Now 12 years old, Lei isn’t exactly thrilled to be spending her summer in Hawai’i with her grandmother. Constantly lectured on her family’s mo’olelo — the folk stories she and the kids back home are now way too old to believe — she’d rather spend her days anywhere else. But, after a rogue insult directed at Pele, the Goddess of Fire, sets a curse on her entire family, Lei sees just how real these legends are — and how important they’ll be in her quest to save the people she loves most. 

Ever since his father passed, Benny’s been hearing voices. It was subtle at first — a soft murmur coming from the sock drawer, a whisper passed between paintings on the wall. But now, it’s impossible to ignore. The only place where the noise subsides is the library — a sanctuary of silence and curious characters (both inside and outside the pages). As Benny and his new friends pick their ways through the shelves, see what they learn about love, loss and what we create to fill the emptiness. 

From the moment she was born, Sprout’s life has been laying eggs. Never for herself, of course; always for the farmer. She’s never known anything beyond the cramped coop’s four walls. Every day, she dreams of what might be if she could escape — if she could take with her just one precious egg of her own. In this beloved Korean folk tale, follow along as Sprout dares to chase a life outside the farm — learning about freedom, individuality and what takes to make a family. 

Kerewin Holmes is an artist. She’s part Maori and part European but fully estranged from her family. She lives alone in a tower she built on the New Zealand coast, and she’d like to keep it that way. However, when a speechless young boy named Simon mysteriously washes up on her shore, her life is changed in ways she couldn’t imagine. In this Booker Award-winning novel, see how Kerewin, Simon and his adoptive father Joe wrestle with isolation, trauma and what it means to clash with both family and culture.

Nana the cat loves two things in this life: his owner, Saturo, and long drives. Curled up comfortably in the passenger seat — the warm Japanese sunlight streaming through the window as Saturo navigates the winding roads — there’s no place he’d rather be. So, when Saturo (who, curiously, has not been as energetic as he used to be…) announces that they’re going on a road trip, Nana doesn’t care where or why; he just wants their drive to last forever. In this new translation of Hiro Arikawa’s heartwarming novel, follow along as Nana and his beloved companion embark on one last journey, clinging closely to the wonders of their shared world. 

From celebrated author Hanya Yanagihara (“A Little Life”) comes the bold and breathtaking “To Paradise,” a three-part exploration of life and loss in “America.” Spanning three decades and three alternate versions of U.S. history, “To Paradise” takes place in an 1893 New York where being gay is embraced and accepted, a 1993 Manhattan overwhelmed by the AIDS epidemic and a distant 2093 New York that’s been ravished by plagues and totalitarian regimes. In each version of reality, see how the protagonists come to terms with their circumstances and reach, in their own ways, for “paradise.” 

Buckle up — you’ve never heard a road trip story like this. When twin brothers Chuluun and Mun are tasked with finding the reincarnation of a great lama (a spiritual leader essential to their Buddhist faith), they must travel around Mongolia to recover the monk before it’s too late. Enlisting the help of three eccentric believers, the ragtag search committee traverses the steep mountains, grave deserts and icy grasslands of the country they call home — discovering for themselves how the journey amounts to much more than just the destination.

Nina, Shirin and Silvia have just moved to New York and are well on their way to “making it.” Fresh out of college and settling nicely into their refrigerator box apartment, they’ve just landed their first jobs in publishing (squeal!) and finally starting their real lives. But, what happens when a career in books isn’t what they thought it would be? In this hilariously heartwarming graphic novel, see how these best friends navigate relationships, careers and the nostalgic chaos of life in your early 20s.

For as long as anyone can remember, Tiến’s had his nose stuck in a book. A lover of fantasy and fairytales, he’s learned just about everything he knows from the magical worlds on the page. The one thing they haven’t yet taught him? How to tell his Vietnamese parents that he’s gay. In this beautifully illustrated, masterfully moving graphic novel for all ages, see how Tiến embraces his identity, his sexuality and his true self through the power of story — chasing his own happily ever after.

Growing up in China, young Qian often heard stories of “Mei Guo” — the vast western nation whose name meant “beautiful country.” But, when unforeseen circumstances bring her family to New York’s shores, Mei Guo feels like something else entirely. As her parents, once professors, take up jobs in sweatshops and are openly shunned in the streets, 7-year-old Qian is rudely awakened from the so-called “American Dream.” In this shining memoir of growing up undocumented in 1990s New York, see how Qian Julie Wang overcomes the struggles, finding her strength, happiness and full Chinese American self.

