Books like In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson

A warm, nostalgic journey of finding a new home and identity through the universal language of play. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson.

nostalgic
spirited
community-focused

01
American Born Chinese
Gene Luen Yang
A clever, intertwining graphic journey through the awkwardness of adolescence, the weight of heritage, and the struggle to accept who you are.
Shares:
- earnest
- cultural assimilation
02
I hate English!
Ellen Levine
A gentle, empathetic exploration of the frustration and eventual triumph of finding your voice in a brand-new world.
Shares:
- earnest
- hopeful
03
A Jar of Dreams
Yoshiko Uchida · 1981
A tender, grounded exploration of a young girl drawing strength from her close-knit family while navigating the harsh realities of 1930s California.
Shares:
- earnest
- hopeful
- warm
04
Name Jar
Yangsook Choi · 2001
A tender and affirming exploration of holding onto who you are when everything around you is new.
Shares:
- earnest
- warm
05
Front Desk
Kelly Yang
A big-hearted, bustling story about a determined girl who uses her voice and her community to fight back against an unfair world.
Shares:
- earnest
- hopeful
- warm
06
My Name is Yoon
Helen Recorvits · 2003
A tender, quiet exploration of holding onto who you are while figuring out where you fit.
Shares:
- earnest
- hopeful
07
Dragonwings CD
Laurence Yep
A grounded yet soaring historical tale about building a life and a flying machine in a strange new land.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- earnest
- hopeful
08
Jackie Robinson
Kenneth Rudeen · 1971
An accessible, inspiring journey through the life of a baseball legend who changed American history.
Shares:
- earnest
- hopeful
09
Momo's kitten
Mitsu Yashima
A tender, heartwarming glimpse into the simple joy of childhood pet ownership.
Shares:
- earnest
- warm
10
Kit's Home Run
Valerie Tripp
A spirited, nostalgic snapshot of childhood resilience where the love of the game bridges the gaps of a divided community.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- spirited
- community-focused
- earnest
11
Homesick, my own story
Jean Fritz · 1999
A spirited, bittersweet exploration of a childhood caught between two worlds, searching for the true meaning of home.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- spirited
- earnest
12
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
Karina Yan Glaser
A bustling, heartwarming story of sibling solidarity and the urgent quest to save a beloved family home.
Shares:
- community-focused
- earnest
- hopeful
- warm

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