When we began preparing for the 6th Book Drive, we all independently thought of using the word “History” as the theme for 2026. We selected these books which present history on three levels: Chinese history and historical figures; the history of East–West exchange; the history of Chinese Americans; and, at the same time, a reflection on ACA’s book donation efforts over the past five years. Thus, this year’s theme became “When East Meets West — Sharing History and Cultural Heritage.”
Finally we selected these five books. Through these books, elementary school students here will learn about Chinese history, understand the integration of Eastern and Western cultures, and develop friendships with their Chinese American peers. More importantly, Chinese American children will feel confident and joyful knowing that their school libraries include books that tell their stories and represent their history and culture. By understanding the roots of Chinese culture, Chinese American children will be more courageous and resilient when facing challenges in cultural identity and daily life.
In these books, they will meet the heroic warrior queen Fu Hao and her jade treasures from three thousand years ago; they will follow the caravan travelers who departed from Chang’an, crossing deserts, oases, and cities along the Silk Road with optimism and confidence to reach Rome thousands of miles away; they will learn about distinguished Chinese Americans and their achievements that all Chinese people can be proud of; and they will find questions and answers about how Chinese American children integrate into American society.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Asian Americans have been part of America’s journey from its founding to its rise and prosperity. The original vision of ACA, and what we have consistently upheld over the past six years, is to build a bridge between China and the United States—using the charm of culture as the pillars, and the threads of history as the suspension cables. Let us all contribute to this bridge and help open the “Golden Gate” to a bright future.