Born in 1905, Anna May Wong spent her childhood working in her family’s laundry in Los Angeles’s Chinatown. Whenever she could afford it, Anna May slipped off to the movies, escaping to a world of adventure, glamour, and excitement. After seeing a movie being filmed in her neighborhood, young Anna May was hooked. She decided she would become a movie star!
Anna May struggled to pursue an acting career in Hollywood in the 1930s. There were very few roles for Asian Americans, and many were demeaning and stereotypical. Anna May made the most of each limited part. She worked hard and always gave her best performance. Finally, after years of unfulfilling roles, Anna May began crusading for more meaningful roles for herself and other Asian American actors.
Anna May Wong-the first Chinese American movie star-was a pioneer of the cinema. Her spirited determination in the face of discrimination is an inspiration to all who must overcome obstacles so that their dreams may come true.
This book is also available in chapter book form as part of Lee & Low Books’ new series, “THE STORY OF MOVIE STAR ANNA MAY WONG.” You can order it here: https://www.leeandlow.com/books/the-story-of-movie-star-anna-may-wong
AWARDS
2010 Carter G. Woodson Award from the National Council for the Social Studies (Elementary Book Award)
Best Children’s Books of the Year by the Bank Street College of Education
“Choices” – Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC)
BOOKLIST –
The name Anna May Wong won’t mean much, even to young film buffs. However, Wong’s story—her aspirations, disappointments, and the need to make peace with who she was—will resonate. Well paced and full of interesting detail, this picture book for older readers is a fascinating snapshot of what life was like for actresses of color. The cover is enchanting and many interior pictures will intrigue.
HORN BOOK –
Realistic watercolor and acrylic paintings illustrate the insightful biography.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY –
Lin Wang’s (A Single Red Thread) elegant paintings in muted hues capture the actress’s emotions in her expressive eyes framed by dark bangs. Full-page spreads showcase her stylish garb—snazzy flapper attire or traditional Chinese dress—and her early-20th-century surroundings. The conversational narrative uses many descriptive vignettes from her life (e.g., a girlhood visit to the movie theater, a trip to China) to briskly move the story from her youth to her early movie career. Peppered throughout are examples of the racism she experienced (“Movie studios forbade actors and actresses of color to kiss their white costars”). Always countering these are Anna May’s responses, at first her strong feelings and, later, her decision to only portray roles that didn’t denigrate Chinese Americans. A fascinating account of the life of a determined actress.
KIRKUS REVIEWS –
The first Chinese American movie star grew up in Los Angeles’s Chinatown, working in her family’s laundry, going to the movies every chance she got and even skipping school to watch the action on a local movie set. She went from an extra to a star, even though the roles she was given were often stereotypical, from “china doll” to “dragon lady.” When she visited China for the first time, after her parents had retired there, she vowed to fight the stereotypes. Wang’s watercolor-and-acrylic pictures are quite lovely set pieces, like a graceful adult Anna May with floral hat and tea cup. Yoo’s earnest text illuminates the actress’s life and times.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL –
This is an excellent introduction to a one-time celeb little known to today’s children. Readers will be entranced by the actress’s rags-to-riches story, and her efforts at confronting racial discrimination will resonate with all ethnic minorities. An author’s note fleshes out the biography, making this a fine choice for both school and public libraries.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEW OF “THE STORY OF MOVIE STAR ANNA MAY WONG) –
Short, informative, readable chapters chronicle the fascinating life of actress Anna May Wong and the experiences of Chinese Americans in the early 20th century. The author also deftly explores issues of representation, inclusivity, and identity in U.S. history and culture. Yoo depicts Wong as a woman who succeeded at a time when there were limited roles for Asian Americans, yet the author also acknowledges Hollywood’s whitewashing and stereotypical portrayal of Asian people. Contemporaneous photos capture the look and mood of the times, in particular Hollywood, and Wang’s illustrations add nuance. Some words appear in bold and are defined in the glossary. The detailed and organized back matter, which includes sources, recommended further reading by topic, and suggested films, will please report writers and casual readers alike. VERDICT An excellent chapter book biography for elementary schoolers.