Age group: Middle School (7-8)

Middle Reader Book Club Spring 2026
Deep Dive: Eid

Eid is a joyful Islamic festival celebrated by over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, marking moments of gratitude, reflection, and togetherness. It includes two major observances, Eid al-Fitr, celebrating the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, honoring devotion and sacrifice, both beginning with communal prayers and shared festivities.
Deep Dive: Tết Nguyên Đán

Commonly called Tết, Tết Nguyên Đán is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It’s the most important Vietnamese holiday and is celebrated between late January and mid February, marking the beginning of the lunar new year. As a time to celebrate with family and honor ancestors, Tết is a festive affair filled with wishes for health…
South Asian Pioneers: From Fields to Fiber Optics (STEM Unit)

This lesson plan was created through the TeachAAPI Educator Circle Summer Fellowship by Zuobin Tang (New York City Public Schools). This lesson expands upon the history of early South Asian immigrants in California, reframing their story for a middle school audience by connecting it to the modern-day contributions of South Asian leaders in science, technology,…
Middle Reader Book Club Fall 2025

This year, we honor the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, with a special emphasis on Vietnamese culture and authors. Many American stories of displacement, resettlement, and ultimately resilience stem from events that happen around the world. We’ve chosen three books that celebrate this spirit of resilience, we hope you enjoy them as much as we…
Got History: Learning to Live Together — 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon

This video is an interview with the Buoie family that fled Vietnam 50 years ago and then moved in with an American family in the United States. The families share their experience, including the harrowing details of the Buoie family’s escape, but also joyful memories of exchanging Christmas gifts and Vietnamese food with the Godar…
Got History: The Story Behind the Adoption Headlines — 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon

Operation Baby Lift was a mission to evacuate children from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon. Tragically, the first plane crashed due to a door latch malfunction, killing nearly half of the 313 people onboard. Among the survivors was Jim Zimmerly, who is featured in this interview that was conducted in 2025 about his experience…
Got History: In Between Two Worlds — 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon

The video features interviews with Vietnamese American children of refugees who talk about growing up balancing both American and Vietnamese cultures. They share experiences of feeling “not American enough” or “not Vietnamese enough”. Their families worked hard running a restaurant, and they explain how food helps keep their heritage alive.
2025-2026 AANHPI Cultural Celebrations Calendar
Deep Dive: Diwali

Originating in India, Diwali is celebrated in Hindu, Jain and Sikh cultures. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali entails five days of celebration. Though Diwali is celebrated differently across cultures, a common theme of good and light prevailing over evil and darkness connects the three religions. Dive deeper with us here!
Deep Dive: Tanabata (Star Festival)
Deep Dive: Holi