Heritage Months

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, one of five federally mandated heritage months recognized by The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. According to the Smithsonian Education website, heritage months are held to "pay tribute to the generations who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success." 

The other four heritage months are Black History Month (February); Women's History Month (March); Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15); and American Indian Heritage Month (November).

Related Posts:
A Pair of Red Clogs
Kids Titles for Asian Pacific Heritage Month
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
The Beckoning Cat

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month honors the generations of Asian and Pacific Islander peoples who have enriched America’s history, and provides opportunities to learn about the diverse culture of Asian Americans. The celebration was established in 1977 as Asian Pacific Heritage Week, and became a month long celebration in 1990. May was chosen because it is the month in 1843 when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the U.S.

Five Picture Book Suggestions -
The Beckoning Cat: Based on a Japanese Folktale by Koko Nishizuka 

Dim Sum for Everyone by Grace Lin  

A Pair of Red Clogs by Masako Matsuno

The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack 

Yoon and the Jade Bracelet by Helen Recorvits