Vol. 1 Published: February 6, 2024
979-8-89013-019-8 (hardcover) / $18.95
979-8-89013-017-4 (paperback) / $11.95
40 pages

Vol. 2 Releasing: Late September 2024
979-8-89013-022-8 (hardcover)
979-8-89013-023-5 (paperback)

Vol. 3 Releasing: Late January 2025

Third State Books presents this collaboration with The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) and The Asian American Education Project, a three-part comic book series for middle grade readers (ages 8-13) that tells the story of AAPI history in a format that is appealing and accessible to them. This first installment follows a group of friends who embark on a journey to witness firsthand key events in AAPI history, from the Manila Men to the Gold Rush.

“This is the history I wish I had learned in middle school.”
—Jeremy Lin, professional basketball player and philanthropist

"Historic contributions and stories of resilience are shared in this dynamic graphic novel. An informative and engaging read!"
—Maia and Alex Shibutani, two-time Olympic medalists and authors of Amazing: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Inspire Us All

“This visually engaged book helps young readers of all backgrounds across the country understand how AANHPI historical events are greatly linked within the foundation of the United States. Recommended purchase."
—School Library Journal

Order Fighting to Belong! Vol. 1 Now!

Pre-order Fighting to Belong! Vol. 2

Download the free curriculum guide for Fighting to Belong! Vol. 1 by the Asian American Education Project.

About the creators

  • Amy is a writer for comics, graphic novels, and TV, currently working on projects for DC, Marvel and Netflix. She has written popular characters such as Wonder Woman, Deadpool, Ant-Man and Iron Man. She wrote Poison Ivy’s first solo mini series, and is the first woman to write the Green Hornet series created in the 1930s. She is also the author of children's graphic novels, including Sea Sirens and the sequel Sky Island (Viking). Amy studied Architectural Design at MIT, East Asian Studies at Wellesley College, and has an MBA from Harvard Business School. Amy is a frequent speaker at conventions around the world and lives in New Jersey. You can follow her on amychu.com, X @amychu and on Facebook/iwritecomics. Amy is of Chinese-American descent.

  • Alexander is a writer and editor for comics and graphic novels. His published credits include Rick and Morty, Red Sonja, and the Where We Live anthology. A third generation Chinese American from Princeton, New Jersey, he loves writing in his journal, growing plants, fire spinning, and Chinese lion dancing. Alexander is of Chinese-American descent.


  • Louie is an illustrator whose work includes the children's book, Bodega Cat, which was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection in 2020. He has created artworks for a variety of publications and projects, including the New York Times, Boston Globe, and Nike. He works in both traditional mediums such as watercolor and gouache as well as with digital art software. He was born and raised in New York City, where he still resides. Louie is of Chinese-American descent.

  • The history of Asian American is deeply intertwined together with America’s own history, yet often forgotten or ignored within today’s classrooms and public discourse. The Asian American Education Project’s eonline lesson plans provide a tailored K–12 curriculum for educators to teach this rich history to students. These lessons are but just a brief snapshot into the long journey of Asian immigrants and their native–born children within America’s timeline—both dark and bright, from exclusion to acceptance. By showcasing the struggles and triumphs of Asian Americans over the course of two centuries, our lesson plans amplify the importance and voices of this growing, integral segment of the U.S. population in building the country into what it is today and can become tomorrow, together as Americans. It is important for all Americans, young and old, to join in on this learning experience. Learn more at https://asianamericanedu.org/.

  • TAAF is dedicated to building a safer, more inclusive future for AAPIs everywhere. Founded in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and violence during the Covid-19 pandemic, TAAF is reversing the longstanding under-investment in our community and addressing the root causes of hate and discrimination. Their mission is to serve the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in their pursuit of belonging and prosperity that is free from discrimination, slander, and violence. Their vision is an America where opportunities to participate in all aspects of society are equally accessible, and individuals and communities are not rendered invisible, nor singled out for false stereotypes, discrimination, or hate on the basis of race. Learn more at https://www.taaf.org/