TAAF releases novel that explores 20th century AANHPI history

The book, Fighting to Belong! Volume II, gives a glimpse into the civil rights victories of Dalip Singh Saund and Patsy Mink.

Volume 2 of “Fighting to Belong! A History of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders” is out now. / Instagram/TAAF

The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) and Third State Books released Fighting to Belong! Volume II, the second installment of an acclaimed three-part graphic novel series that brings Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history to life for children ages 8-13.

Written by bestselling comics writer Amy Chu, known for Wonder Woman, Deadpool, Avengers, Spider-Verse Unlimited and Alexander Chang, and illustrated by Louie Chin known for Bodega Cat, Fighting to Belong! follows four middle school students and their guide, Kenji, as they time travel through history to uncover landmark moments in AANHPI history. The second edition delves into stories from the Philippine-American War and Japanese American incarceration during World War II, to the civil rights victories of Dalip Singh Saund and Patsy Mink.

Underscoring the importance of a more profound understanding of AANHPI history, Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF said, "Education is key to fostering connection and understanding, and Fighting to Belong! shows that AANHPI history is American history."

Also read: Vivek Ranadivé honored at TAAF Awards for leadership and vision

Co-Founder and CEO of Third State Books, Stephanie Lim echoes the same ideas and says "This is the history my generation was never taught in school—and the one our children deserve."

The first volume was launched in 2024 and traced AANHPI experiences from the 18th and 19th centuries. As per reports, the third volume, expected to be released in 2026, would be set in the post-9/11 climate for South Asian Americans and the rise in anti-Asian hate following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Fighting to Belong! series is part of TAAF's broader work to challenge common misconceptions about AANHPI communities and bring Asian American studies to K-12 classrooms.

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