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Brothers
When Ming arrives in San Francisco after the long boat journey from China, his older brothers waste no time warning "Chinese should not go outside Chinatown." But Ming risks doing just that, and when he meets Patrick, he knows the young Irish boy has a kind heart, and begins a remarkable friendship that brings their two very different communities together. Illustrated in Chris Soentpiet's richly detailed watercolor paintings, this long-awaited follow-up to the award-winning Coolies helps to tell the precious, rare story of the first Chinese immigrants and their pursuit of the American Dream.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 19, 2010
Brothers tells the story of Ming, a young boy who has just arrived in San Francisco from China to live with his brother, Shek. Shek runs a grocery store in Chinatown where Ming works while his brother earns extra money farming. Ming has been warned not to leave the store, because, as his brother says, ‘Chinese should not go outside Chinatown’. Many customers do not visit the store because of money, so one day, Ming defies his brother and go exploring past Stockton Street. He comes across a school, where he becomes friends with Patrick, a young boy from Ireland. The two form a close friendship, and Patrick begins to teach Ming English, which in turn helps him to promote business in his brother’s grocery store.
Students in second to fourth grade would enjoy this book as a read aloud, however, it could be used in upper grade classrooms as well because of the historical context. Upper level students could discuss immigration, the transcontinental railroad, or discrimination. Ming is an immigrant in the mid 1800s trying to find his place in a new country. The story is fictional, but the author includes historical information in the back of the book regarding the development of Chinatown, as well as Chinese and Irish immigration to America. The paintings of Chris Soentpiet enhance the story; the emotions created on the characters faces are incredibly realistic. Detailed images accompany the text, truly bringing the story to life. This book would work well paired with Crossing Bok Chitto by Tim Tingle, if used in a unit on friendship. It also could be paired with the picture book The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi, which tells the story of a young immigrant’s experience in America. This is a sequel to the picture book Coolies, which focuses on Ming's brothers' experience working on the transcontinental railroad, both books could be used together in a unit focusing on immigration.
Students in second to fourth grade would enjoy this book as a read aloud, however, it could be used in upper grade classrooms as well because of the historical context. Upper level students could discuss immigration, the transcontinental railroad, or discrimination. Ming is an immigrant in the mid 1800s trying to find his place in a new country. The story is fictional, but the author includes historical information in the back of the book regarding the development of Chinatown, as well as Chinese and Irish immigration to America. The paintings of Chris Soentpiet enhance the story; the emotions created on the characters faces are incredibly realistic. Detailed images accompany the text, truly bringing the story to life. This book would work well paired with Crossing Bok Chitto by Tim Tingle, if used in a unit on friendship. It also could be paired with the picture book The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi, which tells the story of a young immigrant’s experience in America. This is a sequel to the picture book Coolies, which focuses on Ming's brothers' experience working on the transcontinental railroad, both books could be used together in a unit focusing on immigration.
January 10, 2009
This was a nice book, but did not have the dramatic tension that Yin's other book Coolies had. I didn't feel it pulled me through as much. But I loved the illustrations, and it would make a nice introduction to life in San Francisco in the late 1800s.
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November 5, 2020Oh god, I have such mixed feelings about this book.
Young Ming arrives in San Francisco from China. One of his brothers is off working on the railroad, so he has only his brother Shek for companionship as they work at a general store in Chinatown.
Shek is often off working as a farm laborer, though, leaving Ming alone to manage the store. At one point, Ming sneaks beyond the bounds of Chinatown -- and is befriended by a young Irish boy, Patrick.
I shipped them immediately ("Suddenly, I feel a tap on my shoulder. This boy with brown hair and eyes the color of the bright sky surprises me."), and I really appreciated Patrick's family welcoming Ming.
We learn casually that Patrick's family fled the Famine and that Patrick's father has also worked on the railroad. The similarities between the families' situations is made explicit in the text (and the history is elaborated somewhat in brief backmatter) but not belabored..
Patrick teaches Ming English.
Ming and Shek's store is failing because Chinese customers have so little money to spend.
Young Ming arrives in San Francisco from China. One of his brothers is off working on the railroad, so he has only his brother Shek for companionship as they work at a general store in Chinatown.
Shek is often off working as a farm laborer, though, leaving Ming alone to manage the store. At one point, Ming sneaks beyond the bounds of Chinatown -- and is befriended by a young Irish boy, Patrick.
