AAPI Firsts A–Z is a vibrant and empowering children’s book that celebrates trailblazing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) pioneers across a wide range of fields. Written and illustrated by Emma Yu, founder of AAPI Youth Voices, this inspiring AAPI Firsts A-Z introduces young readers to 26 remarkable individuals who broke barriers, made history, and left lasting legacies.
With 16 male and 10 female changemakers featured, the book spans diverse professions—science, law, arts, athletics, politics, and more—and honors figures from a wide range of AAPI communities, including Chinese American, Japanese American, Korean American, Filipino American, Vietnamese American, Pakistani American, Indian American, Hawaiian, and others.
Among the inspiring “Firsts” featured:
Amy Chow – The first Asian American woman to win an Olympic medal in gymnastics.
Bruno Mars – The first artist of Filipino and Puerto Rican descent to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
Chien-Shiung Wu – Known as the “First Lady of Physics,” she revolutionized nuclear science.
Dalip Singh Saund – The first Sikh, Indian American, and Asian American elected to the U.S. Congress.
Flossie Wong-Staal – The first scientist to clone HIV.
George Ariyoshi – The first Asian American governor in U.S. history.
I. M. Pei – The first internationally renowned Chinese American architect.
Jet Li – The first Chinese actor to play a major Hollywood villain, paving the way for martial arts stars worldwide.
Ke Huy Quan – The first Vietnam-born actor to win an Academy Award.
Michelle Kwan – The first Asian American figure skater to win five world titles.
Nikki Haley – The first Indian American to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet and the first female Republican to win a presidential primary.
Olivia Munn – The first Vietnamese American to gain mainstream fame as a correspondent on The Daily Show.
Tyrus Wong – The first Asian American artist to gain recognition in Hollywood animation (Bambi).
Usha Bala Chilukuri Vance – The first Asian American and Hindu American Second Lady of the United States.
Xiao Qiang – The first Asian American to receive a MacArthur Fellowship for human rights activism.
Yo-Yo Ma – The first Chinese American cellist to perform for nine U.S. presidents.
Zahid Quraishi– The first Muslim federal judge in U.S. history.
This book is part of a larger educational series that includes AAPI Female Figures A–Z, AAPI Legends A–Z, and AAPI Athletes A–Z—all of which support the “One Month of AAPI Heritage” program each May. Free online resources are available to help educators and families spark meaningful discussions on AAPI history and representation.
With colorful illustrations and captivating storytelling, AAPI Firsts A–Z empowers children to embrace diversity, celebrate resilience, and dream big—no matter their background.
