Asian-Americans Who Inspire Us

Summary of Book

This beautifully illustrated book introduces readers of all ages to 16 Asian-Americans who changed the world.

Asian-Americans Who Inspire Us shares engaging stories of 16 trailblazing Asian-Americans. 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.

Highlighting the talent and contributions of Asian-American leaders and changemakers from around the United States, readers of all backgrounds will be empowered to discover what they too can achieve. These strong, courageous, talented, and diverse men and women have built a legacy of extraordinary achievements that will inspire generations to pursue their dreams.

Others featured: Duke Kahanamoku, Patsy Takumoto Mink, Tammy Duckworth, Salman Khan, Andrew Youn, David Ho, Margaret Chung, Grace Lin, and Haing Ngor.

Author Biography

Analiza Quiroz Wolf is a proud Asian-American. Her parents immigrated from the Philippines to the United States, and she was born in California. Analiza’s parents taught her to give back. She served in the Air Force where she specialized in Asia and then led schools and educational programs for low-income students in New York City. Analiza also spent a year in the Philippines as a Fulbright Scholar and wrote Balikbayan: A Filipino Homecoming. She also wrote a children's book called Asian-Americans Who Inspire Us. She is a graduate of Stanford University and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Analiza is a mom to two children, the next generation of proud Asian-Americans.

Michael Franco was born in Austin, Texas. He grew up surrounded by a large extended family who instilled values of family, education, and hard work. Michael's career in education began as a Teach for America corps member in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Currently, he leads curriculum for IDEA Public Schools, a growing public charter school network dedicated to serving low-income students in Texas and Louisiana. He has two young sons with whom he spends time playing sports, painting, and, of course, reading books. Michael is a graduate of Stanford University and the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.

Illustrator Biography

Analiza Quiroz Wolf is a proud Asian-American. Her parents immigrated from the Philippines to the United States, and she was born in California. Analiza’s parents taught her to give back. She served in the Air Force where she specialized in Asia and then led schools and educational programs for low-income students in New York City. Analiza also spent a year in the Philippines as a Fulbright Scholar and wrote Balikbayan: A Filipino Homecoming. She also wrote a children's book called Asian-Americans Who Inspire Us. She is a graduate of Stanford University and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Analiza is a mom to two children, the next generation of proud Asian-Americans.