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Coolies
Shek marvels at the new world as he and his brother, Little Wong, arrive in California. Along with hundreds of other workers, the brothers are going to build a great railroad across the West. They plan to save enough money so that their mother and little brothers can join them in America. But as days grow into months, they endure many hardships-exhausting work, discrimination, and treacherous avalanches. Inspired by actual events, this story reveals the harsh truth about life for the Chinese railroad workers in 1865, while celebrating their perseverance and bravery.
40 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
August 31, 2017
The title is an attempt to 'reclaim' the word, much as some people who are gay refer to themselves as Queer, or some Blacks use the "N" word. And in my opinion the book succeeds in discussing the word and the different attitudes behind it, in a story that it not only important but is also engaging and absolutely beautifully illustrated. Highly recommended for ages 7 up, especially families who homeschool.
June 30, 2017
Thrillingly told, beautifully illustrated, and historically important, Yin's picture book recounts the experiences of Chinese laborers on the transcontinental railroad.
The author's note is interesting. It explains that Yin made it into adulthood before learning of this part of history. It speaks to the importance of acknowledging the contributions of all ethnic groups in American history.
The word "coolie" is controversial. Yin uses it occasionally, but clearly prefers the term "Chinese laborers." In the author's note, she mentions that it was used derogatorily. In the text of the book, she implies that the most important thing is acknowledging the Chinese achievements, and that terminology is secondary.
The author's note is interesting. It explains that Yin made it into adulthood before learning of this part of history. It speaks to the importance of acknowledging the contributions of all ethnic groups in American history.
The word "coolie" is controversial. Yin uses it occasionally, but clearly prefers the term "Chinese laborers." In the author's note, she mentions that it was used derogatorily. In the text of the book, she implies that the most important thing is acknowledging the Chinese achievements, and that terminology is secondary.
May 13, 2010
This is a beautiful picture book that tells the story of two brothers who leave China to come to America to work on the transcontinental railroad. The illustrations by award-winning artist Chris Soentpiet are spectacular and filled with detail. Yin does not hesitate to show the discrimination and danger faced by these brothers, but the heart of the story is the commitment of the brothers to each other and to their family in China. This is a wonderful introduction to a neglected part of American history and the role that Chinese Americans played in the building of this country.
February 26, 2012
Coolies tells the story of two Chinese brothers who journey to the United States in the 1850s to seek out work, since rebellion and hard times in China have made it hard to find work. Once in the U.S., the two brothers, Shek and his younger brother Wong, find work working for the Central Pacific Railroad, who is in the process of building the transcontinental railroad. The story of the brothers shows what it is like to work on the railroad, doing backbreaking labor twelve hours a day in extreme heat and cold, laying dynamite and building trestles--all very dangerous work. Moreover, Shek, Wong and the other Chinese workers are discriminated against by the white railroad workers, who think that the Chinese are weak and do not deserve to be paid as much as other laborers. Although the story ends on a happy note for Shek and Wong, since they are able to bring the rest of their family over from China, their tale accurately describes the hardships of being a Chinese immigrant in the United States.
Chris Soentpiet's illustrations in this book are beautiful! Every page is like a painting that demonstrates an exceptional understanding of lighting and composition. The emotions Soentpiet is able to capture in the faces of the characters is especially impressive. Each picture is detailed and has many things going on that the reader needs to take time to absorb properly.
This book is best suited for grades 3-5, but could be used in the lower middle school grades (6-7) if it were part of a unit focused on discrimination or immigration. In particular, Coolies , which is named for the racial slur directed at Chinese immigrants in the 1850s, would be a good addition to a unit focused on discrimination against Asian immigrants, or how much of America was built on the backs of immigrants without proper credit. A brief attempt at a labor strike in the book in order to achieve equal pay could be compared to the story of Cesar Chavez and his similar fight for equality for Latino immigrants working the fields of California.
Chris Soentpiet's illustrations in this book are beautiful! Every page is like a painting that demonstrates an exceptional understanding of lighting and composition. The emotions Soentpiet is able to capture in the faces of the characters is especially impressive. Each picture is detailed and has many things going on that the reader needs to take time to absorb properly.
