Imagine a world where all children can see themselves in the pages of a book.
Research shows that when students see themselves in the books they read, they perform better academically and are able to gain skills to become our next generation of leaders.
With this in mind, Analiza set off to write these books:
Asian Americans Who Inspire Us
Latin Americans Who Inspire Us
Native Americans Who Inspire Us
Balikbayan: A Filipino Homecoming
Selected as a Gold House 2021 Children’s Book, this beautifully illustrated book introduces readers of all ages to 16 Asian-Americans who changed the world.
The stories bring to life Vietnam Memorial architect Maya Lin, Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, musician Yo-Yo Ma, astronaut Ellison Onizuka, anchorwoman Lisa Ling, activists Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, and more!
Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, discover role models, and meet ordinary people who did extraordinary things. Whether they were breaking Olympic records, bringing education to millions of people around the world, or speaking up for the rights of others, these Asian-Americans broke stereotypes and took a stand to make the world a better place.
Others featured: Duke Kahanamoku, Patsy Takumoto Mink, Tammy Duckworth, Salman Khan, Andrew Youn, David Ho, Margaret Chung, Grace Lin, and Haing Ngor.
“As an educator, I am constantly looking for engaging, equity-centered readings for students. Particularly for the elementary school age range, it’s incredibly hard to find informational text that blends identity and history in a way that kids actually want to read and talk about. “Asian-Americans Who Inspire Us” is that book.
The short biographies are perfect independent or read aloud snippets to dive into larger themes and other readings around identity, history, career, etc. This is not only a book I’m recommending to all the teachers I work with, but one that I’m buying for my own child as well.”
Creative. Courageous. Compassionate. These 16 extraordinary Latin Americans will inspire you to dream big and make the world a better place.
This beautifully illustrated book vividly portrays the lives of notable individuals such as National Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, prima ballerina Evelyn Cisneros, Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera, activist Dolores Huerta, and astronaut Ellen Ochoa, among others!
Within these stories, readers will encounter heroes, role models, and ordinary individuals who accomplished extraordinary feats. Whether they were setting Olympic records, providing education to millions globally, or advocating for the rights of others, these Latin Americans made a difference in our country and in our world. Showcasing the talent and contributions of Latin American leaders from across the United States, readers of all backgrounds will be inspired to explore their own potential. These brave, resilient, gifted, and diverse men and women have created a legacy of exceptional accomplishments that will motivate future generations to pursue their hopes and dreams.
Others featured: Isabel Allende, Judith Baca, Oscar de la Renta, Jaime Escalante, America Ferrara, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mario Molina, Antonia Novello, Sonia Sotomayor, Dara Torres, and Luis von Ahn.
“As a Latin American mezcla myself, I found “Latin Americans Who Inspire Us” to be a wonderful collection of extraordinary stories. It is a celebration of truly inspiring achievements from individuals across the Latin American spectrum. These 16 stories are vividly and elegantly told, a joy for children and adults alike. For me, what emerged from these narratives was a profound sense of pride in what it means to be an American—North Central and South—in every part of this multi-cultural hemisphere.”
Brave. Bold. Fierce. First. Native Americans come from many tribes and nations. These 16 impressive Native Americans will inspire you to dream big and make the world a better place.
There are 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States, each with their own unique customs, beliefs, and traditions. Whether Olympians, chiefs, Academy Award winners, or astronauts, they have shaped our history, our culture, and our world.
This beautifully illustrated book includes Wilma Mankiller, Jim Thorpe, Sitting Bull, Wes Studi, Maria Tallchief, Zitkala-Sa, Hattie Kauffman, Cochise, John Herrington, Susan La Flesche Picotte, Allan Houser, Elizabeth Peratrovich, Chester Nez, Mary Golda Ross, Ryneldi Becenti, and Jason Baldes.
Native Americans Who Inspire Us is full of moving and powerful stories appropriate for kids and adults alike. I was able to meet with the authors and was impressed by their commitment to share stories from the Native American community in a respectful and uplifting way. The authors share a balanced view of each person’s humanness - not only their contributions but struggles as well. It pays tribute to people like my great grandfather Chester Nez who did not receive recognition until late in life. I am glad that his legacy as well as the legacy of other Native Americans will live on with this book. Highly recommend for Native Americans and anyone interested in our culture.
Emery Nez-Whitfield
Great Grandson of Chester Nez
Navajo Nation
“This is a beautifully written book shares the stories of Native Americans who led extraordinary lives. What I love most is that it is giving Native American children a story that represents them and that may inspire them. It is a great book for ALL children!
My 3rd grader’s class loved it for a read around and they enjoyed learning about the lives featured in the book. My daughter came home and wanted to read more books like it, she was inspired!”
Balikbayan means Filipino homecoming.
When Filipino American and former US Air Force officer Analiza Quiroz was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to study in the Philippines, she had two goals. First, she wanted to talk with prostitutes near Clark Air Base to understand the US military's impact on their lives. Second, she wanted to talk with her family and learn about her Filipino roots.
They seemed to be two separate goals reached by talking with people in two separate worlds. Never did she expect her two goals to overlap.
In these stories, Analiza shares her experiences with the people she met in the Philippines. The stories are sometimes sad, sometimes shocking, but always true. Although they are narratives, the stories inevitably raise questions about the social impact of the US military abroad, the troubled lives of young girls, and the effects of colonialism on Filipinos' mentality and self-esteem.
“With a lack of Asian American voice, it’s refreshing to hear Analiza’s story and being able to tell it through her eyes. This is a topic I’ve been thinking through myself as someone who wants to hold on to their ethnicity and to be proud of my heritage. I want to pass down these stories to my kids so they know from what past helped make them who they are and the strength that the past brings them today. I recommend her book to anyone who is interested in telling their story. Your story is powerful!”