Coolies

Coolies tells the story of Shek and his younger brother Little Wong, two Chinese immigrants who arrive in California in 1865 and join hundreds of other Chinese laborers in the backbreaking, dangerous work of blasting and laying the tracks of the transcontinental railroad through the Sierra Nevada mountains — work that earned them discrimination, low wages, and little recognition, but that ultimately connected a nation. Inspired by actual events, Yin's powerful narrative and Chris Soentpiet's spectacularly realistic watercolor illustrations give the Chinese railroad workers the dignity, respect, and recognition they have long deserved.

This is an important and beautifully crafted book for students because it illuminates a largely overlooked chapter in American history — the essential contribution of Chinese immigrant workers — making it a vital read for social studies units on immigration, the transcontinental railroad, and Asian American history.

Publishing Details

Author : Yin

Illustrator : Chris Soentpiet

Author Nationality : United States

Physical Details

Type of Book: Picture

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 40

Size: 11.8 x 9.8 inches

Year Published: 2003

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: 2nd

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Historical Fiction

Theme: Asian American, About POC, Social Issues, Social Studies, Immigration