I shipped them immediately ("Suddenly, I feel a tap on my shoulder. This boy with brown hair and eyes the color of the bright sky surprises me."), and I really appreciated Patrick's family welcoming Ming.
We learn casually that Patrick's family fled the Famine and that Patrick's father has also worked on the railroad. The similarities between the families' situations is made explicit in the text (and the history is elaborated somewhat in brief backmatter) but not belabored..
Patrick teaches Ming English.
Ming and Shek's store is failing because Chinese customers have so little money to spend.
July 18, 2010
APALA HONORABLE MENTION FOR ILLUSTRATION IN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE (2007)
Format: Picture book
Age level: Upper elementary
Protagonist: Ming, a young boy from China
Review:
This story takes place during the mid to late 1800s. It revolves around the arrival of Ming, a young boy from China, in San Francisco. He has come to help his older brother, Shek, run his store. Ming does not speak English but is still able to become friends with an Irish boy named Patrick. Although a concern at first, their friendship proves to be beneficial to not only them but to Ming's family as well.
This is a very sweet and moving story about the power of friendship and the ability to overlook racial differences. Insight is also gained into the thoughts and fears of Chinese immigrants in California.
Although I really enjoyed the story itself, I would have to say the illustrations are what pushes it to five stars. They are extremely detailed and truly transport you to 1800s San Francisco. The pictures are colorful but in a more subtle way; the colors don't assault your eyes. The ability of the illustrator to show emotions and movement add to the feeling of being part of the story.
This book would be wonderful to share with students to discuss friendship and could be paired with Crossing Bok Chitto. It could also lend itself to discussion on discrimination, immigration, and the trans-continental railroad.
Format: Picture book
Age level: Upper elementary
Protagonist: Ming, a young boy from China
Review:
This story takes place during the mid to late 1800s. It revolves around the arrival of Ming, a young boy from China, in San Francisco. He has come to help his older brother, Shek, run his store. Ming does not speak English but is still able to become friends with an Irish boy named Patrick. Although a concern at first, their friendship proves to be beneficial to not only them but to Ming's family as well.
This is a very sweet and moving story about the power of friendship and the ability to overlook racial differences. Insight is also gained into the thoughts and fears of Chinese immigrants in California.
Although I really enjoyed the story itself, I would have to say the illustrations are what pushes it to five stars. They are extremely detailed and truly transport you to 1800s San Francisco. The pictures are colorful but in a more subtle way; the colors don't assault your eyes. The ability of the illustrator to show emotions and movement add to the feeling of being part of the story.
This book would be wonderful to share with students to discuss friendship and could be paired with Crossing Bok Chitto. It could also lend itself to discussion on discrimination, immigration, and the trans-continental railroad.
June 20, 2017
This book made me cry and gave me snuggly feelies and made me want to hug my best friend and also have a blonde son be friends with a Chinese kid, haha! I loved this book and oh my word--Chris Soentpiet's illustrations for a children's book are the BEST I have ever seen!! So beautiful and detailed and rich and REAL. Fantastic story about immigration and overcoming racism with friendship. Highly recommend.
July 5, 2017
Shows how family-we-choose can be as strong as family-of-blood AND how a kind heart can make a difference in a big way.
The story is told from Ming's point of view. It's is Ming's courage and Patrick's kindness that make this story one that any of us can learn from.
The story is told from Ming's point of view. It's is Ming's courage and Patrick's kindness that make this story one that any of us can learn from.
July 1, 2018
A feel-good story about Chinese and Irish immigrants to the U.S. in the 1800s forming a friendship despite the forces of racism and bigotry, with the caveat that assimilation seems to save the day in the end.
September 27, 2017
Arriving in San Francisco, Ming does not like being confined to China town. When he ventures out he finds #friends #language and #people.
August 30, 2021
Sweet sweet sequel to Coolies. The artwork is beautiful and the story a lovely reminder of the value of multicultural friendships.