From Chamorro climate activist Julian Aguon comes “No Country for Eight-Spot Butterflies” — a collection of poetry and prose at the intersection of Indigenous rights and environmental justice. Beginning with his childhood experiences growing up in Guam and extending to his current commentaries on nuclear warfare and global warming, Aguon toils with some of the most urgent issues threatening Indigenous communities today.

Known worldwide for books like “Kafka on the Shore” and “Norwegian Wood,” Japanese author Haruki Murakami once again returns — but, this time, with a newly personal twist. In this 2022 memoir, read the famously reclusive writer’s never-before-heard insights on his beginnings as a storyteller, his creative process and what he believes to be the novel’s place in modern society.

Nina met Quincy on the way to a Fourth of July barbecue, when she spotted a copy of her favorite book, “The Woman Warrior,” in his backseat. The rest, as they say, is history. In this freshly published memoir delivered in essays, author Nina Sharma unpacks her experiences being in an Asian and Black interracial relationship. Honest, thought-provoking and deeply funny, read how Sharma deals with caste, colorism and the complexities of American racism as she unpacks her and Quincy’s romance.

Twenty-year-old Mia has always had an explanation for everything. So, when her father and younger brother Eugene take longer than expected to return from their stroll in the park, she’s certain there’s a perfectly suitable reason. That is, until Eugene turns up bloodied and alone — their father nowhere to be found. This launches the family into a full blown investigation in which Eugene is the sole witness; the only problem? He has a rare genetic condition that renders him unable to speak. In this captivating mystery, join Mia as she grapples with language, family and what it takes to truly understand another.

Geeta’s abusive husband disappeared five years ago. She didn’t kill him, but everyone in town thinks she did. Convinced that Geeta’s blood runs ice cold, most of her neighbors stay far, far away… But, what happens when a certain few women seek her help — scheming to get rid of their own no-good men? 

In this witty and wise historical analysis, Indian British journalist Sathnam Sanghera unveils just how much of modern Britain is still rooted in its imperial past. From the way people think to the politics behind Brexit to the nation’s rapid response to COVID-19, Sanghera dismantles the taboo of the Empire and proves that the past is omnipresent — shaping who we are and how the world develops around us. 

Seven decades after China’s Communist revolution, journalist Helen Zia documents just some of the true stories behind the mass exodus out of Shanghai. Following four young people who, in different ways, bravely fled from Mao’s regime, see how their lives were forever changed by the running, refuge and resilience required of them to survive.

“Trick Mirror” is a sharp set of cultural criticisms deconstructing modern ideas of capitalism, womanhood and life in the age of the internet. In nine thought-provoking essays, Filipina author Jia Tolentino discusses the wedding industry, optimization culture and constructions of the female identity across the media — from reality television to literature to politics to everyday life. 

From award-winning Chinese American poet Yanyi comes “Dream of the Divided Field,” a tender poetry collection that examines the many versions of us we keep within ourselves. Pulling from his own experiences with immigration, heartbreak and bodily transition, Yanyi analyzes how who we’ve been informs who we’ll become.

“Rangikura” is the triumphant second poetry collection from Indigenous New Zealand writer Tayi Tibble, whom U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo once called “one of the most startling and original poets of her generation.” In “Rangikura,” Tibble explores relationships, desire and exploitation — constantly chasing the euphoria of endless summer. 

From the critically acclaimed author of “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” comes “Time Is a Mother” — a deeply intimate poetry collection about loss, grief and the meaning of family. In this daring, innovative anthology, see how Ocean Vuong continues his journey to rebuild his life after tragedy. 

It’s Chloe’s last summer in Manila before she’s off to college in the U.S., and she couldn’t be more excited to start her new life. But, before she can jet off to L.A., her auntie insists on throwing her a lavish societal debut — meaning she needs an escort. After going on one awkward kaishao (arranged date) after another, what happens when Chloe actually starts to fall for one of the boys (… and when she has to leave him in the fall)?  

Nada Syed’s life is not what she thought it would be. She’s nearly 30, she still lives with her parents and her once-promising tech start-up is proving to be less than successful. It doesn’t help that her family is constantly nagging her to find someone and settle down. So, what happens when Nada reconnects with an old flame at Toronto’s annual Muslim conference? Find out how the drama unfolds in this second-chance romance inspired by Jane Austen’s “Persuasion.” 

