AAPI Youth Comics Zine
AAPI Youth Comics Zine
During the summer of 2023, ten young people from AALEAD came together to create this zine centering Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) stories. In collaboration with Shout Mouse Press story coaches and professional comics artists, they drew and wrote comics centering AAPI identities in diverse, authentic, accessible ways that affirm other AAPI young people, increase understanding, and foster an inclusive next generation.
Free download! Add to cart and checkout to download and print the zine. Educators are encouraged to print and share with your students!
Meet The Authors
Ten Asian American High School students and participants at AALEAD wanted to create comics centering the experiences of Asian American youth. Some told true life stories and others created fantastical tales, all grappling with—and celebrating—their multifaceted identities. With the support of SMP teaching artists, AALEAD authors composed original comics they hoped would inspire their readers to embrace who they are and to value the unique stories each one of us has to tell.
ES is the author of “Split Attention.” He was a sophomore in high school when he wrote his comic and his family is from Asia.
Chi was 15 years old when she wrote her comic. She was born in Hanoi, Vietnam and currently lives in Washington DC.
Tra was 14 years old when she wrote her comic and living in Washington D.C. She was born in Hanoi, Vietnam, but moved to the US for her dad’s work when she was 7.
Molly was born in China and moved to the USA when she was small. She was going into 9th grade when she wrote her comic and her favorite subject is math.
Duy was 16-year-old when he wrote his comic. His family immigrated from Vietnam. In his free time, he likes to write poetry and feed birds in Rock Creek Park.
Vy was 15 years old when she wrote her comic. Vy was born in Vietnam and moved to Virginia, U.S., when she was in sixth grade.
Ha Diep Phuong was 16 when she created her comic. She was born in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
Recognition & Impact
Shout Mouse Press was named a 2024 Library of Congress Literacy Award Program Successful Practice Honoree.
Shout Mouse Press is so proud to see our youth authors spotlighted in this feature on Apple Newsroom. Since 2014, our authors have been addressing the diversity gap in children’s and young adult literature by using their own lived experiences to create authentic and inclusive stories. We are very grateful for Apple’s investment through their Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) to sustain our essential work amplifying diverse youth voices.
Shout Mouse Press’ writing programs and books were featured in an article on Reasons to Be Cheerful.
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During the summer of 2023, ten young people from AALEAD came together to create this zine centering Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) stories. In collaboration with Shout Mouse Press story coaches and professional comics artists, they drew and wrote comics centering AAPI identities in diverse, authentic, accessible ways that affirm other AAPI young people, increase understanding, and foster an inclusive next generation.
Free download! Add to cart and checkout to download and print the zine. Educators are encouraged to print and share with your students!
by Daveena , Geralyn, Jocktavious, Shatiya of Reach Incorporated
Daveena, Geralyn, Jocktavious, and Shatyia wanted to create a story that both speaks to the history of racial injustice, and honors the young people who are (and have been) fighting for change. They wanted to create a story that said the names of those who we have lost to police brutality. For this reason, they named the protagonist "Breonna" after Breonna Taylor. Breonna is an 8-year-old time traveler living in Southeast DC. As she watches 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, she sees her once-vibrant community wilt into sadness and anger. She is filled with questions about what is going on and why — and she’s determined to do something about it. Breonna travels back in time and then sees the future in order to learn about the power of speaking out. Can a visit with a youth activist from the past inspire her to bring change to the present day?
Want all four titles from this year’s amazing Reach Incorporated authors? Buy the set!
ISBN: 978-1-950807-07-9
Age: 4-9
Lexile: 570L
Page Count: 38
Published: Fall 2020
by Camal, Japan, and Dameona of Reach Incorporated
Camal, Japan, and Dameona are good kids, but struggling students. They’ve decided homework is pointless, and they’d rather just play their video game. One night when the kids refuse to stop playing, they are sucked into the world of The Pharaohs, where now they must complete challenges in their weakest subjects in school to make it out. Characters (and readers!) must solve hieroglyphic word puzzles, find their way through science-related mazes, and complete math mysteries on their path to earning their Pharaoh crowns and returning to the real world. Can they challenge themselves and learn to ask for help in time to make it out of the game?
ISBN: 978-1-950807-06-2
Age: 4-9
Lexile: GN530L
Page Count: 42
Published: 2019
by the Latino Youth Leadership Council of LAYC
With a foreword by Newbery Medal-winning author Meg Medina
Winner of the 2019 'In the Margins' Top Nonfiction award and 2020 International Latino Book Awards
“Spotlighting underrepresented voices, this work is highly recommended for all communities in their efforts to promote empathetic, inclusive discussions around immigration.” — Starred review in School Library Journal!
"Enlightening and inspiring #ownvoices accounts by young activists." – Kirkus Review.
During a time of heated immigration debate and unrest, this book is an opportunity to hear directly from youth who are often in the headlines but whose stories don’t get told in full. Sixteen young people from the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) in Washington, D.C. came together to tell their own stories of immigration and transformation in comics form. The result is this side-by-side bilingual collection of graphic memoirs that not only builds connections across language, but also breaks down barriers and expands hope.
***
En tiempos de inquietud y acalorados debates sobre la inmigración, este libro representa una oportunidad para escuchar directamente a los jóvenes quienes suelen ocupar los titulares en la prensa, pero cuyas historias no se alcanzan a narrar por completo. Dieciséis jóvenes del Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) en Washington, D.C. se unieron para contar sus propias historias de inmigración y de transformación en formato de cómic. El resultado es esta colección de memorias gráficas bilingüe, que no sólo construye conexiones entre los idiomas, sino que también elimina barreras y abre un espacio a la esperanza.
ISBN: 978-1945434921
Age: 12+
Lexile: 720L
Page Count: 320
Published: 2018
2015 INDIEFAB Finalist: Child Author Book of the Year
by Aderemi, Taijah, and Makayla of Reach Incorporated
Max is a supervillain growing up in a supervillain family-- his mom controls fire and his dad is like a tornado. Max has the power of invisibility, which he uses to wreak havoc and go unseen. Or so he thinks. But Max goes to school with Ronnie, the son of superheroes and a champion of justice who can see in others what no one else can see--even good hearts in misbehaving boys. What happens when these two super-forces square off?
ISBN: 978-0996927413
Age: 4-9
Lexile: 510L
Page Count: 38
Published: Fall 2015
Mariel-Ayen is the author of “Anak.” She was 16 years old when she wrote her comic. Mariel is from DC and her family is from the Philippines.