The Columbia Guide to Asian American History

Parents building more inclusive U.S. history studies often feel underprepared when it comes to Asian American stories. The Columbia Guide to Asian American History is a reference book that surveys immigration, labor, civil rights, and community life across multiple groups. Written by historian Gary Y. Okihiro for students and general readers, it combines narrative overview with timelines, documents, and further‑reading suggestions. We love it as a behind‑the‑scenes spine for parents who want to check facts and find topics to bring into teen coursework. It’s ideal for grownups and advanced teens designing their own U.S. or ethnic studies units. The prose is more academic than kid‑friendly, so you’ll likely be summarizing rather than handing it straight to younger learners, but its depth is a strength. Pro tip: use it to pick one Asian American event or figure per unit and then find youth‑appropriate books, documentaries, or primary sources to match.