, leaders, tactics, and weapons that won (or lost) history's most significant military clashes. Written in an engaging conversational style, it's filled with historic photos, biographies of heroic soldiers, and suggestions for further readings and movies. This true story moves through the battles in chronological order, and boys learn about the war's politics, the geography of Asia, and the stark difference between a democratic government and a Communist system. Overall, it's an action-packed and authentic book that will surely spark your son's love for history and reading.

The Young Readers Edition of "I Am Malala" is an inspiring memoir that tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner. This edition, specifically reimagined for a younger audience, includes exclusive photos and material. Malala's story of fighting for her right to education and becoming an international symbol of peaceful protest is a reminder that one person can inspire change in her community and beyond. Although the transitions between personal accounts and historical background can feel abrupt at times, her strong voice and ideals come across on every page. This book is a must-read for children and adults alike.

This interactive 4-book boxed set from the Choose Your Own Adventure series is perfect for young readers aged 9-12 who love adventure and mystery. With over 100 thrilling adventures to choose from, readers can travel to Asia to investigate the disappearance of an American intelligence agent, search for the Lost City of Gold in Peru, help save gorillas using their photojournalist skills, and brave the dangers of the African jungle. The unique aspect of this series is that readers get to make choices that determine the outcome of the story. This set is a must-have for any young reader who loves action-packed stories!

All About Japan: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids is a delightful book that takes children on a cultural adventure through stories, games, and traditional Japanese songs. The book features two friends, a boy from the country and a girl from the city, who introduce readers to their homes, families, favorite places, school life, holidays, and more. The book offers easy-to-follow recipes, such as mochi and okonomiyaki, and fun activities like creating origami frogs and samurai helmets. Beyond the fascinating facts, the book also teaches the spirit that makes Japan unique. This multicultural children's book is a treasure for families to enjoy together.

This children's book, "What Was the Vietnam War?" by Jim O'Connor, provides an informative and engaging overview of the Vietnam War. It presents all sides of the conflict, including why the US got involved, the human cost of the war, and the lasting impact it had on America. Through vivid descriptions of battles like Hamburger Hill, the author brings the war to life for young readers. The book is part of the "What Was" series by Penguin Workshop, and it stands out for its accessible and comprehensive approach to a complex topic.

The Story of the World, Vol. 4 Revised Edition: History for the Classical Child: The Modern Age, is a great resource for parents, teachers, and students in grades 4-8 who want to explore the history of the modern world. The book covers major events from the American Civil War to the end of the 20th century, and spans across the globe. The narrative is engaging and easy to understand, making it suitable for independent reading or reading aloud. The newly revised edition includes 48 new illustrations and a pronunciation guide. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to any history curriculum and provides an enjoyable way for children to learn about the world they live in.