Blackburn, Sarah-SoonLing. Exclusion and the Chinese American Story. Race to the Truth. Random House/Crown, 03/2024. 288pp. Nonfiction. Trade $12.99. 978-0-593-56764-7. Paper $8.99. 978-0-593-56763-0. GRADES 5–8. LOW ADDITIONAL.
What is the story of Chinese American history told from a Chinese American perspective? In an effort to expand the narrative beyond exclusion, railroad work, and the model minority myth, the author brings in lesser-known stories and writes the book she wishes she had when growing up. Central to the mission is a focus on solidarity among historically marginalized people. While the colloquial tone and multiplicity of examples advance the agenda, some poor scholarship, a lack of focus, and what comes across as a need to control the reader’s takeaway detract from the laudable ambition. An opening assertion that “[t]oday, some scholars believe” a Chinese monk came to western North America and lived among Indigenous Americans one thousand years before Columbus is shortly followed with “[n]ow, most scholars say this probably never happened.” Thus, authorial integrity is undercut, readers are confused, and the stage is set for text that covers vast swaths of fascinating, but poorly attributed history, focusing on assertion and emotion rather than evidence. Readers are repeatedly exhorted to “imagine” themselves in deeply terrible circumstances without providing historical context that would allow them to understand whether those circumstances were exceptional or par for the course. (Chinese Exclusion was exceptional; sharing a bathroom in a boardinghouse in 1921 was normal.) A final chapter titled “The Truth, Today” explicitly tells the “dear reader” what they remember, and insists that having read the book they are part of organizing towards justice. An important topic, rich history, and good intentions can’t make up for over-broad focus, insufficient attribution, and a desire to direct the reader to a specific conclusion. Back matter includes resources, bibliography, and photo credits. Includes California-specific content.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired