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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2003

News Release

In Celebration of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month NEA Releases Asian American Booklist 

List Includes More Than 200 Titles

Washington, D.C. - Timed to coincide with Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month (May), the National Education Association has released a list of more than 200 Asian American titles appropriate for K-12 students. The list, which was compiled by Association staff, contains everything from basic primers and picture books for the youngest of readers to well-known titles such as The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park.

NEA President Reg Weaver said: "As the nation's classrooms continue to grow with more and more youngsters from throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim each year, it's important that these young people have access to reading materials that reflect their backgrounds, heritage and experiences. We want all children to be motivated to read. And reading about what is familiar makes learning to read not only easier, but more fun. Our goal for all children is the achievement of reading as one of the most important and basic skills - and for books to be a lifelong source of joy and entertainment."

NEA's Read Across America 2003 honorary spokesperson Ming-Na, who plays Dr. Chen on NBC's ER, and provides the voice of Mulan in the Disney classic of the same name, agrees: "Even with computers and GameBoys competing for your attention, there's nothing like a good book. Books open up your senses and imagination and act as bridges to other cultures, other worlds." Born in Macau, China, Ming Na says Sam and the Lucky Money by Karen Chinn is her favorite book. It tells the story of a young boy and the lessons he learns during Chinese New Year.

The Asian American booklist is the latest offering from NEA. Other recommendations have included a Hispanic list, as well as lists of favorites from teachers, students and celebrities.

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.