This book is best suited for grades 3-5, but could be used in the lower middle school grades (6-7) if it were part of a unit focused on discrimination or immigration. In particular, Coolies , which is named for the racial slur directed at Chinese immigrants in the 1850s, would be a good addition to a unit focused on discrimination against Asian immigrants, or how much of America was built on the backs of immigrants without proper credit. A brief attempt at a labor strike in the book in order to achieve equal pay could be compared to the story of Cesar Chavez and his similar fight for equality for Latino immigrants working the fields of California.
January 31, 2019
If you're learning about the Transcontinental Railroad, you'll want to include this book in your reading list. Told from the perspective of two Chinese boys, you'll learn about the hardships many endured to bring about the completion of the railroad line across America.
Ages: 5 - 10
Cleanliness: mentions ancestry worship/remembrance twice.
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Ages: 5 - 10
Cleanliness: mentions ancestry worship/remembrance twice.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
April 10, 2021
Reading this aloud to my 6 y.o. (as an extra book for Sonlight's K homeschool curriculum), I found myself lost in the (fictional) story of two brothers working on the Transcontinental Railroad. The story is rooted in historical fact and draws you in. I felt like I was there with the boys, feeling their triumphs and trials. Great writing and the illustrations add to the meaning too. Highly recommend for children learning about the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, American history, or Chinese history. It's a beautiful blend of cultures and all that entails.
December 26, 2015
Coolies, written by Yin and illustrated by Chris Soentpiet, is the story of two Chinese brothers, Shek and Wong, who leave their family in China to work in America as laborers for the transcontinental railroad. The story, which highlights the struggles of these railroad laborers, as they fought physical exhaustion, demanding and unfair supervisors and the dangerous working conditions. The brothers manage to stay together to see the completion of the transcontinental railroad and eventually settle in San Francisco, CA and send for their family in China.
Yin brings the history of Chinese immigration and the building of the transcontinental railroad to students by focusing on one family’s experience. This story is made more accessible to students from the 21st Century because it is told from the perspective of a family history story. Most students will can related to older relatives telling stories about ancestors. In fact, this very personal link to history can be the hook students need to engage in the historical studies.
Chris Soentpiet’s pictures capture the reader’s attention and convey the untold emotional mood of the book. We see the warmth of the grandmother as she talks of her grandson, we see the sadness of a mother sending her sons to a foreign land and we can see (and almost hear) the anger and intimidation in the railroad officials faces. The use of light in his paintings draw our attention to the faces and emotions of the stories. The bright sunlight bleaches out the faces of the workers and conveys the scorching work conditions. The soft firelight of the campfire softens the worker’s faces and makes us feel that they are at home with each other in the firelight.
Historical fiction offers opportunities to widen student perspectives about the events and people of different time periods. The story of Chinese immigration in the early to mid-1800 is part of the westward expansion category. No unit about Chinese immigration to America would be complete without this award winner.
Coolies list of awards and honors includes, the Junior Library Guild Selection 2001, the Parent's Choice Gold Award 2001, the Children's Literature Choice Book, the American Library Association Notable Books 2002 and the International Reading Association Children's Book of the Year 2002.
Yin brings the history of Chinese immigration and the building of the transcontinental railroad to students by focusing on one family’s experience. This story is made more accessible to students from the 21st Century because it is told from the perspective of a family history story. Most students will can related to older relatives telling stories about ancestors. In fact, this very personal link to history can be the hook students need to engage in the historical studies.
Chris Soentpiet’s pictures capture the reader’s attention and convey the untold emotional mood of the book. We see the warmth of the grandmother as she talks of her grandson, we see the sadness of a mother sending her sons to a foreign land and we can see (and almost hear) the anger and intimidation in the railroad officials faces. The use of light in his paintings draw our attention to the faces and emotions of the stories. The bright sunlight bleaches out the faces of the workers and conveys the scorching work conditions. The soft firelight of the campfire softens the worker’s faces and makes us feel that they are at home with each other in the firelight.
Historical fiction offers opportunities to widen student perspectives about the events and people of different time periods. The story of Chinese immigration in the early to mid-1800 is part of the westward expansion category. No unit about Chinese immigration to America would be complete without this award winner.
Coolies list of awards and honors includes, the Junior Library Guild Selection 2001, the Parent's Choice Gold Award 2001, the Children's Literature Choice Book, the American Library Association Notable Books 2002 and the International Reading Association Children's Book of the Year 2002.
