Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse With These Lunar New Year Reads for Kids and Teens
At a Glance
- Lunar New Year 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse, runs from February 17, 2026, to February 5, 2027.
- These books are great for kids, tweens, teens, and families.
- The selection includes picture books, chapter books, and novels for older readers.
- Stories focus on family, traditions, and the excitement of starting fresh this year.
This Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse. It begins on February 17, 2026, and runs through February 5, 2027. The Fire Horse year is a spirited one. It is associated with energy, independence, and passion, and encourages change and taking things into your own hands. Here are some great books to read with your kids to celebrate this Lunar New Year!
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The Fire Horse’s Great Gallop by Alex Bright
Reading level: Pre-K to 2nd Grade
This high-energy story follows Hao, a small horse with a glowing mane, as he gets ready for a rare Lunar New Year that comes around only once every 60 years. Instead of feeling like a history lesson, the book centers on Hao’s very relatable search for where he fits in—from helping with the big spring clean to hanging lanterns. It’s a bright, fast-paced read that shows kids how their own unique “spark” can make a real difference for the people they love, making it a great confidence-booster too.
When the Horse Year Comes by Chloe E. Gore
Reading level: Pre-K to 2nd Grade
This story centers on siblings Wei and Fang as they help their family tackle the “to-do list” of the Year of the Horse, including the floury mess of folding dumplings, the tradition of sweeping out the old year’s dust, and the quiet moments of listening to elders share family history. It’s a sweet book that captures the comfort of home and the excitement of a fresh start with the people you love.
The Night Before Lunar New Year by Natasha Wing and Lingfeng Ho
Reading level: Pre-K to 1st Grade
Feel the anticipation and excitement of the Lunar New Year’s Eve as a young girl prepares food, decorates and learns to overcome fears to celebrate the holiday.
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim
Reading level: Pre-K to 2nd Grade
This picture book retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a festive and fun take on a classic fairytale, perfect for introducing young ones to new traditions.
D is for Dragon Dance by Ying Chang Compestine
Reading level: Pre-K to 3rd Grade
From acrobats to the zodiac, learn your ABCs of the Chinese New Year with this educational and vibrant picture book. Written in both English and Chinese, everyone can learn something new from this engaging book.
First Apple by Ching Yeung Russell
Reading level: 3rd to 6th grade
One in a series of autobiographical novels, First Apple tells the tale of the author’s life and family while growing up in China in the 1940s. The chapter book is available in English, English/Chinese bilingual and Japanese.
The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao
Reading level: 4th to 6th grade
This fantasy novel centers on a San Francisco tween who must train as a warrior to defeat demons and realize her destiny in life, all before the Lunar New Year celebration. Perfect for the young magic and mythology fanatic in your life!
The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin
Reading level: 3rd to 8th grade
A middle-grade chapter book that follows a Taiwanese-American girl through a year of growth and self-discovery. This light novel is inspired by the author’s real life, offering a glimpse into the life of a first-generation Asian American.
Dragonwings by Laurence Yep
Reading level: 5th to 8th grade
A classic work of historical fiction, Dragonwings tells the story of a young immigrant from China to America as he navigates living in a new country, fighting to accomplish his goals, and growing his new relationship with his father.
Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
Reading level: High school and up
This New York Times Bestseller coming-of-age story sees the protagonist navigate matters of identity, assimilation, and his own history. Intriguingly written in the format of a screenplay.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Reading level: High school and up
This historical fiction was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2017 for fiction. It follows the multigenerational stories of a Korean family in Japan as they grapple with war, identity, and familial bonds.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Reading level: High school and up
The classic and widely popular Amy Tan novel weaves together stories from four families of Chinese women living in San Francisco. The incredibly successful book was adapted into both a feature film and a stage play and continues to reach new audiences more than 30 years after its publication.
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