Paula Yoo

An account of the 1982 killing of Vincent Chin and its subsequent impact on Asian Americans’ civil rights struggles.

Ronald Ebens, the Detroit auto worker who beat Chin to death with a baseball bat, brought a devastating end to Chin’s short but promising life. Adopted from a Guangdong orphanage by Chinese immigrant parents at age 6, 27-year-old Chin was mourning his father’s recent death but eagerly anticipating his upcoming wedding. Ebens and his stepson, Michael Nitz, were two White show more men living in a city reeling economically due to competition from Japanese car imports. The question of whether this was merely a drunken fight that got out of hand or a racially motivated hate crime was hotly debated after the two men were sentenced only to probation and a small fine for manslaughter. Despite two federal grand jury trials, neither served any time, but the case marked a turning point for Asian American unity and identity and was critical to progress around documentation of hate crimes and manslaughter sentencing reform in Michigan. This clear and lucid account, based on in-depth research, superlatively conveys the context and significance of the events. The conflicting accounts and explanations are presented evenhandedly, offering readers the opportunity to weigh the evidence and draw their own conclusions. A timely afterword discusses anti-Asian racist rhetoric and violence during the Covid-19 pandemic.

An accessible and compelling account of a tragedy that resonates through the decades. (timeline, notes, sources, picture credits, index) (Nonfiction. 13-18)

-Kirkus Review show less

Ever wonder why Asians are stereotyped as always studying? If you’re Asian, you already know, and if you’re not, Paula Yoo’s charming book about an American-born Korean student gives a glimpse into the high pressure culture of trying to be the “PERFECT KOREAN DAUGHTER.” The narrator, Patti, intersperses her narrative with lists of helpful SAT tips, ways to appease Korean parents, and recipes for traditional fare. Patti is likable and funny as she attempts to balance school, music, show more studying for the SAT, and the dreaded social phenomenon known as “Korean Church.”

This is a light and fluffy book which also teaches about other cultures and contributes a much needed Asian teen voice in ya fiction. show less

A deep dive into the period of the LA Uprising including a specific focus on Rodney King, Latasha Harlins (a young girl killed by a store owner for allegedly shoplifting juice), and Edward Jae Song Lee (a kid going to protect Korean businesses while the riot and fire raged). Jumps back and forth between stories with a particular emphasis on the Korean American community in LA and involvement in the aftermath of the beating of Rodney King.
With so many characters and stories it felt tough to show more remember where there were callbacks to people whose stories were told earlier in the book. But lots of context given to the impact of systemic racism on the destruction of the community. Tied this into a pattern of uprisings. Looked at the long lasting impact of trauma on people and communities.
Quality nonfiction but a tough read. There was so much damage done to the community and so many lives impacted, it was helpful to read a comprehensive, well researched look at this historical event where my understanding was just a small piece of the whole event previously. show less

Mei's family is throwing a party for her younger brother Ming, who is turning 100 days old. All of her friends are invited as well. But Mei is sad because she cannot think of a good gift to give Ming...

This is a great book for a variety of reasons. Having an Asian-American girl as a protagonist is awesome, along with her diverse group of friends. The book showcases a common Asian tradition of celebrating a baby's three-month birthday, which is a nice way of showing different customs without show more being overly didactic. Also, the moral about a good gift coming from the heart is both important and touching.

The illustrations did feel a little bit dated in their style (like a book from the late 1990s), but otherwise this is a solid addition for any classroom, public, or personal library. show less