May 29, 2012
What an amazing piece of work!!! I particularly had not known much of the Chinese involvement in the construction of the transcontinental railroad nor the way that they had been treated during this era.
In this picture book, appropriately geared for middle-school readers, a young Chinese boy learns of the experiences and successes of his great-great-great grandfather and brother who played a crucial role in the construction of the American railroad, along with other fellow Chinese laborers. Along the way, the young Chinese boy discovers that his family had endured mistreatment and suffering, yet through it all arrived at "the land of opportunity."
The setting of the story played an especially important role in the reader's view of life for the Chinese during the mid-1800s era. The plot of this story allows the reader to become familiar with the historical event of this era which may be less familiar to that of one outside of the Chinese culture. The characters were authentically created through cultural identity and illustration and were consistent with the time period. There are many significant themes explored throughout this picture book: oppression, the importance of family, the importance of loyalty, faith, and honor, etc.
Great read!
In this picture book, appropriately geared for middle-school readers, a young Chinese boy learns of the experiences and successes of his great-great-great grandfather and brother who played a crucial role in the construction of the American railroad, along with other fellow Chinese laborers. Along the way, the young Chinese boy discovers that his family had endured mistreatment and suffering, yet through it all arrived at "the land of opportunity."
The setting of the story played an especially important role in the reader's view of life for the Chinese during the mid-1800s era. The plot of this story allows the reader to become familiar with the historical event of this era which may be less familiar to that of one outside of the Chinese culture. The characters were authentically created through cultural identity and illustration and were consistent with the time period. There are many significant themes explored throughout this picture book: oppression, the importance of family, the importance of loyalty, faith, and honor, etc.
Great read!
February 8, 2012
This is about two brothers who travel from China to America to build the railroad leading from the west. It does an excellent job of portraying the hardships they faced. I especially liked the ilustrations.
November 11, 2021
Coolies by Yin, illustrated by Chris Soentpiet
Published: 2001
Winner of Children’s Literature Choice Book
In my search for a historical fiction picture book, I wanted to find a story that is new to me and might be used to support students in their studies about a particular moment in history. Children’s Books in Children’s Hands suggests Coolies by Yin as an appropriate story for older elementary children as it discusses the discrimination and harsh conditions Chinese immigrants endured while building the transcontinental railroad. This major undertaking brought a wealth of change and opportunities in America, and its impact on American culture and economy is taught in classrooms of all ages. However, I had not yet heard the perspective of the Chinese laborers who helped to build the railroad. Coolies follows the story of two brothers in the mid-1800s who travel to America in search of work and money to send home to their family in China.
The story of the two brothers Shek and Wong is told through the voice of Paw Paw, the grandmother of a boy wanting to understand her celebration of honoring her ancestors. Through Paw Paw’s present day narration, readers travel back in time to China in the mid-1800s and learn of the people’s rebellion against the Chinese government. The result of this rebellion brought widespread famine and loss of work, forcing Shek and Wong’s family to send the boys to America to work as laborers for the transcontinental railroad system. Shek and Wong travel two months on a crowded ship before reaching San Francisco, “the land of opportunity.” The brothers find work immediately with the Central Pacific Railroad Company building tracks east to eventually connect with the Union Pacific Railroad. Though they were thrilled to have work, their bosses did not think the Chinese immigrants were fit to handle this hard labor. The bosses name-called them “coolies,” laughing at their long braided hairstyles, straw sun hats and “pajama-like clothing.” Aware of their laughter, the laborers continued to work hard and endure the dangerous conditions of building through dry desert and exploding dynamite through the mountains. At a point in their journey, Shek looks at his work with pride and admiration, “someday our family will see our great accomplishment.” His pride is weakened again with the news that other, non-Chinese railroad laborers were paid more for their work. Speaking little English, they felt helpless against the discrimination. The Chinese laborers learned to chant “Equal pay, equal hours!” which resulted in less food and threats of losing their work. As a group, the laborers remembered why they had come to America and they decided to submit to the unjust working conditions and less pay. When the men finally made it to Promontory Summit, Utah, there was a big celebration that the Chinese laborers were not invited to attend.
