Special Collection: Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritages

Delightful and inspiring stories that feature Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander characters, authors, and real-life role models

Starring Me, Sophia Sun

Sophia dreams of being a TV star. 
Will it be everything she imagined?

Read the Fiction Story
PDF
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this story
Download
PDF
Plot
Identify the different parts of the story's plot
Download
PDF
Choice Board
Extend the learning experience with an activity from our choice board
Download

The Woman Who Swam With Sharks

How scientist Eugenie Clark helped change the way 
the world thinks about these amazing creatures

Read the Play
PDF
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this play
Download
What You Need to Know About Sharks
Learn more about these essential ocean animals
PDF
Main Ideas
Find the main ideas in the play
Download

Beauty and Disaster

When a volcano erupted in May 2018, the people of 
Hawaii's Big Island faced violent explosions, rivers 
of lava, and the fear that their beautiful island 
could be destroyed

Read the Article
PDF
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this article
Download
Watch a Video
Author Lauren Tarshis discusses how she researched and wrote her article
PDF
Text Features
Explore the article's text features
Download

The 3 Challenges

Can Hanzo’s wise grandmother save the village 
before it’s too late?

Read the Play
PDF
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this adaptation of a Japanese folktale
Download
Background Builder: Japan
Learn what you need to know before reading the play
Watch the Slideshow
Vocabulary Slideshow
Unlock challenging vocabulary words with great visual and audio support
Watch

Home

When her family welcomes a new brother, 
Aleena’s life turns upside down. Will things 
ever be the same?

Read the Fiction Story
PDF
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this story
Download
Author Read-Aloud
Listen to author Hena Khan read her story
Listen
PDF
Inference
Practice making inferences about Aleena's feelings throughout the story
Download

Girl Can't Dance

Emma dreams of being famous. What will 
she give up to make her dream come true?

Read the Fiction Story
PDF
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this story
Download
PDF
Character
Explore how Emma changes throughout the story
Download
PDF
Choice Board
Extend the learning experience with an activity from our choice board
Download

How to Make S'mores

A school trip teaches Raniya some important lessons—and not just about a favorite American treat

Read the Fiction Story
PDF
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this story
Download
Watch a Video
Learn about the history of s'mores
PDF
How Plot Affects Character
Explore how the plot impacts Raniya
Download

The Emperor's Contest

Who has what it takes to become China’s next ruler?

Read the Play
PDF
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this play
Download
Background Builder Slideshow: The Emperor's Contest
Learn about the country where this play takes place
Watch
PDF
Theme
Identify the play's theme
Download

The Elephants and the Mice

Kindness can have unexpected consequences

Read the Play
PDF
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this play
Download
Storyworks Podcast: The Well-Traveled Tales of the Panchatantra
Learn about ancient fables from India
Listen
PDF
Comparing Characters
Explore the differences between Uma and Mohan
Download

Amira’s Song

A girl’s love of music connects her to her family

Read the Fiction Story
PDF
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this story
Download
Author Read-Aloud
Hear author Nora Raleigh Baskin read her story
Listen
PDF
Character
Analyze Amira's character
Download

Grandfather's Chopsticks

A poem expresses appreciation for 
a grandfather’s loving wisdom

Read the Poem
PDF
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this poem
Download
PDF
Poetry Writing
Write your own poem inspired by "Grandfather's Chopsticks"
Download

Art Credits: Starring Me, Sophia Sun: Art by Taylor Callery; The Woman Who Swam With Sharks: Shane Gross/Science Source; Beauty and Disaster: WARREN FINTZ; The 3 Challenges: Art by Yohey Horishita; Home: Art by Anne Lambelet; Girl Can't Dance: Art by Dave Clegg; How to Make S'mores: Art by Mora Vieytes; The Emperor's Contest: Art by Heng Zeng; The Elephants and the Mice: Art by Dave Clegg; Amira's Song: Art by Elizabeth Zunon;  Grandfather's Chopsticks: Shutterstock.com