It’s hard to believe that Dee, Misa and Matt met just one year ago, when their paths crossed at the local inpatient psychiatric unit. Quickly becoming the “three musketeers” of the psych ward, they’ve been inseparable ever since. So, when Misa and Matt announce their dream wedding in Turks and Caicos, they can’t imagine doing it without Dee by their side; unfortunately, Dee, who’s been in love with Matt since they met, can’t imagine him marrying someone else. In this hilarious and tender story of romance, friendship and mental health, see how one bipolar woman comes to find the love all around her.

Stella Lane is great at a lot of things: equations, algorithms, breaking boundaries in a male-dominated field; unfortunately, romance isn’t on the list. Nearing 30 and lacking much experience, Stella decides she may need some help when it comes to men. Enter: escort Michael Phan. In this sweet but steamy #OwnVoices story by Helen Hoang, see how one autistic woman navigates her dreams, desires and search for logic-defying love. 

In nine haunting stories, author Ted Chiang juxtaposes some of humanity’s most fundamental questions with its most imaginative science fiction. Writing about alien scientists, alternate universes and portals that transcend space and time, “Exhalation” opens profound dialogues on existence and free will, turning everything the reader once thought about choice on its head. 

On a mysterious island off an unnamed coast, things are starting to disappear. It’s inconsequential at first — just a tiny tool or trinket that surely would never be missed. But soon, it becomes far more serious. Nearly nobody notices these disappearances, but the few who do are silenced by the Memory Police. And when an aspiring young author discovers that her editor is being threatened by the Memory Police, she devises a plan to help her cling to what — and who — she remembers most.

In “Brave, Not Perfect,” author Reshma Saujani asks women around the world what would happen if they chose to be bold. Girls are too often taught to play it safe, Saujani argues; to stay quiet, practice caution and only pursue what they know they’ll be good at. As a result, many women grow up with a deep-rooted fear of failure  — a fear that hinders them from reaching for what they truly want. In this inspiring book, Saujani encourages women and girls to embrace imperfection and let it embolden them, urging readers to be “Brave, Not Perfect.” 

In the third installment of the bestselling “Mindfulness Essentials” series, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh shares his experiences, insights and meditations related to the complexities of love. With writings on Love vs. Need, Being in Love, Intimacy, Children and Family, Reconciling with Parents and more, Hanh encourages readers to analyze the many shapes that love takes in their lives and how they can increase their capacity to send it back out. 

In Mia Alvar’s stirring short story debut, she provides nine diverse windows into the global Filipino diaspora. From Manila to Boston, Bahrain to New York, Alvar writes of citizens, immigrants and expats who range from adolescent to geriatric, impoverished to privileged, apathetic to revolutionary — all of whom are desperate for a place to call home. 

A collection of seven powerful short stories, “Shoko’s Smile” captures the diverse and unique experience of being a young woman in South Korea. With protagonists who exist across the spectrums of class, politics, religion and life stages, author Choi Eunyoung weaves together history, family, love and loss in this moving anthology. 

In this breathtaking debut, follow Kristiana Kahakauwila as she travels the islands of Hawai’i. Dissecting the fault lines between locals and tourists, traditions and innovations, Kahakauwila’s short stories provide a magnificent and authentic snapshot of life as it truly exists on Kaua’i, Maui, Oahu and the Big Island.

Channi is not a monster. But, when an incident with the sinister Demon Witch leaves her cursed with a serpent’s face, her life is destined to change forever. In this prequel to Elizabeth Lim’s bestselling “Six Crimson Cranes,” see how Channi and her twin sister, the infamously beautiful Vanna, take on the cruel, corrupt world together. 

Melody Kim spends most of her days at the corner of 52nd and 11th, scarfing down corner shop pizza with her best friend Sofia. New York is all she’s ever known, and she’s never been in any rush to leave it. So, what happens when out of nowhere, her mom packs up their entire lives and forces her on a one-way flight to Seoul? Leaving her school, her street and all her friends behind, Melody is less than thrilled to move to the motherland. But, with a fancy new apartment, trendsetting fashion and a mysterious new boy to help pass the time, life in the buzzing heart of Korea may prove to be better than she thought… 

It’s the summer before Jay Reguero’s first semester at the University of Michigan, and he plans to spend it sitting back, relaxing and beating his high score on his favorite video game. But, when his Filipino cousin Jun is mysteriously murdered as part of President Duterte’s war on drugs, Jay must venture back to his motherland to uncover the full story.