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The Story of Movie Star Anna May Wong

By Paula Yoo
Illustrated by Lin Wang

Paperback: $8.95

Ebook

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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. 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 chapter book includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading.

Reviews & Comments

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About the Creators

Thumb_thumb Paula Yoo - Author

PAULA YOO is an author and screenwriter whose children's books for Lee & Low include Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds, Shining Star, and several titles in the Confetti Kids series. Her titles have been recognized by the International Reading Association, the Texas Bluebonnet Award Masterlist, and Lee & Low's New Voices Award. She and her husband live in Los Angeles, California, where she works in television. You can visit her online at paulayoo.com.

Thumb_thumb Lin Wang

LIN WANG has illustrated several books for children, including The Crane Girl for Lee and Low Books. She is a classically trained portrait painter with an MFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show. Wang lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their children.

About This Title

ISBN

Paperback: 9781620148532

Awards

Best Children's Books of the Year
Bank Street College of Education

Starred Review
School Library Journal

Guided Reading:

V

Interest Level:

Grades 3 - 7

Reading Level:

Grades 3 - 7

Themes

Asian/Asian American Interest, Biography/Memoir, California, China, Courage, Discrimination, Families, History, Identity/Self Esteem/Confidence, Immigration, Nonfiction, Occupations, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence/Grit, Pride, United States History, Women's History

Part of These Collections

The Story Of Series Collection, English Guided Reading Level V, Asian American English Collection Middle School, Asian American English Collection High School, Nonfiction Grades 3-6, Civil Rights Book Collection, Anti-Racism Book Collection Summer Reading Collection Grades 3-5, Social Activism Collection, High-Low Books for Teens: Middle and High School, Summer Reading Collection,