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12 Lunar New Year Books To Help Celebrate With Your Kids

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12 Lunar New Year Books For All Ages

12 Lunar New Year Books To Help Celebrate With Your Kids

With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, it’s time to get some essential reading done! Through vibrant stories, multicultural traditions and important lessons learned, these twelve books span across all reading levels so that anyone and everyone can experience the joy of Lunar New Year.

Psst… Check Out 37 Family-Friendly Events to Celebrate Lunar New Year in NYC

Year of the Snake by Zhango Jink yo

Reading level: Pre-K to 2nd Grade

Sami is a curious, determined boy who’s about to discover something amazing in Year of the Snake. After meeting a mysterious white cat with sparkling green eyes, he’s inspired to enter a local dance competition. With a little help from his new feline friend, Sami creates a beautiful snake dance that’s all about transformation and grace. This sweet, fun story is perfect for kids who love animals, dance, and learning about different cultures.

The Night Before Lunar New Year by Natasha Wing and Lingfeng Ho

Reading level: Pre-K to 1st Grade

Feel the anticipation and excitement of the Lunar New Year’s Eve as a young girl prepares food, decorates and learns to overcome fears to celebrate the holiday.

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim

Reading level: Pre-K to 2nd Grade

This picture book retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a festive and fun take on a classic fairytale, perfect for introducing young ones to new traditions.

D is for Dragon Dance by Ying Chang Compestine

Reading level: Pre-K to 3rd Grade

From acrobats to the zodiac, learn your ABCs of the Chinese New Year with this educational and vibrant picture book. Written in both English and Chinese, everyone can learn something new from this engaging book.

Tomorrow is New Year’s Day by Aram Kim

Reading level: Pre-K to 3rd Grade

This brand-new picture book is all about celebrating the Korean New Year as a little girl eagerly prepares to share her traditions with friends and classmates.

First Apple by Ching Yeung Russell

Reading level: 3rd to 6th grade

One in a series of autobiographical novels, First Apple tells the tale of the author’s life and family while growing up in China in the 1940s. The chapter book is available in English, English/Chinese bilingual and Japanese.

The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao

Reading level: 4th to 6th grade

This fantasy novel centers on a San Francisco tween who must train as a warrior to defeat demons and realize her destiny in life, all before the Lunar New Year celebration. Perfect for the young magic and mythology fanatic in your life!

The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin

Reading level: 3rd to 8th grade

A middle-grade chapter book that follows a Taiwanese-American girl through a year of growth and self-discovery. This light novel is inspired by the author’s real life, offering a glimpse into the life of a first-generation Asian American.

Dragonwings by Laurence Yep

Reading level: 5th to 8th grade

A classic work of historical fiction, Dragonwings tells the story of a young immigrant from China to America as he navigates living in a new country, fighting to accomplish his goals, and growing his new relationship with his father.

Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu

Reading level: High school and up

This New York Times Bestseller coming-of-age story sees the protagonist navigate matters of identity, assimilation, and his own history. Intriguingly written in the format of a screenplay, the highly praised novel is currently being adapted into a TV series for Hulu.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Reading level: High school and up

This historical fiction was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2017 for fiction. It follows the multigenerational stories of a Korean family in Japan as they grapple with war, identity, and familial bonds. 

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

Reading level: High school and up

The classic and widely popular Amy Tan novel weaves together stories from four families of Chinese women living in San Francisco. The incredibly successful book was adapted into both a feature film and a stage play and continues to reach new audiences more than 30 years after its publication.

Psst… Check Out 14 Great Books for Kids to Curl Up With This Winter

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About the Author

Vered Ornstein

Vered Ornstein is a writer and digital editor originally from Albany, NY. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Albany in English and communications with a concentration in creative writing.

Danielle Ramos

Danielle Ramos is the Deputy Editor of New York Family and an award-winning writer who loves writing about parenting, pregnancy, health, and pets. Born and bred in Brooklyn, the mom of three knows the joys and challenges of raising kids in NYC. Danielle is also a passionate animal lover, a huge music fan, and a lifelong dreamer at heart.

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