The Asian American Foundation and Third State Books Release Fighting to Belong! Volume II, a Groundbreaking Graphic Novel Exploring 20th Century AANHPI History

SAN FRANCISCO, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) and Third State Books released Fighting to Belong! Volume II, the second installment of an acclaimed three-part graphic novel series that brings Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history to life for children ages 8-13. The book is available now in hardcover, paperback, and digital formats at thirdstatebooks.com and other major retailers.

Written by bestselling comics writer Amy Chu (Wonder Woman, Deadpool, Avengers, Spider-Verse Unlimited) and Alexander Chang, and illustrated by Louie Chin (Bodega Cat), Fighting to Belong! follows four middle school students and their guide, Kenji, as they time travel through history to uncover landmark moments in AANHPI history. Volume II immerses readers in the events of the 20th century, from the Philippine-American War and Japanese American incarceration during World War II, to the civil rights victories of Dalip Singh Saund and Patsy Mink.

"Education is key to fostering connection and understanding, and Fighting to Belong! shows that AANHPI history is American history," said Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF. "We're honored to partner once again with Third State Books and The Asian American Education Project to help teach new generations about the critical role AANHPI communities have played in shaping this nation's story."

"This is the history my generation was never taught in school—and the one our children deserve," said Stephanie Lim, Co-Founder and CEO of Third State Books. "At Third State Books, we believe storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for belonging. We're not just publishing books, we're reshaping what it looks like to belong in America."

Volume II uses vibrant storytelling and artwork to bring to life both historic challenges and the resilience of AANHPI figures such as Duke Kahanamoku, Anna May Wong, Fred Korematsu, and Grace Lee Boggs. The series also comes with a robust curriculum guide developed by The Asian American Education Project to support educators in the classroom.

The release follows the success of Volume I, which launched in 2024 and traced early AANHPI experiences from the 18th and 19th centuries. Volume III, focusing on the 21st century—including the post-9/11 climate for South Asian Americans and the rise in anti-Asian hate following the COVID-19 pandemic—is expected in 2026.

The Fighting to Belong! series is part of TAAF's broader work to challenge common misconceptions about AANHPI communities and bring Asian American studies to K-12 classrooms. The foundation's fifth annual STAATUS Index released on May 1 shows many Americans lack knowledge about major AANHPI figures and history—but also reveals broad support for initiatives aimed at uplifting AANHPI communities, including requiring Asian American history to be taught in schools. Earlier this month, TAAF also rolled out new features in its AAPI History Hub (aapihistoryhub.org), a first-of-its-kind online educational platform designed to provide K-12 educators with access to hundreds of high-quality, classroom-ready curricular resources covering AANHPI history.

About The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)
TAAF serves the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community by promoting safety, fostering belonging, and advancing prosperity. Launched in 2021 in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and to address the long-standing underinvestment in AANHPI communities, we invest in initiatives to combat anti-Asian hate, integrate AANHPI studies into school curricula, elevate authentic AANHPI storytelling, and expand resources and representation for our communities. Through our high-impact initiatives, events, and investments in national and local nonprofits, we're creating a permanent and irrevocable sense of belonging for millions of AANHPIs in the United States. For additional information about TAAF, please visit www.taaf.org or follow @TAAForg on Instagram, LinkedIn, X or Facebook.

About Third State Books
Third State Books is the first general-interest publishing house that focuses solely on bringing AAPI voices, perspectives, and issues to audiences who cherish them. Through fiction and nonfiction, for adults and children, it strives to publish stories that more fully represent the total Asian American experience. Its name, "Third State," refers to the unique experience of being a bridge between cultures as Asian Americans, who proudly occupy a distinctive space and identity all their own. For additional information, please visit thirdstatebooks.com and follow @thirdstatebooks on Instagram.

Press Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE The Asian American Foundation