Mamie Takes a Stand - by Marie Chan (Hardcover)

This book is so well-researched, beautifully illustrated, and such an important story. I had never heard about Mamie Tape before learning about this book, and I'm so glad I read it and cannot wait to share it with my kids. This is an absolutely essential addition to your home or school library! (I also loved the history timeline, discussion questions, and other historical notes included at the end!)

I read about Mamie Tape for the first time ever in Marie Chan’s biographical picture book Mamie Takes A Stand. As a Chinese-American young adult, this book was an accessible and palatable way to learn about Chinese-American history. Chan’s writing reads as a narrative. She balances information and storytelling, which engages both kids and adults. The illustrations and book design complement the story well and serve to deliver Mamie Tape’s story comprehensively and elegantly. I recommend purchasing the book with the Parent & Educator guide for full access to interactive and visual extras!

A powerful story of fighting anti-Asian racism in 1800s California. I hadn’t heard of Mamie and her family’s fight to get her into school before. A great addition to better known stories like Ruby Bridges. It does a good job of showing various kinds of anti-Asian bias and how infuriatingly ridiculous people were/are—not letting kids go to school is just so weird! But she also shows the strength of those fighting it and maintains a hopeful tone. Plus some lovely lyrical writing.

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Chan’s story of how a Chinese American girl fought for her right to an education is so inspirational. Mamie may have been fighting for her own rights, but she ended up paving the way for all children to have that right as well. Beautifully told and illustrated, Chan’s book also brings us incredible back matter including discussion questions, an extensive note section and glossary, and an actual letter from Mrs. Tape to the school board. There is so much readers of all ages can learn from Mamie Takes A Stand.

Beautifully written. Full of historical details. This story shows the fight of a young Chinese American girl and her family to be allowed to attend school. Set in the late 1800s in California, Mamie Tape paves the way for all underrepresented children to be allowed a public school education. She sets the stage for those who follow her and eventually desegregate public schools. Chan does a great job using the metaphor of gold to showcase the things that are truly important in life. While Mamie encounters setbacks, she and her family continue to fight. This story is about perseverance. James' illustrations bring in beautiful colors and patterns. Her artwork captures the emotions on the character's faces brilliantly. I recommend this book for families and educators.

From the carefully crafted words to the beautifully illustrated pictures, this book does a wonderful job of showcasing the story of a hidden figure whose story needs to be told. Marie Chan has done an outstanding job turning the facts of Mamie Tape’s life into an inspirational story that is sure to resonate with the hearts of children who constantly feel unseen, unknown, and misunderstood. It also offers rich lessons for all on celebrating and welcoming those of a different race, heritage, or culture, but who are representative of and truly loved by God. The additional information and resources in the back of the book help to drive the book’s message home with greater depth, clarity, and insight and would be useful for any audience - large or small.

I am so excited for the world to read this book! I have done a lot of reading about racism towards African Americans but very little about what the racism other ethnic groups have endured. I was so happy to read this book and learn, while at the same time enjoying gorgeous illustrations. This book is a must for parents, teachers, grandparents and really anyone with kids in their life. Read this to your littles and they will be inspired by Mamie's courage and strength. At the same time, they will get a peak into little known history that will awaken empathy and understanding in their little hearts and minds. This book should be on every library shelf in every elementary and middle school!

This inspiring and important historical narrative is beautifully brought to life in this picture book biography. It is told through the eyes of Mamie Tape as a child and her journey to attend San Fransisco public schools in the 1880s even as she faced fierced opposition because she was Chinese American. Two things that stand out to me most about this book are 1) all the people who helped Mamie, including her parents, lawyers, pastors, and community members, and 2) the way kids are encouraged to remember they are valued in the sight of God. This story is on a serious topic but told in an age-appropriate way for young children. Older children will enjoy it too, especially since there are so many wonderful details to explore in the back matter. There is also a teacher's guide right in the book! If you are a teacher or parent looking for an inspiring story that uplifts children and honors God, I highly recommend this book!

Mamie Takes a Stand tells the story of a little-known Chinese American daughter of the fight for justice in California public schools. I couldn't help but think of the hall of fame in Hebrews 11, about the heroes of faith who died before seeing their dream -- or as in Mamie's case, their "treasure of gold" -- come to pass. While Mamie never enjoyed integrated schooling, she did pave the way for her siblings and offspring, along with others, to attend public school in the state of California. No doubt, the tireless efforts of her parents and legal guidance who were willing to stand against injustice, also paved the way for the Supreme Court to outlaw segregation in schools later in the 20th century. The book is well-researched, and I particularly like the way the author incorporated elements of both Mamie's Chinese and her American heritage, as in when she listed some of the foods Mamie enjoyed -- bok choy, rice, and corn. I also enjoyed the way she thread the theme of treasure throughout the book, as evidenced in Mamie's search for her "treasure," an end to injustice and the ability to attend school like all kids in her neighborhood. The author continued to use images of gold and gems throughout the book's descriptions, and she did a great job of describing in kid-friendly language what everyday life would have been like in Mamie's San Francisco neighborhood. I highly recommend this to teachers or anyone who wants to incorporate more diverse voices into their children's libraries.

A big shout-out to Marie Chan for bringing this little-known story about a hidden heroic Chinese immigrant family to readers! I found it deeply inspirational. Chan’s excellent research introduces us to one young girl with a strong desire to attend school in San Francisco in the late 1880s and the resistance she faces. Mamie and her family were willing to stand up to racism and change the make-up of the California schools. The book includes an actual letter from Mrs. Tape to the schoolboard printed in the newspaper, imploring the administration to allow her daughter to register for classes. Excellent illustrations, discussion questions, and an important glossary of words. Highly recommended for homeschoolers.

Mamie Takes a Stand is a well-written and beautifully illustrated book about a young Chinese American girl who tries to go to school to learn alongside her friends, but is not allowed to because of her race and heritage. The book interweaves well-researched historical facts with creative storytelling, bringing Mamie’s childhood and fight for school rights to life. For all children, but especially Asian American children, Mamie’s story provides a window into our history showing both the hard truth of prejudice, and the inspiring action that can make change. I would highly recommend this book to children and adults alike.