• An Introduction to Taiko, the Art of Japanese Drumming Wednesday, May 14 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Severna Park Library Friday, May 16 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm at Brooklyn Park Tuesday, May 20 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Edgewater Library Tuesday, May 27 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Glen Burnie Library This all-ages, interactive program features the performance of both traditional and contemporary songs and rhythms and explores the instruments, the use of one’s voice in taiko, and a bit of history and Japanese vocabulary. Volunteers will get to play the drums! • Hula Maryland Saturday, May 17 from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the Severn Library Appropriate for all ages, Hula Maryland of Crofton will teach us about hula, music, and the traditions of the Hawaiian Islands. For a full calendar of events, visit aacpl.net/asianpacific- american.
Kids Books • American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang (2006) is a graphic novel that is half memoir, half reimagining of an ancient Chinese myth. In 2023, Disney+ released an eight-episode mini-series based on the book. Both are excellent and accessible ways for kids to understand the biases towards Asians that kids grew up with in the United States. • The Complete Story of Sadako Sasaki (2018) is written by Sadako’s older brother Masahiro. Sadako’s story inspired many children to advocate for peace in a conflicted and divided world. Adult Books
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen.
Book cover of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, by Amy Chua.
• Little Jade: Memoir of a Young Eurasian Immigrant by Katherine Haas (2024); This memoir by a local author aims to inspire readers of all ages to be kind to others and embrace their differences. • Yellowface by R.F. Kuang (2023); A fiction that felt a little bit like Gone Girl mixed with Mean Girls but for the publishing industry. Shout out to Park Books for choosing this novel for its book club last year. I devoured this book and I’m sure you’ll do the same. • Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner (2021); If the title doesn’t give it away, this memoir is a tearjerker and an exceptionally well-written story about the lead singer of the band Japanese Breakfast and her complicated relationship with her Korean mother. Watch when the Kids are Asleep • Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (R, 2022); Directed by a pair of filmmakers both named Daniel, this film won Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis some well- deserved Oscars. Its raunchy (and hilarious) material is definitely for mature audiences. • Parasite (R, 2019); This Korean film was the first non- English language film in Academy Awards history to win Best Picture. This is a brilliant, dark thriller that meditates on class differences. Watch it with the lights on!
AANHPI ENTERTAINMENT Like many of you, I’m a mom who lives near Annapolis. My siblings and I are the third generation born in Hawaii, and my heritage is Okinawan (on my dad’s side) and Polish (from my mom’s side). The recommendations I assembled below are based on my opinion alone, so take them with a dab of soy sauce (or a grain of salt). Happy Family Movie Time • Crazy Rich Asians (PG-13, 2018) is a rom-com, based on a novel, featuring almost all of my favorite, funny, fellow Asian actors and directed by Jon Chu. Watch for the gorgeous clothes, the goofy one-liners from Awkwafina, and that unforgettable aisle walk. • Spirited Away (PG, 2001); Anything from Studio Ghibli is wonderful really, but my favorite has to be this anime studio’s take on the Alice in Wonderland storyline. This classic film will leave you feeling dreamy and nostalgic. The Crofton-based group, Hula Maryland, performs at the Deale Library in May 2023. Photo courtesy of Anne Arundel County Public Library.
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