November 17, 2025
two kids just trying to survive as immigrants in America
February 28, 2012
Ming, a middle-school aged boy arrives in American from China to be with his older brothers who made their journey to America when Ming was just a little boy. The story takes place in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the mid-1800s. Ming’s older brother, Shek, runs a general store and his other brother Wong is away working for the railroad. This is a difficult time for the boys and everyone needs to work hard. When Ming arrives, his older brother assigns him to work at the store while he gets additional work at local farms. It is mentioned several times how disappointed Ming is that he does not get to see his brother Wong, who is far away, helping to build the railroads. As time passes and Ming works at the store, he begins to feel lonely and sad with both brothers gone and no one to talk to. The store is seldom frequented by customers because many people are away from home, like his brother Wong, building railroads. In addition, because the store is located in Chinatown, people from other neighborhoods typically don’t shop there. Eventually, against his brother’s instructions, Ming leaves Chinatown to explore the city and he quickly meets and befriends an Irish boy. It’s because of this unique and special friendship that things improve in the store and also for Ming. This is a story about reaching out to people who are different from us and persevering when times are difficult.
The age range recommended by Kirkus Reviews is 6 through 9 and Booklist recommends it for grades 2 through 4. Illustrator Chris Soentpiet used warm, golden earth tones and created detailed paintings of what life must have been like during this time in our history. The pictures cover both pages of the large, rectangular book and the story is written on the far left.
The last page of the book offers information on the history and development of Chinatown, the emigration of Irish and Chinese people and how they helped to build our railroads. One interesting thing to note is that the author mentions that Chinatown was “nothing more than a ghetto” yet the illustrations in this book make it look pristine.
The age range recommended by Kirkus Reviews is 6 through 9 and Booklist recommends it for grades 2 through 4. Illustrator Chris Soentpiet used warm, golden earth tones and created detailed paintings of what life must have been like during this time in our history. The pictures cover both pages of the large, rectangular book and the story is written on the far left.
The last page of the book offers information on the history and development of Chinatown, the emigration of Irish and Chinese people and how they helped to build our railroads. One interesting thing to note is that the author mentions that Chinatown was “nothing more than a ghetto” yet the illustrations in this book make it look pristine.
November 8, 2011
“Brothers” is the story of a boy named Ming who travels to San Francisco to live with his brother.
I liked this story. The story is historical fiction based on research.
The book is set in Chinatown in the late 1800s. Writer, Yin, uses many phrases to inform the reader of the time period. For example, “Shek hoists buckets of hot water on a long wooden pole over his shoulder and pours them into a tub.” Additionally, Ming describes “being at sea for over a month” finally arriving in America. These descriptions are indicative of a time long ago. Children from other countries do not travel alone on a ship when coming to America today they travel by plane. Also, today we have running water there is no need to heat buckets of water for a bath.
I am sure in developing the character of Ming writer Yin must have speculated about what it would feel like to be a lone child in a strange country. Ming had family but was left alone most of the time.
The main character in the story is Ming. Ming is lonely and longs for a friend. He eventually finds one in Patrick. The relationship between the two boys is beautifully developed by Yin. Ming is told to never venture out of Chinatown but he does and when he does he meets Patrick.
Yin writes about how Ming feels when he meets Patrick’s family for the first time. These are completely real and relatable feelings that the reader can understand. Yin also describes Ming’s sense of loneliness. Anyone who has ever gone alone to a place they have never been before can relate to Ming’s feelings.
My rating for this book is four stars. I think children will like the characters of Patrick and Ming. The book is about taking chances, being courageous, and going outside your comfort zone. Teachers can use this book as a catalyst to a discussion of Chinese history in the United States, e.g. when did Chinese Americans first begin immigrating to the U.S., etc.
I liked this story. The story is historical fiction based on research.
The book is set in Chinatown in the late 1800s. Writer, Yin, uses many phrases to inform the reader of the time period. For example, “Shek hoists buckets of hot water on a long wooden pole over his shoulder and pours them into a tub.” Additionally, Ming describes “being at sea for over a month” finally arriving in America. These descriptions are indicative of a time long ago. Children from other countries do not travel alone on a ship when coming to America today they travel by plane. Also, today we have running water there is no need to heat buckets of water for a bath.
I am sure in developing the character of Ming writer Yin must have speculated about what it would feel like to be a lone child in a strange country. Ming had family but was left alone most of the time.
The main character in the story is Ming. Ming is lonely and longs for a friend. He eventually finds one in Patrick. The relationship between the two boys is beautifully developed by Yin. Ming is told to never venture out of Chinatown but he does and when he does he meets Patrick.
Yin writes about how Ming feels when he meets Patrick’s family for the first time. These are completely real and relatable feelings that the reader can understand. Yin also describes Ming’s sense of loneliness. Anyone who has ever gone alone to a place they have never been before can relate to Ming’s feelings.
