Coolies

Summary of Book

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.

Author Biography

The idea for my first book COOLIES came to me after I graduated from college. I looked back on my entire New York City education and realized that not much was taught about the contribution of Chinese immigrants to American history. From that moment on, I made it my mission to learn all I can about the experiences of Chinese-Americans. I started keeping a journal in which I wrote about my experience growing up. I wondered about my forefather's experience in America and read books on the subject from the library. I found time to write and reflect while riding the subways to work as an analyst on Wall Street.

Illustrator Biography

Chris Soentpiet (SOON-peet) is the recipient of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work and Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year for SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL. His other prestigious honors include the International Reading Association (IRA) Book Award for MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE, MOLLY BANNAKY & COOLIES which has won the Parents Choice Gold Award. His illustrations have been featured in the New York Times, Houston Chronicle, Ebony Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today. Chris's stunning realistic watercolors plays with the illumination of light. Fellow illustrators at the Society of Illustrators in New York City rewarded his artistic realism with its highest honor, a Gold medal. As an adoptee, Chris' multicultural background and experiences are reflected in his choice of distinct cultural and historical setting. Chris is known for his books celebrating diversity and visiting schools across the country promoting the love of literature and the arts.