New ArrivalsHoliday Hosting & EntertainingChristmasGift IdeasAI Gift FinderClothing, Shoes & AccessoriesHomeFurnitureToysElectronicsBeautyGift CardsCharacter ShopBabyKitchen & DiningGroceryHousehold EssentialsSchool & Office SuppliesVideo GamesMovies, Music & BooksParty SuppliesBackpacks & LuggageSports & OutdoorsPersonal CareHealthPetsUlta Beauty at TargetTarget OpticalDealsClearanceTarget New Arrivals Target Finds #TargetStyleHanukkahStore EventsAsian-Owned Brands at TargetBlack-Owned or Founded Brands at TargetLatino-Owned Brands at TargetWomen-Owned Brands at TargetLGBTQIA+ ShopTop DealsTarget Circle DealsWeekly AdShop Order PickupShop Same Day DeliveryRegistryRedCardTarget CircleFind Stores
Worthy - by  Andrea Wang (Hardcover) - 1 of 1

Worthy - by Andrea Wang (Hardcover)

$19.99

In Stock

Eligible for registries and wish lists

Sponsored

About this item

Highlights

  • Discover the incredible true story of Joseph Pierce, a lesser-known yet pivotal figure of the Civil War, in this inspiring picture book biography.Born in Canton, China, Joseph Pierce's journey began when he was traded for six silver coins as a child.
  • 4-8 Years
  • 10.73" x 9.76" Hardcover
  • 64 Pages
  • Juvenile Nonfiction, Biography & Autobiography

Description



About the Book



"In the mid-nineteenth century, an impoverished father from Canton, China, sold his young son to an American sea captain, Amos Peck. The boy, dubbed 'Joe, ' worked on the ship for months, not knowing if his fate was to do so forever. Or would he be sold again? When the ship returned to America, Captain Peck brought the young boy to his family, who raised him with the other children. Joe Pierce grew, gave distinguished service in the Union Army, married, had children and ultimately became an American citizen--all at a time when anti-Chinese prejudice was rampant"--



Book Synopsis



Discover the incredible true story of Joseph Pierce, a lesser-known yet pivotal figure of the Civil War, in this inspiring picture book biography.

Born in Canton, China, Joseph Pierce's journey began when he was traded for six silver coins as a child. He embarked on a months-long voyage to Connecticut, where he was raised by a ship captain and his family in the 1850s. Despite facing discrimination and racism, Joseph was determined to prove his worth. He enlisted in the Union Army, fighting bravely in key battles such as Gettysburg, Antietam, and Appomattox, and ultimately became an American citizen and a true American hero.

Award-winning author Andrea Wang's meticulous research, combined with Youa Vang's stunning and cinematic illustrations, illuminates Pierce's life as an inspirational testament to the enduring struggle for human dignity and worth. This powerful story weaves together history, representation, and resilience, offering a unique perspective on the Civil War and the challenges faced by Chinese Americans in the 19th century.

Reasons to pick up Worthy:

  • Award-winning author: Andrea Wang, author of Watercress, a Caldecott Medal and Newbery Honor recipient.
  • Introducing a new illustrator: Youa Vang creates evocative artwork with the meticulous detail of an oil painter.
  • Hidden history: A thoughtfully researched and beautifully told story of Joe Pierce, the only Chinese soldier in the 14th Regiment of the Connecticut Volunteer Infantry.
  • Triumph over discrimination: A real-life hero who overcame anti-Chinese prejudice to become an American war veteran and citizen.

Perfect for AAPI Heritage Month or ""Hidden History"" displays, Worthy is a valuable addition to any collection for readers interested in the Civil War, lesser-known Asian-American luminaries, and stories of courage and integrity.

