The King County Library System (KCLS) and the South Seattle Emerald are teaming up to bring you the "South End Scoop." Dig into this community-centered column each month for great book, music, movie, and event recommendations from your local librarians.
Celebrate Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with the great reading and viewing recommendations below. For more Asian American Heritage reads, visit this reading list. For more Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage stories, check out this reading list.
The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho
Tina Cho's enchanting picture book follows Dayeon, a young Korean girl, as she learns how to dive with her grandmother. Her grandmother is a haenyeo (sea woman) who harvests seafood from the ocean. With gentle encouragement from her grandmother, Dayeon conquers her initial fears of diving and discovers beauty, strength, and courage in their underwater adventures — and a deep-rooted bravery within herself. Alluring illustrations by Jess X. Snow capture the essence of this empowering cultural tradition.
Turning Red, directed by Domee Shi and produced by Lindsey Collins
This coming-of-age film follows Mei Lee, a 13-year-old girl navigating the chaos of adolescence in Toronto during the early 2000s. Mei's life takes a wild turn when she discovers that she transforms into a giant red panda whenever she experiences strong emotions, a magical ability that has been passed down through the women in her family. As she grapples with her new identity, Mei must balance family expectations, school, and her burgeoning independence, all while preparing for the biggest concert of her life.
The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel tells the story of Tiến, a young Vietnamese American boy. Tiến loves his parents dearly but struggles with how to reveal his sexual orientation to them, especially when he speaks mostly English and they speak mostly Vietnamese. Tiến finds ways to overcome their language barrier through the fairy tales he reads with his mother that explore themes of family, identity, and the immigrant experience. Nguyen's poignant tale is a touching exploration of communication and understanding across divides.
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob
Mira Jacob's striking graphic memoir incorporates moving and often humorous dialogue between the author and her young son, as well as her family, friends, and even strangers. Through these conversations and a compelling blend of personal anecdotes and social commentary, Jacob explores complex themes of race, love, and identity as a first-generation American with East Indian roots. Set against the backdrop of America's shifting cultural landscape, particularly during the Trump presidency, this innovative narrative captures the difficulties and absurdities of trying to explain a racially divided America to her half-Jewish, half-Indian son.
Recommendations courtesy of KCLS librarian Ruth Hernandez. Ruth is an adult services librarian at the Burien and Tukwila Libraries. When she's not at the library, you'll find her baking and cheering for the Seattle Sounders and Mariners. Drop into one of her programs on mindfulness and gratitude or collage art to say hello!
KCLS offers a variety of in-person and online events and activities for all ages! All events are free. Find one that interests you at KCLS.org/Events.
Wednesday, May 15, 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Online
Try making a recipe of your choice from this month's cookbook: Chinese Soul Food: A Friendly Guide for Homemade Dumplings, Stir-Fries, Soups, and More by Hsiao-Ching Chou. Send a photo of your finished dish to the librarian host along with brief comments about your experience. New members are always welcome.
Friday, May 17, 11 a.m.—3 p.m.
Renton Library
The Washington State Department of Licensing's mobile unit, DOL2Go, will be at the Renton Library Resource Day to provide services that a traditional office provides (except driving tests), including obtaining or renewing a WA driver license, permit, or ID card, and more.
Saturday, May 18, 3—4 p.m.
Renton Library
Using a play therapy lens, parents will learn how to support their child through health care visits. Leave the workshop with practical activities you can do with your children to make them feel safe and more confident during wellness visits. Presented by Ohana Behavioral Health.
Tuesday, May 21, 3:30—4:30 p.m.
Tukwila Library
Come by the library to draw and create art with other teens! Sketch paper, pencils, tablets, and other supplies will be provided.
Tuesday, May 21, 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Skyway Library
Let your garden visitors do some gardening for you! Most insects have some beneficial effect on your garden, like eating pests or pollinating flowering plants. Learn how to attract them to your garden.
Wednesday, May 22, 4—6 p.m.
Renton Library
Explore the world of wildlife science with the Environmental Science Center. Identify animal footprints, practice using binoculars, and more during this hands-on science and craft time!
Wednesday, May 22, 5—6:30 p.m.
Online
Are you a senior who's looking to learn more about your rights as a tenant? Find out how to conduct a housing search, which resources are best suited for your search, how to navigate through age-related discrimination, and more. Presented by Solid Ground tenant counselors. A visiting attorney from the Tenant Law Center will also be on hand to help answer questions.
Saturday, May 25, 11:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
Tukwila Library
Social service providers will be available to help connect attendees to health care, education, legal clinics, and more at this helpful resource fair.
Saturday, May 25, 12—1 p.m.
Kirkland Library
Join author Sylvia Chen for a reading of her new picture book, Tricky Chopsticks! Then practice your chopstick wielding skills with various fun activities and challenges.
Tuesday, May 28, 1—1:45 p.m.
Des Moines Library
Learn about the kinds of skills employers want! Join Mars Flannery from Orion for a 30-minute information session about Orion's paid work training program for aerospace manufacturing, clerical customer service, and custodial work. Discover the support Orion can offer to help you achieve your goals through its job placement and job retention services.
Wednesday, May 29, 6—7:30 p.m.
Mercer Island Library
Mercer Island resident Judy Kusakabe shares the stories of her Japanese American family, friends, and community before, during, and after they were sent to prison camps by the U.S. government during World War II.
Tuesday, June 4, 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Online
Join a video game hackathon! Over the course of four weeks, learn how to brainstorm, design, and code a video game. Classes will cover topics on game design and include time for game jammers to get help on their projects. All experience levels are welcome.
Tuesday, June 4, 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Online
Join Beverly Tryk from the People's Memorial Association for a conversation and Q&A regarding death care for the queer community. This talk will touch upon the importance of comprehensive and safe death care, end of life support, and proper respect and treatment after a death in the queer community.
Friday, June 14, 12:30—3 p.m.
Mercer Island Library
Explore the intricate world of Su embroidery. See examples of stunning finished artwork, gain insights from an informative presentation, and create your own Su embroidery masterpiece. All materials will be provided. Presented in English and Mandarin by the Mercer Island Chinese Association, in partnership with KCLS.
Residents in the KCLS service area (in King County, outside the City of Seattle) can sign up instantly for a physical card to access our full collection, or a digital eCard to access our digital collection. Visit KCLS.org/Library-Cards to get started. Contact Ask KCLS at KCLS.org/Ask if you need assistance with your account, or call 425-462-9600 or 800-462-9600.
📸 Featured Image: South Seattle Emerald and the King County Library System (KCLS) are teaming up to give you book, media, and event recommendations each month via the South End Scoop.
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