My rating for this book is four stars. I think children will like the characters of Patrick and Ming. The book is about taking chances, being courageous, and going outside your comfort zone. Teachers can use this book as a catalyst to a discussion of Chinese history in the United States, e.g. when did Chinese Americans first begin immigrating to the U.S., etc.
January 29, 2011
I must start by talking about the absolutely gorgeous illustrations! This book has BIG pictures that span almost the entire two pages. The illustrations show scenes like a boat dock with busy workers and new immigrants getting off the boat; a busy street filled with people, wagons, children running, and shops; and a general store full to the brim with fruits, vegetables, meats, and other goods. The pictures are full of details and lots of color. Illustrator Christ Soenpiet uses lots of shadows that make the characters and setting come to life. Children, I know, will love to explore the illustrations, and they really add so much to the story.
"Brothers" is the story of Ming, a Chinese immigrant who has just arrived in San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1800s. He agrees to help his older brother in his general store, which is doing poorly since it does not sell its goods beyond Chinatown. Despite being told to never leave Chinatown, Ming secretly visits a schoolyard and accidentally meets an Irish American boy named Patrick. Patrick is very friendly and over time teaches Ming some English and introduces him to his family. Because of Patrick, Ming finds the courage to go outside the box and encourage English-speaking customers to visit his store. Using his new language skills and with the help of Patrick, Ming serves two cultures and brings the town together.
This book is perfect for grades 2 and up. It encourages the ideas of friendship between cultures, family, and resourcefulness. I also enjoyed the tie between the Chinese and Irish immigrants as they both worked on the Transcontinental railroad, a fact that author Yin adds to the end of the story. This book emphasizes the idea that we all came to America from different places, and whether it is 1850 or 2011, we need to be accepting of new peoples.
"Brothers" is the story of Ming, a Chinese immigrant who has just arrived in San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1800s. He agrees to help his older brother in his general store, which is doing poorly since it does not sell its goods beyond Chinatown. Despite being told to never leave Chinatown, Ming secretly visits a schoolyard and accidentally meets an Irish American boy named Patrick. Patrick is very friendly and over time teaches Ming some English and introduces him to his family. Because of Patrick, Ming finds the courage to go outside the box and encourage English-speaking customers to visit his store. Using his new language skills and with the help of Patrick, Ming serves two cultures and brings the town together.
This book is perfect for grades 2 and up. It encourages the ideas of friendship between cultures, family, and resourcefulness. I also enjoyed the tie between the Chinese and Irish immigrants as they both worked on the Transcontinental railroad, a fact that author Yin adds to the end of the story. This book emphasizes the idea that we all came to America from different places, and whether it is 1850 or 2011, we need to be accepting of new peoples.
April 20, 2016
Bothers has wonderful pictures. The book follows the journey of a character who is from China and comes to San Francisco to live with his brothers. I think the book does a great job of showing the Chinese culture and language by showing the characters in traditional Chinese clothing and the experience Chinese immigrants had by coming to the United States in the 1800’s. It shows that one of the brothers had to work on railroads and the Chinese community had to stay together in neighborhoods. This is historically correct because of the transcontinental railroad being built and because there were many Chinese immigrants working in this project. The relationship he has with his older brother is that of respect and he likes his other brother better because they are closer in age.
The relationship the boy develops with another little boy is different to the times the story takes place because he was Irish. This is opposite from what he was told because he disobeyed by leaving Chinatown which is how he made his friend. The world he was told to stay in was similar to the one he was coming from. The new world which was outside Chinatown helped him realize he was now part of a new world that was very different from what he knew. He learned English and this helped him save his family store by inviting English speakers from the nearby towns. In this book, he gets the best of both world by being able to combine them in his store. The book includes diversity by having a Chinese boy make friends with an Irish boy and include things specific to both cultures. Pictures are a great way this is represented.
The relationship the boy develops with another little boy is different to the times the story takes place because he was Irish. This is opposite from what he was told because he disobeyed by leaving Chinatown which is how he made his friend. The world he was told to stay in was similar to the one he was coming from. The new world which was outside Chinatown helped him realize he was now part of a new world that was very different from what he knew. He learned English and this helped him save his family store by inviting English speakers from the nearby towns. In this book, he gets the best of both world by being able to combine them in his store. The book includes diversity by having a Chinese boy make friends with an Irish boy and include things specific to both cultures. Pictures are a great way this is represented.
December 31, 2012
I pickup up Brothers because of the cover. I checked it out because of the inside illos. I looked for the prequel because of the story.
