Tales from Gold Mountain: Stories of the Chinese in the New World [Hardcover]

Paul Yee (Author), Simon Ng (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up

Eight original stories give readers a sense of the hardships faced by the first Chinese-Americans. In "Spirits of the Railway," a young man appeases the ghosts of dead railroad workers who were never properly buried. In "Forbidden Fruit," a father's prejudice keeps his daughter from marrying her beloved. Dramatic illustrations accompany the stories. "The brief, pithy tales strikingly reflect traditional Chinese beliefs and customs in New World circumstances. . . . A book not to miss."-- Booklist Starred Review

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Groundwood Books (May 24, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0888990987
• ISBN-13: 978-0888990983
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,052,102 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children, August 5, 2011

By 

Yana V. Rodgers "econkids.rutgers.edu" (New Brunswick, NJ) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tales from Gold Mountain: Stories of the Chinese in the New World (Hardcover)

This collection of eight short stories conveys some of the heartaches, challenges, and joys experienced by Chinese immigrants to North America during the nineteenth century. These immigrants, often impoverished peasants in China who wanted to support their families, had left for the New World attracted by the promise of plentiful job opportunities. They came to the United States and Canada to search for gold during the gold rushes, help build the transcontinental railroads, work in primary industries such as farming and lumbering, and find odd jobs wherever there might be an opening.

Adding to the difficult nature of much of this work, Chinese immigrants often faced blatant discrimination and hostility from North American whites. Both countries passed laws restricting Chinese immigration, many Chinese lived segregated lives in Chinatowns, and Chinese workers often experienced more dangerous work conditions and lower pay than their white counterparts. These struggles led to some painful legacies, which for some were counterbalanced by happier times of prosperity, growing families, and new opportunities.

Paul Yee's short stories masterfully communicate these sorrows and hopes, with carefully-crafted prose and surprising conclusions that keep the pages turning. With its excellent writing and deeply symbolic illustrations, this book is highly recommended.