The text is displayed on the illustrations that cover each page. The illustrator Chris Soentpiet wanted to accurately represent Shek and Wong, and their home in China as well as their travels to America and experiences on the railroad. In his effort to create paintings that show their historical setting, he traveled to Utah and to China after studying more about this period in time. His paintings are realistic, accurately portraying the Chinese laborers dress and hair and harsh working conditions. The facial expressions of the laborers express pride and community when gathering for meals at night. Though they also express fear and worry when confronted by their demeaning white bosses. The realistic illustrations show the story’s historical setting and assist in telling the story of Shek and Wong’s journey. One painting in particular shows the community and pride among the laborers as they gather around a favorite Cantonese meal after a long day of work. Their faces glow in the campfire as they eat together at their campsite. Another illustration captures the impressive structure of the railroad with Shek admiring his work. This picture supports Shek’s pride and tells more than words can by showing the grandeur of the railroad along the mountainside. The final illustration shows the brothers’ joy in their growing new community in Chinatown within San Francisco.
Coolies reading level measures at AD870 Lexile. This means that it is more appropriate to be read as a teacher read aloud rather than independently read by a child. I agree that younger students and early readers would benefit from listening and viewing the story to best understand Shek and Wong’s reasons for leaving China and the opportunities they sought in America. Upper elementary and middle grade readers would benefit from pre-reading lessons about the transcontinental railroad and the American dream. I would suggest this picture book for language arts and social studies classes and pair it with other immigrant stories around 1865. This would be a great opportunity to compare stories and experiences. Coolies realistically shows the bigotry and unjust working conditions endured by Chinese laborers, and it gives a voice to their unheard story: “Call us what you will, it is our hands that helped build the railroad.”
Published: 2001
Winner of Children’s Literature Choice Book
In my search for a historical fiction picture book, I wanted to find a story that is new to me and might be used to support students in their studies about a particular moment in history. Children’s Books in Children’s Hands suggests Coolies by Yin as an appropriate story for older elementary children as it discusses the discrimination and harsh conditions Chinese immigrants endured while building the transcontinental railroad. This major undertaking brought a wealth of change and opportunities in America, and its impact on American culture and economy is taught in classrooms of all ages. However, I had not yet heard the perspective of the Chinese laborers who helped to build the railroad. Coolies follows the story of two brothers in the mid-1800s who travel to America in search of work and money to send home to their family in China.
The story of the two brothers Shek and Wong is told through the voice of Paw Paw, the grandmother of a boy wanting to understand her celebration of honoring her ancestors. Through Paw Paw’s present day narration, readers travel back in time to China in the mid-1800s and learn of the people’s rebellion against the Chinese government. The result of this rebellion brought widespread famine and loss of work, forcing Shek and Wong’s family to send the boys to America to work as laborers for the transcontinental railroad system. Shek and Wong travel two months on a crowded ship before reaching San Francisco, “the land of opportunity.” The brothers find work immediately with the Central Pacific Railroad Company building tracks east to eventually connect with the Union Pacific Railroad. Though they were thrilled to have work, their bosses did not think the Chinese immigrants were fit to handle this hard labor. The bosses name-called them “coolies,” laughing at their long braided hairstyles, straw sun hats and “pajama-like clothing.” Aware of their laughter, the laborers continued to work hard and endure the dangerous conditions of building through dry desert and exploding dynamite through the mountains. At a point in their journey, Shek looks at his work with pride and admiration, “someday our family will see our great accomplishment.” His pride is weakened again with the news that other, non-Chinese railroad laborers were paid more for their work. Speaking little English, they felt helpless against the discrimination. The Chinese laborers learned to chant “Equal pay, equal hours!” which resulted in less food and threats of losing their work. As a group, the laborers remembered why they had come to America and they decided to submit to the unjust working conditions and less pay. When the men finally made it to Promontory Summit, Utah, there was a big celebration that the Chinese laborers were not invited to attend.
The text is displayed on the illustrations that cover each page. The illustrator Chris Soentpiet wanted to accurately represent Shek and Wong, and their home in China as well as their travels to America and experiences on the railroad. In his effort to create paintings that show their historical setting, he traveled to Utah and to China after studying more about this period in time. His paintings are realistic, accurately portraying the Chinese laborers dress and hair and harsh working conditions. The facial expressions of the laborers express pride and community when gathering for meals at night. Though they also express fear and worry when confronted by their demeaning white bosses. The realistic illustrations show the story’s historical setting and assist in telling the story of Shek and Wong’s journey. One painting in particular shows the community and pride among the laborers as they gather around a favorite Cantonese meal after a long day of work. Their faces glow in the campfire as they eat together at their campsite. Another illustration captures the impressive structure of the railroad with Shek admiring his work. This picture supports Shek’s pride and tells more than words can by showing the grandeur of the railroad along the mountainside. The final illustration shows the brothers’ joy in their growing new community in Chinatown within San Francisco.