Praise for Worthy:

"A thought-provoking account of courage and integrity in the face of discrimination." -- Kirkus Reviews

★ "Wang's well-researched writing, including a timeline and supporting resources, and Vang's evocative illustrations illuminate Pierce's life as an inspirational testament to the enduring struggle for human dignity and worth." -- Booklist (starred review)



Review Quotes




★ "Wang's well- researched writing, including a timeline and supporting resources, and Vang's evocative illustrations illuminate Pierce's life as an inspirational testament to the enduring struggle for human dignity and worth." - Booklist

"Vang's handsomely rendered acrylic paintings offer solemnly realistic depictions of Joseph's life, while Wang's text combines artfully crafted prose and historical quotes to juxtapose the dignity of the individual against the racism of his era. A thought-provoking account of courage and integrity in the face of discrimination." -Kirkus



About the Author



Andrea Wang is the author of Watercress, which was the recipient of a Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, a New England Book Award, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor. Her other books include award winners such as The Many Meanings of Meilan, Magic Ramen, and The Nian Monster. Andrea holds an MS in environmental science and an MFA in creative writing for young people. She lives in Colorado with her family.

Youa Vang is a a visual developing artist and designer. He has worked on projects such as Princess and the Frog, Lego, and Phineas and Ferb, but Worthy is his first book for children. He resides in California (maybe with a partner or pet).

Dimensions (Overall): 10.73 Inches (H) x 9.76 Inches (W) x .45 Inches (D)
Weight: 1.27 Pounds
Suggested Age: 4-8 Years
Number of Pages: 64
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
Sub-Genre: Biography & Autobiography
Publisher: Levine Querido
Theme: Historical
Format: Hardcover
Author: Andrea Wang
Language: English
Street Date: August 26, 2025
TCIN: 1002483306
UPC: 9781646145577
Item Number (DPCI): 247-49-6090
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.45 inches length x 9.76 inches width x 10.73 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1.27 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.

Trending Non-Fiction

Let Them Theory - by Mel Robbins (Hardcover)

$15.68
Buy 1, get 1 50% off select books & accessories
4.8 out of 5 stars with 187 ratings

107 Days - by Kamala Harris (Hardcover)

$19.31
was $20.98 New lower price
Buy 1, get 1 50% off select books & accessories
4 out of 5 stars with 57 ratings

Poems & Prayers - by Matthew McConaughey (Hardcover)

$19.58
MSRP $29.00
Buy 1, get 1 50% off select books & accessories
4.6 out of 5 stars with 12 ratings

Pop-Up Peekaboo! Pumpkin - (Board Book)

$7.09
MSRP $9.99
Buy 1, get 1 50% off select books & accessories
4.9 out of 5 stars with 45 ratings

Discover more options

Chooch Helped - by  Andrea L Rogers (Hardcover)

$11.50
was $13.53 New lower price
Buy 1, get 1 50% off select books & accessories

The Art Thieves - by  Andrea L Rogers (Hardcover)

$15.40
MSRP $19.99
Buy 1, get 1 50% off select books & accessories

Man Made Monsters - by  Andrea Rogers (Hardcover)

$11.09
MSRP $19.99
Buy 1, get 1 50% off select books & accessories

Summer at Squee - by Andrea Wang

$7.60 - $12.03
MSRP $9.99 - $18.99
Buy 1, get 1 50% off select books & accessories
5 out of 5 stars with 1 ratings

Luli and the Language of Tea - by Andrea Wang

$8.99 - $13.25
MSRP $8.99 - $18.99
Buy 1, get 1 50% off select books & accessories
5 out of 5 stars with 1 ratings

The Many Meanings of Meilan - by Andrea Wang

$7.07 - $10.69
MSRP $9.99 - $17.99
Buy 1, get 1 50% off select books & accessories

Related Categories

Get top deals, latest trends, and more.

Privacy policy

Footer

About Us

About TargetCareersNews & BlogTarget BrandsBullseye ShopSustainability & GovernancePress CenterAdvertise with UsInvestorsAffiliates & PartnersSuppliersTargetPlus

Help

Target HelpReturnsTrack OrdersRecallsContact UsFeedbackAccessibilitySecurity & FraudTeam Member ServicesLegal & Privacy

Stores

Find a StoreClinicPharmacyTarget OpticalMore In-Store Services

Services

Target Circle™Target Circle™ CardTarget Circle 360™Target AppRegistrySame Day DeliveryOrder PickupDrive UpFree 2-Day ShippingShipping & DeliveryMore Services
PinterestFacebookInstagramXYoutubeTiktokTermsCA Supply ChainPrivacy PolicyCA Privacy RightsYour Privacy ChoicesInterest Based AdsHealth Privacy Policy