Coolies (2001)

By Yin.  Illustrated by Chris Soentpiet.  
ISBN-13: 978-0-399-23227-5.

This is a beautiful picture book that tells the

story of two brothers who leave China to

come to America in the mid 1800’s to work on

the transcontinental railroad. Yin does not

hesitate to show the discrimination and

danger faced by these brothers, but the heart

of the story is the commitment of the brothers

to each other and to their family in China. 

The term “coolies” was the derogatory name

given to the laborers, meaning “lowly

workers.” This story serves as a good

introduction to a neglected part of American

history and the role that Chinese Americans

played in the building of this country.


The illustrations by award-winning artist

Chris Soentpiet are spectacular and filled

with detail. The vibrant watercolors clearly

illustrate the characteristics of people and

their distinctive cultures. His realistic style

draws the reader in and compliments the

precise detail of the author’s voice.  The story

is actually told as a flashback.  Shek’s great-

granddaughter is passing along the family

history to her own grandson, which is a

wonderful example of how history can be

passed down through oral traditions and

storytelling.