Exclusion and the Chinese American Story

Race To The Truth

by Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn

Until now, you've only heard one side of the story, but Chinese American history extends far beyond the railroads. Here's the true story of America, from the Chinese American perspective.

If you've learned about the history of Chinese people in America, it was probably about their work on the railroads in the 1800s. But more likely, you may not have learned about it at all. This may make it feel like Chinese immigration is a newer part of this country, but some scholars believe the first immigrant arrived from China 499 CE--one thousand years before Columbus did!

When immigration picked up in the mid-1800s, efforts to ban immigrants from China began swiftly. But hope, strength, and community allowed the Chinese population in America to flourish. From the gold rush and railroads to entrepreneurs, animators, and movie stars, this is the true story of the Chinese American experience.

Genres: History, Middle Grade, Nonfiction, Immigration, Childrens, Grief, Anti Racist

288 pages, Library Binding

Published March 26, 2024

Reviews

[Mai H.]

Non-fiction November TBR

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Books for Young Readers

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you for this digital copy. I was excited to read this when I saw the title. The Exclusion Act also affected the Chinese in the Philippines (where I'm from) because the country was under American rule at that time.

However, I feel like this book focused more on racism and hatred inflicted on the Chinese rather than presenting the facts of this part of the history of Asian Americans. Not many books are written about this Exclusion Act and the book missed the opportunity to be a handy resource when the author injected her own commentaries and personal insights into the narration. The fact that the author also tries to bring in the present events (like COVID) into the text shows the narrative to prove that the same type of racism and bigotry that existed back then still exists today. I do not believe this whatever racism/bigotry or stereotypes that are happening now are of the same level as those that happened back then. Not the same.

If the author wanted to inject the present into her narrative, she could easily say that the Chinese have risen above it by showing excellence in academics (Ivy League admissions can support this), leaders in their communities and industries, and even be free to write books such as these lambasting the same country which assures them of their freedoms.

I am always thankful I was not born and raised in China. Though stereotypes and racism also exist in the Philippines against the Chinese, our resilience and focus helped us transcend these; we can be the better ones than to attack the hand that feeds us.

Many important facts and historical information can still be gleaned from the book, but one needs to weed out the commentaries and the subjectivity found in what could have been a great historical text.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at the racism against the Chinese [from the moment they stepped foot in America] along with other marginalized peoples. Filled with stories and antidotes that will inspire conversation, this book will introduce those [kids and adults alike] to what it was like for those who first came here and what it continues to be like for those communities. At the end of every chapter are questions that will help the reader dive deeper into what they just read and the notes at the end will direct them to even more resources to teach them about the abhorrent practice of judging [and treating horrifically] people simply by the color of their skin or by how they wear their hair, or how they speak.

While there may be better books out there about this very thing, this is a very good jumping off point [though it does get bogged down at times - I would suggest a chapter a day/night and then plenty of discussion about said chapter] and will lead to bigger and deeper conversations and learning.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn, and Random House Children's/Crown Books for Young Readers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central

Blackburn starts this book with a note acknowledging that Chinese American history, and the experience of Chinese Americans, isn't something that is monolithic. Even the identification of being "Chinese American" can pertain to a wide range of people. Still, because of the dire lack of information about this population (which numbers over five million people), it is important to have books like the Race to the Truth series to fill in gaps that racism and prejudice have left in standard history textbooks.

This has an array of stories on a variety of different people and events, and aims to be intersectional and to encourage readers to think critically about history. Starting with the possible (although unlikely) visit of Hui Shen to the North American in 499 CE, and the arrival of Afong May, a woman who was used to advertise imported Chinese goods in the 1800s, we see interesting snippets of history that don't get the attention they deserve. Larger events, like the influx of Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush, and during the building of the railroads, and life in the new Chinatowns in San Francisco and Los Angeles are all covered. There are many interesting historical anecdotes and discussions of what life was like during various periods of history.

There was lots of information presented that I didn't know much about: the reasons why so many Chinese Americans had laundry and food related businesses, the various legislation controlling the number of immigrants, or the way that Chinese Americans were forced to live, and stories of people like Martha Lum and Wong Kim Ark, whose lives were deeply impacted by the mores and laws of the times in which they lived.