Coolies reading level measures at AD870 Lexile. This means that it is more appropriate to be read as a teacher read aloud rather than independently read by a child. I agree that younger students and early readers would benefit from listening and viewing the story to best understand Shek and Wong’s reasons for leaving China and the opportunities they sought in America. Upper elementary and middle grade readers would benefit from pre-reading lessons about the transcontinental railroad and the American dream. I would suggest this picture book for language arts and social studies classes and pair it with other immigrant stories around 1865. This would be a great opportunity to compare stories and experiences. Coolies realistically shows the bigotry and unjust working conditions endured by Chinese laborers, and it gives a voice to their unheard story: “Call us what you will, it is our hands that helped build the railroad.”
September 18, 2023
Before anyone on the LEFT cancels this book for the title, they should read the author's note. The Chinese workers reclaimed the derogatory term as a source of pride in their hard work.
This picture book for older readers is #OwnVoices because the author was never taught her own history in school. She had to seek it out on her own. That's exactly why books like this are so important.
The story is framed by a contemporary narrative. A young boy and his grandmother are participating in a spring festival to honor their dead ancestors, including the grandmother's great-grandfather, Shen, who was among the Chinese workers who build the Transcontinental railroad. The grandmother shares that story with her grandson. Yes there was racism which meant the Chinese workers endured terrible conditions, an attempt at a strike was shot down quickly and workers died. Still, they took pride in their hard work and accomplishment.
Backmatter includes author's note and bibliography.
The story was not entirely unknown to me but it filled in some of the gaps in my knowledge and humanized it by making the story from the POV of two boys. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen to them next and if the little brother would survive. The illustrations are the most lifelike, realistic non-digital ones I've ever seen. Gorgeous!
Recommended for older kids.
This picture book for older readers is #OwnVoices because the author was never taught her own history in school. She had to seek it out on her own. That's exactly why books like this are so important.
The story is framed by a contemporary narrative. A young boy and his grandmother are participating in a spring festival to honor their dead ancestors, including the grandmother's great-grandfather, Shen, who was among the Chinese workers who build the Transcontinental railroad. The grandmother shares that story with her grandson. Yes there was racism which meant the Chinese workers endured terrible conditions, an attempt at a strike was shot down quickly and workers died. Still, they took pride in their hard work and accomplishment.
Backmatter includes author's note and bibliography.
The story was not entirely unknown to me but it filled in some of the gaps in my knowledge and humanized it by making the story from the POV of two boys. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen to them next and if the little brother would survive. The illustrations are the most lifelike, realistic non-digital ones I've ever seen. Gorgeous!
Recommended for older kids.
January 31, 2023
I really liked the book it was very educational. I liked how it was relatable to history and how it explained a lot that was or has happened in the past. I liked that it showed brotherhood and how close the boys were I liked how they showed that with teamwork they all helped find the brother and they stood together when they wanted to have equal rights and equal pay. I liked how it also gave information on the history of the title of the book and explained why it was called coolies. As a teacher, I would use this book in a classroom when I would talk about equality and how if we show that standing up for each other and working together then that is was it's all about. I also would use this book if I was teaching a history lesson. I think students would understand the history part as well even if it was used as a hook to start talking about the history of the book.
April 7, 2020
Coolies by Yin
I honestly think I truly loved this book. This is a beautiful story that describes what many Chinese immigrants experienced when they first came to America to work on the Transcontinental railroad during the 1800's.
The story is told from the perspective of a grandmother who teaches her grandchild about their ancestors and the sacrifices they made in the past to provide a better life for them. This is a wonderful introduction to a neglected part of American history and the role that Chinese Americans played in the building of this country. The illustrations are so beautiful and bold they really capture the culture. It seems as though they are in oils. Recommend for adult readers.
I honestly think I truly loved this book. This is a beautiful story that describes what many Chinese immigrants experienced when they first came to America to work on the Transcontinental railroad during the 1800's.
