Asian Heritage Month

Illustration of mountains on a navy blue mountain. The text reads Asian Heritage Month.

May is Asian Heritage Month—an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Asian communities in Canada. Browse our curated list to discover impactful stories that highlight diverse voices and experiences within Asian communities.

Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho

Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho

Junior: A young boy comes to recognize his own power and ability to change the future.

A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India by Meera Sriram

A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India by Meera Sriram

Junior: A young girl explores the vibrant rainbow of items for sale in a southern Indian street market as she searches for a gift for her mother. 

Troublemaker by John Cho

Troublemaker by John Cho

Junior: Troublemaker follows the events of the LA Riots through the eyes of 12-year-old Jordan as he navigates school and family. 

Spilled Ink by Nadia Hashimi

Spilled Ink by Nadia Hashimi

Teen: An Afghan American teenager’s small town is thrown into controversy and violence when her brother, taking a stand against hatred, plays a prank that some think went too far.

 

 

Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee

Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee

Teen: A snake spirit transforms into a boy and must hide his true identity after falling for a headstrong prince in this lush, romantic retelling of the traditional Chinese folktale. 

 

Rise: A Pop History of Asian America from the Nineties to Now by Jeff Yang

Rise: A Pop History of Asian America from the Nineties to Now by Jeff Yang

Adult: An approachable account of the significant influence of Asian immigration on North American popular culture from the nineties until the present day. 

The Nail That Sticks Out: Reflections on the Postwar Japanese Canadian Community by Suzanne Elki Yoko Hartmann

The Nail That Sticks Out: Reflections on the Postwar Japanese Canadian Community by Suzanne Elki Yoko Hartmann

Adult: An account of Japanese Canadian identity in the post-war period, discussing the loss of heritage and language and the clash of Eastern and Western values.

A Gentleman From Japan by Thomas Lockley

A Gentleman From Japan by Thomas Lockley

Adult: In 1588, five young Japanese men, led by a man named Christopher, made a voyage from Japan to England via the Philippines, New Spain, and Southern Africa. This story was mostly forgotten until now.

Stone Angels by Helena Rho

Stone Angels by Helena Rho

Adult: This family drama explores love, loss, grief, healing and the challenges that exist between mothers and daughters. 

Ru directed by Charles-Olivier Michaud

Ru directed by Charles-Olivier Michaud

Adult: After arriving in Quebec from Vietnam, young Tinh will have to develop the resilience needed to succeed in her adoptive country. This coming-of-age story about the opportunities and challenges faced by newcomers to Canada is based on the book Ru by Kim Thúy.