This goes up to the present day and the ill treatment of Asian Americans from many different backgrounds in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It fills in needed gaps in a conversational and engaging way. Narrative nonfiction can sometimes be hard a hard sell for middle grade readers, but this definitely moved quickly and was interesting. It would have been nice to see a few more photographs, although there are a few, and a historical photograph on the cover would have been a big plus.

We're starting to see more collective biographies of Asian Americans, like Yang's Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country, and other historical books covering previously hidden history, like Goldstone's Days of Infamy: How a Century of Bigotry Led to Japanese American Internment. It's good to see a variety of these Race to the Truth books penned by authors who share the background of their topics. Exclusion would also be a good nonfiction pairing with fiction text that discuss similar topics surrounding immigration and the Chinese American experience like Shang's The Secret Battle of Evan Pao, Yee's Maizy Chen's Last Chance and Park's Prairie Lotus.

[Sun Shyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Americanhistory #AsianAmerican #OwnVoices

I wish I had this book when I was a child.

Exclusion and the Chinese American story gives readers a whole new perspective and knowledge on the history of Asian American immigration and diaspora that has become inseparable from America's heritage and culture

Our Asian forefathers had braved numerous perils right from immigrating to the shores of American soil , bypassing the infamous Angel Island , the outright and sometimes violent discrimination and racism they were subjected to , the Exclusion Act that barred Chinese from immigrating to USA , the difficulties American born Asians went to secure citizenship.

Even then all is not bad as the grit, resilience and the adaptability of Chinese Americans enabled them to settle and form communtites all across the USA from west coast like SF and LA to NYC on the east coast . Numerous Asian American men and women became influential pioneers and groundbreaking in every field even though they had to fight in a system that was designed for them to lose.

After Ww2 , the racist Chinese Exclusion act was abolished and more educated Chinese immigrated to the usa for golden opportunities as China was caught under the turbulent wave of communism ,rise of Mao Zedong and the devastating Cultural revolution . They and subsequent waves of educated Chinese were deemed to be model minorities -those who could adaptability to American cultural but they had to pay a big price- loss of their own cultural identity. This book explains how model minority ,though innocent sounding actually creates a racial hierarchy that pits racial groups against each other and breeds insecurities as many white and black Americans saw Asian Americans as competition . Model minority myth has to be retired .

Finally we reached the present times , Covid 19 and attacks on Asian Americans as media painted the virus as China peril brought back conversations on the history of Asian Americans and the Korean spa shooting in Atlanta brought to attention stereotypes that still affect Asians today .

The book ends with a note for youth across America to end discrimination and strive for a more racially diverse and equal America where languages and cultures are as American as Apple pie .

EXCLUSION releases 26 March 2024

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

What is the story of Chinese American history told from a Chinese American perspective? In an effort to expand the narrative beyond exclusion, railroad work and the model minority myth, the author brings in lesser-known stories and writes the book she wishes she had when growing up. Central to the mission is a focus on solidarity among historically marginalized people. While the colloquial tone and multiplicity of examples advance the agenda, some poor scholarship, a lack of focus, and and what comes across as a need to control the reader’s takeaway, detract from the laudable ambition. An opening assertion that “[t]oday, some scholars believe a Chinese monk came to western North America and lived among Indigenous Americans 1000 years before Columbus” is shortly followed with “[n]ow, most scholars say this probably never happened.” Thus authorial integrity is undercut, readers are confused and the stage is set for text that covers vast swaths of fascinating, but poorly attributed, history that focuses on assertion and emotion rather than evidence. Readers are repeatedly exhorted to imagine themselves in deeply terrible circumstances without providing historical context that would allow them to understand whether those circumstances were exceptional or par for the course. (Chinese Exclusion was exceptional - sharing a bathroom in a 1921 boarding house was normal.) A final chapter - The Truth Today - explicitly tells the ‘dear reader’ what they remember and insists that having read the book they are part of organizing towards justice. An important topic, rich history and good intentions can’t make up for over-broad focus, insufficient attribution and a desire to direct the reader to a specific conclusion. Backmatter includes resources, bibliography and photo credits.

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exclusion and the Chinese American Story is part of Crown Books for Young Readers’ Race to the Truth series. The series “Tells the true history of America from the perspective of different communities. Each book tells the story of our country from its very beginning to present. These books correct common falsehoods and achievements. They encourage readers to ask questions and approach new information thoughtfully.” Other books in the series include Borderlands and the Mexican American Story; Colonization and the Wampanoag Story; and Slavery and the African American Story.

