During Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we often see much more coverage of Asian and Asian American authors than Pacific Islander, Pasifika, and Native Hawaiʻian Authors authors. But every year, more and more initiatives spring up, encouraging more people to pick up books by authors from these islands and the Pacific Islander diaspora. On Instagram, several Pasifika bookstagrammers have organized the #PasifikaReadathonChallenge, and over on We Need Diverse Books, JoAnn Yao posted a blog with recommendations for those looking to read more books by Pacific Islander and Pasifika authors. These resources are a great place to start, and with ordering internationally made a little bit easier with websites like Book Depository, more Pasifika books are available worldwide. If you’re looking to add to your TBRs for May, we’re here for you! Whether you like memoirs, poetry, or fiction, there’s a book out there for you. Here are ten Pacific Islander and Pasifika authors that you should definitely check out! Hopefully that gives you a nice start to your Pacific Islander TBRs! For even MORE recommendations, check out “Books by Asian and Pacific Islander Authors You Should Read ASAP: The List List #439” and the entire Book Riot #AsianPacificIslanderHeritageMonth archives.
