Centering Asian American & Pacific Islander Voices with Fishtank ELA

At Fishtank Learning, we understand how important it is for every student to see themselves in the stories they read and the lessons they explore. We’re proud to feature texts written by and about Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities throughout our K–12 ELA curriculum. Our collection features beautifully illustrated picture books, award-winning novels, and impactful essays, all aimed at helping students connect with a wide range of AAPI perspectives. We believe engaging with these narratives enhances students' understanding of identity, culture, and belonging.

Elementary Highlights

In Kindergarten, students are introduced to Minfong Ho’s Hush! A Thai Lullaby, a lyrical story that is deeply rooted in Thai traditions. Additionally, educators read Vincent Chen’s Hot Pot Night!, which joyfully depicts the experience of communally cooking the Chinese soup. Later in the year, students fall in love with the work of Grace Lin, a Taiwanese American author and illustrator whose books, Dim Sum for Everyone!, The Ugly Vegetables, Kite Flying, and Thanking the Moon offer heartfelt windows into Chinese American family traditions, from bustling dim sum tables to the quiet beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

In The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi, first graders meet Unhei, a young Korean girl balancing the excitement and uncertainty of starting over in a new country, and deciding whether to keep the name that carries her family’s love and history. Additionally, in the Folktales Around the World unit, students journey into The Paper Crane, a magical retelling of a Japanese folktale where kindness and wonder create unexpected gifts. In our Love Makes a Family Unit, we continue to deepen students’ understanding of family through engaging texts. First, we delve into Dear Juno by Soyung Pak, where a young boy finds creative ways to stay connected with his grandmother despite the vast oceans and language barriers separating them. Dear Juno serves as a poignant introduction to the theme of familial bonds and communication. 

Students then explore memory and tradition in Ojiichan’s Gift by Chieri Uegaki. The quiet yet moving story about a young girl and her beloved grandfather tending a special garden illustrates how cherished moments can persist even in the face of change. Moreover, we expand our exploration of storytelling by examining Lon Po Po by Ed Young. In this retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood tale, students discover how familiar stories can take on new life and fresh meaning when viewed through a Chinese cultural lens.

In 2nd Grade, students continue this journey in our Cinderella Around the World unit. In Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China, Ai-Ling Louie introduces readers to one of the oldest known Cinderella tales. Following this, Paper Son tells the inspiring story of Tyrus Wong, the artist behind the iconic look of Disney’s Bambi, who immigrated to America under challenging circumstances. Furthermore, Landed by Milly Lee shares the story of a boy’s arrival at Angel Island, shining a light on the hopes and hardships of early Chinese immigrants. Finally, students meet two extraordinary changemakers: Soichiro Honda in Honda: The Boy Who Dreamed of Cars, and Wu Chien Shiung in Queen of Physics. These powerful narratives showcase individuals who broke barriers and reshaped their worlds through their passions, visions, and perseverance.

In 4th and 5th Grade, students embark on unforgettable journeys through two remarkable novels: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin and A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park. In 4th Grade, students will explore Grace Lin's enchanting storytelling in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. This captivating fantasy novel, inspired by Chinese folklore, encourages students to explore themes of fortune, family, and self-discovery. Transitioning into 5th Grade, the A Single Shard unit will be introduced as an alternate unit option by Fall 2025. This unit centers around Linda Sue Park's award-winning story, which beautifully intertwines artistry, perseverance, and cultural pride in 12th-century Korea. The unit will be available starting August 1.

Middle and High School Highlights

In 6th Grade, students delve into artistic expression and activism by reading “The Enduring Legacy of Ruth Asawa’s Mesmerizing Sculptures” and watching a short documentary highlighting Ruth Asawa’s work as a Japanese American sculptor who transformed public spaces through wire art.

As students progress to 7th Grade, they embark on a study of identity with Jason Kim’s reflective essay “Hello, My Name Is ______”. This sets the stage for Diane Wu’s storytelling in “Greetings, People of Earth” to further deepen students’ understanding of cultural identity and belonging. Later, students read the graphic novel American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang, where they grapple with themes of race, stereotypes, and self-acceptance through an inventive and relatable coming-of-age narrative.

In 8th Grade, the focus shifts to environmental issues with our Facing Calamity: Climate Change unit. Students engage with “Dear Matafele Peinem”, a powerful poem by Marshallese activist Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner that underscores the intersection of climate justice and indigenous Pacific Islander advocacy.

In 9th Grade, students read Ken Liu’s The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories, which explores identity and memory through the lens of speculative fiction. It is then complemented by Evelyn Kwong’s article, “In ‘Turning Red, ' I Finally Saw Myself Reflected,” opening up real conversations about representation and its impact on personal identity. Additionally, in The Taming of the Shrew unit, students read “How to Be a Man” by Simar Singh, a poem by a South Asian poet that challenges gender norms and the traditional notions of masculinity.

By 12th Grade, students engage with complex and beautiful works like Kazuo Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun and essays from The Displaced, edited by Viet Thanh Nguyen — texts that spark profound reflections on empathy, humanity, and belonging.

Incorporating AAPI stories into our curriculum aims to build empathy, broaden worldviews, and celebrate the richness of human experiences. At Fishtank Learning, we weave AAPI stories throughout our ELA curriculum all year long, but this month provides a special opportunity to highlight and reflect more deeply on their perspectives and experiences. 

Through a variety of stories within our units and lessons, we hope students feel seen, learn about others, and critically examine the world around them. Stay updated with timely texts and ideas for engaging students throughout the year by visiting the Fishtank Blog.

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