In the case of Exclusion and the Chinese American Story, author Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn is from a mixed-race Malaysian Chinese and white American family. In her note to readers at the beginning of the book, Blackburn explains how the lack of representation in school lessons made her feel invisible. Though it’s impossible to cover every piece of Chinese American history, Blackburn has focused on “some of the important stories, the lesser-known stories, and the stories that will inspire you to want to learn more.”

And Blackburn has done just that. As readers delve into Exclusion and the Chinese American Story, they’ll gain a greater understanding of the racism and hardships Chinese Americans have faced and continue to encounter.

Blackburn’s writing is clear and conversational. She moves from topic to topic with ease, making it a good choice for older middle readers, ages 10 and up, as well as teens and adults. With lots of black-and-white photographs and an extensive bibliography, Exclusion and the Chinese American Story would make an excellent supplement for public or homeschool classes.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a fair amount about the Chinese American experience, both fiction and factual, but I still learned a lot from EXCLUSION AND THE CHINESE AMERICAN STORY. It gives a solid overview of why Chinese people first emigrated from their homeland to the U.S., how they were treated when they got here, and how some of the stereotypes that formed in the 1800s still persist today. It covers material that is widely known, like how Chinese men were fundamental to building the railroad, how paper sons/daughters entered the U.S., the destruction of Chinatowns, and more, but it also presents stories I had never heard before. I learned about a number of important Chinese American historical figures whose names were not familiar to me at all. Another section I found really interesting was Blackburn's discussion of racial hierarchy and how the Chinese rose and fell within it over the years. Throughout the book, Blackburn urges young readers to picture themselves in the shoes of a Chinese American and imagine how discrimination must have felt. She also provides penetrating questions that encourage kids to think about history and how it relates to the present.

Blackburn's writing style is informal, but not exactly conversational. It kept me engaged. I'm not sure how the average middle-grade reader would fare with it, though.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first reaction, even before reading, was "thank goodness" for a comprehensive nonfiction account of American history that is generally unknown. The author adopts a comfortable and informative voice directly addressing readers, including words of caution about partial or incorrect knowledge, confusions, and previous instruction that needs to be examined and reconsidered in light of our past approach to recording history.
The comprehensive accounts included date back to pre-Columbian visits to North America, and others throughout that are rarely or incorrectly shared in traditional accounts.
The language and text styles are reader-friendly for middle graders in several ways. The topics/featured individuals are presented in manageable text amounts in chronological order, making sense and allowing connections throughout the accounts. The references to historic errors in reporting and revelations of intentional or societally-normed propaganda/racially biased reporting and legal decisions are placed in context but not excused.
Finally, the umbrella concept of EXCLUSION, as relates to Chinese immigrants specifically, but in general, is documented throughout the text and builds a deeper understanding for the current/ongoing issues and intense reactions to the subject of immigration of any kind.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

What is the story of Chinese American history told from a Chinese American perspective? In an effort to expand the narrative beyond exclusion, railroad work and the model minority myth, the author brings in lesser-known stories and writes the book she wishes she had when growing-up. Central to the mission is a focus on solidarity among historically marginalized people. While the colloquial tone and multiplicity of examples advance the agenda, some poor scholarship, a lack of focus, and what comes across as a need to control the reader’s takeaway, detract from the laudable ambition. An opening assertion that ‘[t]oday, some scholars believe’ a Chinese monk came to western North America and lived among Indigenous Americans 1000 years before Columbus is shortly followed with ‘[n]ow, most scholars say this probably never happened.’ Thus, authorial integrity is undercut, readers are confused and the stage is set for text that covers vast swaths of fascinating, but poorly attributed history, focusing on assertion and emotion rather than evidence. Readers are repeatedly exhorted to ‘imagine’ themselves in deeply terrible circumstances without providing historical context that would allow them to understand whether those circumstances were exceptional or par for the course. (Chinese Exclusion was exceptional, sharing a bathroom in a boardinghouse in 1921 was normal.) A final chapter titled The Truth, Today explicitly tells the ‘dear reader’ what they remember, and insists that having read the book they are part of organizing towards justice. An important topic, rich history and good intentions can’t make up for over broad focus, insufficient attribution, and a desire to direct the reader to a specific conclusion. Backmatter includes resources, bibliography and photo credits. While I read this book as an ARC - thanks to Crown and Edelweiss - before reviewing I waited to reread the print version and review the source material.

