We Are Here: 30 Inspiring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Have Shaped the United States

This collection presents biographical profiles of 30 Asian American and Pacific Islander figures who made contributions to United States history and culture. The featured individuals span multiple generations and fields, including science, sports, arts, activism, and public service. Each profile includes key details about the subject's background, achievements, and impact on American society. Original illustrations by CamillaMiang accompany the text, bringing visual dimension to these historical accounts. From the first Japanese American elected to Congress to groundbreaking athletes and artists, the book highlights both celebrated and lesser-known pioneers in their respective domains. The subjects represent diverse ethnic backgrounds including Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Japanese, Native Hawaiian, and South Asian heritage. The compilation serves as a testament to the integral role of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in shaping the nation's development across multiple sectors. Through these individual stories, broader themes of perseverance, innovation, and cultural identity emerge.

Readers value this book as an educational resource that fills gaps in Asian American representation. Parents and educators note its accessibility for middle-grade students while maintaining depth that engages adults. Readers liked: - Clear writing style with bite-sized biographies - Mix of well-known and lesser-known historical figures - Inclusion of contemporary leaders like Kamala Harris - Yuta Onoda's illustrations - Discussion questions and activities at the end Readers disliked: - Some biographies feel too brief - Limited coverage of Pacific Islander stories - Focus mainly on East Asian American experiences Review Stats: Goodreads: 4.35/5 (200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (50+ reviews) Notable reader comments: "Perfect balance of history and inspiration" - Amazon reviewer "Would like to see more Southeast Asian representation" - Goodreads reviewer "The illustrations bring each story to life" - School librarian review

Rising Son by Bill Hosokawa A chronicle of Japanese Americans who fought in World War II while their families faced internment camps presents stories of patriotism and resistance.

Asian Americans in History by David K. Yoo and Konrad Ng This collection documents the contributions of Asian Americans through 200 years of U.S. history, from railroad workers to Silicon Valley entrepreneurs.

The Making of Asian America by Erika Lee The migration stories and experiences of diverse Asian communities reveal their role in shaping American society from the 1850s to present day.

Voices of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Experience by Sang Chi and Emily Moberg Robinson First-person accounts, government documents, and news articles combine to present AAPI experiences in their own words.

Dream Builders by Karen Tei Yamashita Profiles of ten influential Asian American artists, writers, and activists demonstrate their impact on American culture and civil rights.

🌟 Author Naomi Hirahara is a former editor of The Rafu Shimpo, the largest Japanese American daily newspaper in the United States. 🌟 The book highlights both well-known figures like Bruce Lee and lesser-known pioneers like Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color elected to Congress. 🌟 Each biography in the book is accompanied by original artwork created by Korean American illustrator CJ Kho. 🌟 The book includes QR codes that link to additional multimedia content, allowing readers to dive deeper into each person's story. 🌟 Several of the featured individuals were incarcerated in Japanese American internment camps during World War II, yet went on to make significant contributions to American society.