Sarah Hashimoto

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, observed in May, recognizes the achievements, contributions, and complex histories of Americans descended from 75 countries across the Asian continent. The following books, both fiction and nonfiction, provide a window into the resilience, creativity, and breadth of experience within this varied group.

Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of mental wellness and promotes advocacy, sharing, compassion, and the dismantling of stereotypes. Mental health conditions are wide-ranging and include PTSD, OCD, generalized anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, schizophrenia, suicidal ideation, and more. The following books—literary fiction, romance, memoirs, and essays—were written by authors who have personal experience living with mental health challenges and speak to the importance of continued dialogue surrounding mental health.

Autism Acceptance Month recognizes the deliberate shift away from the stigmatized term “autism awareness” toward an inclusive attitude of acceptance, respect, listening, parity, and empowerment. With romance, literary fiction, memoirs, and more, the following reading list honors the many experiences and voices of people within the autistic community. These titles, and those selected from previous years, are available as a downloadable spreadsheet.

In recognition of Arab American Heritage Month, formally established by the Biden administration in April 2021, this reading list celebrates the varied cultures, achievements, and contributions of Arab American people. Through poetry, cooking, short stories, memoirs, and more, the following books reveal many facets of Arab American communities, histories, and experiences. These titles, and those selected from previous years, are available as a downloadable spreadsheet.