Coolies by Yin

A story from the transcontinental railroad, told from the Chinese worker's perspective.
*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting this website by clicking.*

Resource: picture book, fiction
Time: mid 1800s
Place: America

Summary:
A grandmother tells the story of her great-grandfather and his brother to her grandson at the Ching Ming festival.  Shek and Wong came to America to work so they could send money back to their family in China, who were suffering.  They worked on the railroad. The book details the long days, dangers, and discrimination.  When the railroad was finished the two brothers settled in San Francisco and sent back to China for their family.  The book ends with grandmother and grandson remembering their ancestors together. At the end of the book there is an Author's Note about the history of the Chinese workers and a bibliography.  The book is illustrated in full color by Chris Soentpiet.


Potentially Objectionable Content:
none

Reading Level: grade 2 - 4
Lexile Measure: 660L
Guided Reading Level: N


Format Links
Book

Additional Resources:

Find this book and other suggestions from this time period on the History Magpie Timeline.