Pacific Islanders are the group that makes up the “PI” half in AAPI, or Asian American and Pacific Islander identities. They are a a lot smaller group — in actual fact, based on the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimate, there are roughly 1.4 million Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders “alone or together with one in all extra races who reside inside america.” Thus, this group is commonly underrepresented in media, and when their tradition really is featured, society usually paints a false narrative of paradise. The historical past of the islands is sophisticated, however the spirit of the individuals who reside and have origins there may be unwavering.
To higher perceive and recognize the Pacific Islander tradition in a respectful means, it is a good suggestion to dig into books written by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander authors. You will discover that these books — novels and fiction — usually make the most of totally different writing types, akin to lyrical prose and poetry, and have doubtless solely just lately been translated to English prior to now few a long time, which makes for a extra attention-grabbing learn. Forward, 15 historic novels, poetry and fiction books written by Pacific Islander authors:
After you learn via this listing, make sure you take a look at our favourite books by Latinx authors, Black authors and Asian authors.
