Families who loved Paper Son: Lee's Journey to America by Helen Foster James often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major transition or struggling with the pressure of high expectations from family. It is a vital resource for navigating conversations about family legacy, the weight of secrets, and the personal cost of seeking a better life. Based on true historical events, the story follows Lee, a young boy traveling from China to America during the era of the Chinese Exclusion Act. He must memorize a false identity to pass a rigorous interrogation at Angel Island. It beautifully balances themes of anxiety and bravery, making it suitable for children ages 6 to 10. You might choose this to build empathy for the immigrant experience or to support a child who feels they must perform perfectly to succeed.