In the first book, Coolies, Chinese brothers Shek and Wong leave their family in 1865 and go to the United States to work on the railroad. For four years, they work hard through difficult conditions and prejudice.
The sequel, Brothers, features their younger brother, Ming, who joins them at their San Francisco grocery store several years later and befriends Patrick, an Irish boy his age.
The stories by Yin are good, interesting, and well-researched. Soentpiet’s illustrations are gorgeous. You can see more illos at his website.
In the first book, Coolies, Chinese brothers Shek and Wong leave their family in 1865 and go to the United States to work on the railroad. For four years, they work hard through difficult conditions and prejudice.
The sequel, Brothers, features their younger brother, Ming, who joins them at their San Francisco grocery store several years later and befriends Patrick, an Irish boy his age.
The stories by Yin are good, interesting, and well-researched. Soentpiet’s illustrations are gorgeous. You can see more illos at his website.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2008
Ming travels from 19th Century China to join his brothers in the boomtown of San Francisco where their store is not doing well, but Ming's new friendship with a young Irish boy who teaches him English creates a booming business for the brothers as well. Both text and illustrations are idealized and simplified here. Chinese immigrants were not trusted by whites of the period, and critical readers will find it doubtful that Ming's grasp of English would have led white customers to patronize a Chinese business. Still the tale presents a heartwarming depiction of determination and cooperation.
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March 8, 2011This would be an excellent book to read in conjunction with a study of the Chinese immigration to the United States to help build railroads as well as the Irish potato famine. The friendship between the two boys is truly inspirational. This also reminds me of another book I read called Grandpa's Corner Store about a boy who helps to save his grandfathers store when a super market comes to the small town. This book also stresses the importance of friendships as well as families. It also confronts the injustice of segregation of races (in Chinatown, where the Chinese are forbidden to leave.
June 5, 2016
Brothers is about a Chinese boy who moves to America but is told he should not leave Chinatown. However he meets an Irish boy and the two become fast friends denying all of the rules that surround them that say the shouldn't. This unique story that tells of love and friendship from some of the most unlikely of places is illustrated in stunning watercolor paintings. This story helps kids to think about how bravery can sometimes be in friendship and standing up for yourself.
April 7, 2012
Brothers is the story of a young name Ming who travels from China to live with his older brother Shek in San Francisco and help with the family store. One day Ming wanders outside of Chinatown and meets another boy named Patrick. As Ming continues to work at the store he realizes that business is slow and he will need Patrick's help in order to save the shop.
April 17, 2013
This is a Booklegger book from the Fremont Main library. I loved it!
It's a story of two young boys, immigrants, one is Chinese and the other is Irish. It celebrates their friendship and the power of the two working together to make things work. I liked that it took place in San Francisco's Chinatown. The illustrations are wonderful and make the story come alive.
It's a story of two young boys, immigrants, one is Chinese and the other is Irish. It celebrates their friendship and the power of the two working together to make things work. I liked that it took place in San Francisco's Chinatown. The illustrations are wonderful and make the story come alive.
May 5, 2013
A fascinating look into a corner of United States history I know very little about. I enjoyed Soentpiet's realistic, vivid, and detailed illustrations. Yin's text is a bit wordy and sometimes calls attention to itself, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. A sweet, yet realistic, story of friendship.
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May 4, 2016This is a very good story about Chinese immigrants and their struggle for a successful lifestyle. The story depicts a young boy as he makes a friend in a land that doesn't like his people group. Overall, it is a great book about friendship and persevering in the face of adversity.
May 11, 2008
This is a great story about a frienship between two boys and how they learned to form a frienship during the gold rush era. The illustrations were beautiful also.
January 23, 2009
Picture book for older readers.
June 10, 2010
Chinese immigrants and the American dream. The art is amazing!
September 20, 2010
Lots of text. A nice story about differences and friendship. Appropriate for older children. Lots of history involved.
February 16, 2012
An excellent follow-up to "Coolies". This one has their little brother arriving from China. He befriends an Irish-American boy. Heartwarming.
August 11, 2016
This book displays what it is like for Chinese immigrants during the american gold rush. Also deals with tolerance and cooperation.
November 17, 2012
Beautiful illustrations accompany a beautiful of two very unique cultures colliding and working together.
September 17, 2013
I really enjoy books by this author. Great story about CHinese immigrants making their way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews