Shibutani Book Launch
Tuesday, April 18 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Yu and Me Books – 44 Mulberry Street
Admission: Free
Olympic ice dancing medalists Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani will be at Yu and Me Books in Chinatown for the launch of their new book, Amazing: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Inspire Us All.
About the Book
This beautifully illustrated children’s picture book highlights the achievements of many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have made invaluable contributions to the world. Written with journalist Dane Liu and illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, Amazing’s inclusivity sets it apart in its exploration of thirty-six inspirational AAPI figures, including civil rights hero Daniel Inouye, immigrant astronaut Kalpana Chawla, and biracial entertainer Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The Shibutanis felt compelled to create a book showing the undeniably positive impacts that Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans have made in this country and around the world. With quick and accessible biographies written with Liu, readers will learn about important figures who have shaped life-altering policy, made indelible marks on pop culture, and achieved their greatest dreams—paving the way for future generations to make lasting change.
“A thoughtful and comprehensive survey of the ways in which Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have shaped, and will continue to shape, the United States. Throughout, the prose is clear, concise, and well crafted, incorporating details that will enthrall young readers.”
—Kirkus Reviews
About the Shibutanis
Maia and Alex Shibutani are two-time Olympic bronze medalists who became the first ice dancing team of Asian descent to medal at the Olympics. Off the ice, the “ShibSibs” are goodwill ambassadors and storytellers who are active on social media. Amazing: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Inspire Us All is their third book; they launched their “Kudo Kids” series of children’s middle grade mystery books in 2020.
About Yu and Me Books
Established by Lucy Yu, Yu and Me Books is the first Asian American female-owned bookstore in New York. A bookstore that’s also a café/bar, Yu and Me focuses on the strong, diverse voices of the AAPI community, with a focus on immigrant stories.