[Becky McGregor · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't often give bad reviews but this is going to be one. This book had the potential to be so good. It is filled with history that isn't well known and there is the possibility to use facts to teach and broaden horizons. Instead, it is written so informally using words like "most of" and "would have". I love history and when I think of well-written history books I think of Freedom Walkers or Killers of the Flower Moon. After I finish reading this book I don't get the feel this is to educate or bridge any gaps, I feel it is only to insight racism. It falls short in educating to increase knowledge and more on hate. It makes me sad because this book could have done a wonderful job of telling stories that have been buried in history. It just isn't well done find a style of writing and stick to it don't try and be formal and then turn it into a written narrative about why you hate the masses.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blackburn does an incredible job approaching the history of Chinese Americans and their diverse and varied experiences within the American story. While this book is rather long nonfiction, it has enough narrative style to keep things moving and to help us rethink about the way we've learned about Chinese in America across the decades. Their efforts have been more inclusive than just railroads and restaurants. Their struggles to be able to move across borders, own property, attend school, or obtain citizenship have taken a backseat to so many other American legacies, while their contributions have been immense. Blackburn tries to keep the story on-track and well-focused, but gives enough historical background to increase the reader's understanding of the greater story. I came away impressed and ready to learn more.

Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving all the books in the Race to the Truth series and this one is no exception. Through general stories as well as stories of individual people, the reader learns about the history of Chinese people in America and the racism and exclusion that they experienced and are still experiencing today. This book is great for middle grades readers who are interested in history and adults alike. Looking forward to learning more as I read more books in the Race to the Truth series.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Nina Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a great series! This is the first book I’ve read in the Race to the Truth series, which is written for kids to fill in the education gaps about marginalized peoples in history. I learned so much about the history of Asian immigration to the U.S., possibly as early as the year 499, and certainly from the 1800s onward, with waves of merchants, laborers, and professionals. The book and others in the series explore the ongoing struggle against white supremacy. I think this is a crucial read for kids and adults alike, as there is an imperative to empower through knowledge, connect in solidarity, and hold power to account.

[Ricki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad that this book exists. It tells the Chinese American experience from the very beginning---more specifically, from the first moment that a Chinese person came to America and the racism that Chinese Americans have experienced for centuries. The chapters are dense and filled with incredibly important information. I read a chapter each night to help me digest and think about each one of the topics and time periods covered. I especially appreciated the questions at the end of the chapters. This book is important for readers of all ages. 

[Courtney Wai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I identify as Chinese American and this is the book I wish I had when I was a teenager! This book shares the history of Chinese Americans in an accessible yet nuanced way. Blackburn doesn’t shy away from difficult histories and in fact, dives into how Chinese American stories are interwoven with all histories. I highly recommend reading this! It’s illuminating for adults and young readers alike.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really comprehensive, like the Native American story in this series, and I am glad I read it! Like the other one, I'm not sure that a 5/6th grader would read this unless they were very motivated to learn all of it, however. Maybe better for upper middle grades.

[Kevin Koppelmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how these books ask questions throughout the reading. I did feel the author acted as if there is a conspiracy against minorities when in fact racism does exist, but to clump all whites as racist is racist.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Wackydeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that if I still taught, I would have my asian American kids read ASAP. I would love to do a book club with kids on this subject.

Solid first entry from Sarah.

[Mary Jeneverre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the simplicity of understanding history and racism. It's a good beginning to deep dive into learning about how Asian hate is so intense during the pandemic.

[Kevin Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great, really informative, and really easy to pick up and read!

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I learned a lot, but even though it’s a book for a young readers, it still felt overly pedantic at times. Truly, I wonder if this tone would be able to hold the attention of young people.

[Malinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series, and I was very impressed. The author does an excellent job of documenting the laws targeted at limiting the establishment and freedom of Chinese immigrants in the United States. She highlights the lives of specific immigrants as she chronologically traces Chinese American immigration. Her writing style is clear and appropriate for middle grades readers. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.