Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story
In this picture book biography of early film star Anna May Wong, Paula Yoo focuses on the challenges of working as a Chinese American actress at a time when Asian characters were presented in a racist and stereotyped way in the movies. The censure Wong faced from Chinese and Chinese Americans who felt her roles dishonored her race and culture, and her frustration and heartbreak when racism also denied her a coveted, dignified role, led Anna to rethink her career. After an eye-opening trip to China, she returned to Hollywood and accepted only roles that offered what was then a positive portrayal of Chinese people—in a career that spanned more than fifty films as well as television. Paintings by illustrator Lin Wang provide rich emotional accompaniment to Yoo’s account of Anna May Wong’s early career. In an author’s note, Yoo explains that for decades after her death in 1961, Wong was viewed negatively by many who still saw her portrayal of Asians as stereotypical. Only recently has she begun to receive acknowledgment for the ongoing struggle she waged against discrimination. ©2009 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Illustrated by Lin Wang
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 7-10
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Formats:
Biography, Autobiography and Memoir
Picture book
Subjects:
20th Century
Acting and Actors
Activism and Resistance
Biography
Chinese and Chinese Americans
Discrimination and Prejudice
Film, Movies and Television
History (Nonfiction)
Racism
U.S. History
Diversity subject:
Asian
Publisher:
Lee & Low
Publish Year: 2009
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9782600602597
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 920 Wong