10 Awesome Books With Heroic Asian Characters

“Green Lantern: Legacy” by Minh Lê, illustrated by Andie Tong

Comic book fans, this one’s for you! “Green Lantern: Legacy,” released in 2020, depicts DC’s first Asian American Green Lantern. After 13-year-old Tai Pham inherits his late grandma’s jade ring, he quickly discovers the ring has supernatural powers and that his grandma used her powers to help neighbors in need and, well, the universe as a member of the legendary Green Lantern Corps. In hopes of continuing his grandma’s legacy, Tai attempts to protect his neighborhood from racist bullies and even a powerful Yellow Lantern (with the help of his friends), showing what it means to be a true hero.

“Sam Wu Is NOT Afraid of ...” series by Katie and Kevin Tsang, illustrated by Nathan Reed

This illustrated chapter book series follows the terrified but heroic Sam Wu, who is determined to prove his bravery, especially to his nemesis, Ralph Philip Zinkerman the Third. Sam confronts a different fear in each installment: ghosts, sharks, the dark, spiders and zombies. (I’d be scared, too!) But as Spaceman Jack, a character from Sam’s favorite show says, “If it was easy, everyone would do it. It’s the hard things in life that require the most bravery.” In each inspiring, wacky and hilarious adventure, Sam overcomes his fears with bravery, humor, and the support of his family and friends.

“The House That Lou Built” by Mae Respicio

Lou Bulosan-Nelson has an epic summer project: to build her dream tiny house on the land she inherited from her late father. But after finding out her mother might move them to Washington for a new job and realizing there might not be enough money to keep her land, the resourceful and determined Lou decides to speed up her project in hopes of staying in San Francisco. Through her house-building journey, surrounded by the warmth and love of her friends and extended Filipino family, she discovers the true meaning of home.