Watercress

Watercress is a deeply affecting addition to any list of Asian American and diverse picture books because it begins with a small roadside moment and opens into family history, hunger, and migration. When a girl is embarrassed that her parents stop to gather watercress from a ditch, she does not yet understand the scarcity and grief that shaped their choices before coming to the United States. The result is a quiet, emotionally rich picture book for readers looking for BIPOC picture books about immigrant families, memory, and dignity. Especially useful for talking about migration, memory, language, and belonging. Best for ages 4 to 8, with enough depth for conversation after the last page.