The ABCs of Asian American History Book Press Release
Celebrate and learn about the many cultures that fall under the Asian American umbrella in this alphabetically organized, rhyming, and colorfully illustrated picture book for kids!
Introducing The ABCs of Asian American History: A Celebration from A to Z of All Asian Americans, from Bangladeshi Americans to Vietnamese Americans, written by
Renee Macalino Rutledge and illustrated by Lauren Akazawa Mendez [ISBN: 978-1-64604-454-2; $14.95; Bloom Books for Young Readers; April 2023]. This inclusive compilation includes the holidays, famous figures, traditional dress, cuisine, and other interesting facts from 19 Asian American groups (as defined by the 2020 United States Census), including Korean Amer-icans, Chinese Americans, Filipino Americans, Pakistani Americans, Japanese Americans, Hmong Americans, and more.
Perfect for kids ages five and up, The ABCs of Asian American History explores Asian Americans in the US cultural landscape, from the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal to the first Indian American woman to travel to space, as well as the names of famous Asian American inventors, artists, and political leaders. Kids will also learn about traditions, from Diwali to Chinese New Year; music and fashion styles, from the tabla to the sari; and signature dishes, like laksa and pho, giving greater visibility to Asian Americans for the youngest of learners.
“Asian American history is US history. In ways big and small,” author Renee Macalino Rutledge said. “Did you know that the N95 mask was invented by a Taiwanese American scientist? Or that the architect of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was Maya Lin, whose parents emigrated from China? It was impossible to include enough about the contributions of Asian Americans to US history in one place, but this book acts as a door, helping readers gain an understanding of that vastness
and legacy, and the many heroes, past and present, to celebrate.”
A much-needed addition to the classroom, home library, or gift bag, The ABCs of Asian American History will inspire important conversations, offer a tool for inclusivity in early learning, and encourage anyone reading to be a changemaker in their own right.
About the Author
Renee Macalino Rutledge was born in Manila, Philippines, and raised in California from the age of four. Her debut novel, The Hour of Daydreams, won an Institute for Immigration Research New American Voices Finalist award, Foreword INDIES Gold, and Powell’s Top Five Staff Pick. In addition to One Hundred Percent Me, she is also the author of the children’s book Buckley the Highland Cow & Ralphy the Goat, a story about overcoming hardship with the help of our friends, who are often very different from ourselves. Renee lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she reads books for a living, loves the outdoors, and is always looking for new adventures with her husband and their two daughters. Find her at reneerutledge.com or connect with her on Instagram (@renee_rutledge).
About the Illustrator
Lauren Akazawa Mendez is a fourth-generation Japanese American children’s book illustrator and graphic designer living in Washington. Born in Southern California, she received her bachelor’s degree from UCLA and taught art for eight years, but she has been creating since she first drew on her sister’s face at three years old. When not scribbling on something, she goes bug hunting with her little boy and husband, bakes yummy treats for friends, and stays up way too late reading fantasy novels. Visit her at littlelobo.com or connect with her on Instagram (@littleloboart).
About Bloom Books for Young Readers
Bloom Books for Young Readers (BBYR) takes the publishing model of Ulysses Press and brings it into the children’s book space by focusing on underserved audiences, emerging trends, and a dedication to celebrating diverse voices and stories. BBYR seeks to spark the joy of reading in kids through publishing creative and varied fiction and nonfiction projects.
About Pacific & Court
Pacific & Court is a Brooklyn-based boutique publicity and digital marketing company promoting independent authors and book publishers. Together, the P&C team has over 30 years of experience publishing, promoting, and marketing bestselling books. Focusing on heavily tested and proven PR and marketing methods, P&C will reach the exact audience that will be receptive to your unique book. Follow P&C on social media @pacificandcourt.