The story is told from the perspective of a grandmother who teaches her grandchild about their ancestors and the sacrifices they made in the past to provide a better life for them. This is a wonderful introduction to a neglected part of American history and the role that Chinese Americans played in the building of this country. The illustrations are so beautiful and bold they really capture the culture. It seems as though they are in oils. Recommend for adult readers.
April 8, 2020
This book was amazing the cover of it does not began to explain the bond of brothers that is contained within. From the beginning of the book you see the little hardships that a boy ad his brother face as they enter in America. The trouble evolves though as the story moves on and the two brothers soon realize that they are the only ones that they have. This story shows the dark history of what working on the railroad was like and the illustrations are very key in this just by the lighting on every page from the graphic body language that is portrayed. This book touches on several key points but the most important one to me is that you will always have your sibling. I would use this book for 4th to 5th grade classrooms.
March 22, 2022
I was too old for this book when it came out, but when I saw a copy at the Friends of the Library sale, snagged it for future kids so they can learn about our history. I'd say maybe ages 5-8, a picture book take on the Transcontinental Railroad through the eyes of two brothers who worked as the titular coolies through the Sierra Nevadas on the Central Pacific portion. The work was hard and dangerous, with Chinese laborers paid at a lower rate for longer hours. Beautiful painted illustrations play with light.
September 23, 2017
A great book to share the story of Chinese laborers on the transcontinental railroad. Often, this a piece of history that is not shared, or it is briefly spoken about in classrooms. This book is a great tool to bring to classrooms and homes so that students can learn about the discrimination that hard-working Chinese men (and women) had to face.
November 1, 2017
This story is about two Chinese boys went to United States for working. At that time, there was a rebellion happened in China, lots of people died of hunger. That's why they wanted to find work. The illustration in this book is really good. I can see lots of people in each pictures, each person has different expression and details.
May 28, 2018
This is such a beautiful book. It's partly historical fiction, a story based on actual facts about the Chinese men who came across the ocean to America to work. The story focuses on two brothers who suffered injustices along with the many others, and yet managed to send money home to their parents and siblings.
The illustrations are AMAZING!
The illustrations are AMAZING!
February 6, 2024
While this story is fiction, it is based on the thousands of Chinese immigrants who worked on the Transcontinental Railroad in the 1800s. Incredible artwork helps tell the story of the conditions and work ethic of these people who came to work to keep their families back in China from starving. Incredible story.
April 9, 2019
Wonderful artwork and a faithful telling for children of the plight of Chinese railroad workers. Perfect gateway into Ching Ming Festival in April and Asian Pacific Island American Heritage Month in May.
June 8, 2021
Beautifully illustrated picture book about the Chinese laborers of the transcontinental railroad in the US. The brutal treatment two brothers received is juxtaposed by their love and care for each other.
November 20, 2021
11/19/2021 ~ Powerful book with a part of history that isn't often acknowledged. Though it's nearly 20 years old, I certainly hope it stays in print. I read this book with a group of 5th graders this week and they were captivated by the illustrations and injustices.
May 26, 2022
Beautiful art. History at its best. Based on actual events, two brothers build the Transcontinental railroad despite intense hardship and racism. I appreciate having this small window into the lives of the Chinese workers.
June 5, 2023
It's a look at what the Chinese workers went through building the railroad, and how people saw America as a land that they could grow their fortune within. It is written in simple language and is easy for children to understand.
June 21, 2023
This is an important book but I found the tone vacillated between light and somber, so it was difficult for it to feel as cohesive for me. It is probably a good introduction for kids who don't have any knowledge of the subject matter but I found it lacking as much background as I would have liked.
November 7, 2017
This picture book is a great introduction to the plight of Chinese immigrants who came to work on the transcontinental railroad in the 1800s.
June 13, 2017
A historical fiction book that leaves a bad taste in your mouth, but also leaves you impressed with the strength people endure. Not an easy ready because of the emotion it stirs, but worth it.
December 27, 2017
Engrossing account of how Chinese immigrants helped build the railroads. Lots of text, so better for upper elementary and middle school readers.
June 5, 2018
Chinese immigrants move to California to work on building the Transcontinental Railroad.
October 22, 2018
A lovely story looking at the past that brought us to the present.
Beautiful art and message of knowing what you've done, even if it isn't acknowledged.
Enjoy!
Beautiful art and message of knowing what you've done, even if it isn't acknowledged.
Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews