“I Am an American!” Critical Analysis of East Asian/Asian American Protagonists’ Experiences of Racism and Microaggressions Portrayed in Children’s Picture Books

• In Event: Teaching Practices and Professional Development

Abstract

This study examines racism and microaggressions in children's picturebooks featuring East Asian/Asian American (A/AA) protagonists using Asian Critical Race Theory. Through qualitative critical content analysis of 14 picturebooks, it explores types of racism, protagonists' responses, and themes of empowerment and social justice. The findings reveal four types of racism—interpersonal, internalized, institutional, and structural. Most books depicted racism at the individual level, primarily involving interpersonal racism against female child protagonists by white male peers. Other picturebooks address systemic racism linked to U.S. or Canadian governmental structures. Protagonists' responses vary from passive conformity to active resistance. These narratives provide diverse portrayals of East A/AA protagonists’ growth, promoting discussions on empowerment, social justice, and equity.

Authors

• Su-Jeong Wee, California State University - Los Angeles

• Mengying Xue, University of Missouri

• Yafen Lo, California State University - Los Angeles

• Qiong Wu, California State University - Los Angeles