A Is for Asian American

Cathy Linh Che is the daughter of Vietnam War refugees. She is the author of Split, winner of the Kundiman Poetry Prize, the Norma Farber First Book Award from the Poetry Society of America, and the Best Poetry Book Award from the Association of Asian American Studies. Her work has been published in New Republic, Nation, McSweeney’s, and Poetry. She serves as Executive Director at Kundiman and lives on the traditional lands of the Lenape people.Kyle Lucia Wu was born and raised in a small town in New Jersey. She is the author of Win Me Something, an NPR Best Book of the Year. A former Asian American Writers’ Workshop Margins Fellow, her work has been published in Literary Hub, Joyland Magazine, Catapult, and BOMB Magazine. She is the Managing Director of Kundiman and teaches creative writing at Fordham University and The New School.Kavita Ramchandran is a professional graphic designer who made her debut as a self-taught picture book illustrator withDancing in Thatha’s Footsteps (Yali Books, 2021).

“This is the book I wish I had when I was growing up. It’s the book I’m glad I have now, one that I can read to my own children. Personal and political, playful and provocative, this rhyming guide brilliantly condenses rich, complicated Asian American histories. It’s an A to Z book that isn’t the last word on Asian American cultures but rather the beginning of many conversations.”—Viet Thanh Nguyen“In An Asian American A to Z, Che, Wu, and Ramchandran share a beautiful, bright, and inclusive history of Asian America that is sure to inspire and delight readers. Asian Americans have much to be proud of, and much to look forward to.”—Sarah Park Dahlen, Associate Professor, University of Illinois“An essential collection for any children’s library—it’s the book I wish I had for my own children when they were young. Informative, engaging and delicious rhymes—Che and Wu are simply enchanting storytellers. This book is foundational and intersectional, providing just the right historical touch to pique kids’ curiosity and encourage further reading for all!”—Aimee Nezhukumatathil"Che and Wu center Asian American figures and history as well as intersectionally aware concepts in this activist-leaning abecedarian....[A] hopeful, liberation-minded primer that culminates by speaking to the 'power in knowing Asian American history.'"—Publishers Weekly