Mamie Takes a Stand

Middle-grade readers will learn the little-known story of Mamie Tape, an eight-year-old Chinese American girl whose desire for knowledge and belonging led her family to fight for her right to attend public school in San Francisco. In the fall of 1884 in San Francisco, California, Mamie excitedly arrived for her first day at an American public school, only to find the principal blocking her way. Why? Because Mamie was Chinese. Thus began the Tape family's yearlong struggle to secure Mamie's right to attend public school. In the spring of 1885, Mamie's case reached the California Supreme Court, who reaffirmed a lower court's ruling that public schools should be open to children of all races. Kids will be introduced to this largely unknown tale from American history and learn to treat others with empathy and respect. Children will learn the little-known story of Mamie Tape, an eight-year-old Chinese American girl whose desire for knowledge and belonging led her family to fight for her right to attend public school in San Francisco. Marie Chan shares stories that inspire love for all. Being the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants fueled her passion to write children's books that amplify underrepresented voices, highlight hidden figures in Asian American history, and build cross-cultural awareness. As a former California public school teacher, she holds Mamie Tape's story in her heart because she would not have been allowed to teach or study in California if Mamie had not fought against racial discrimination and won her case. Marie lives in California with her husband, two children with a third in heaven, and her giant rabbit, Sunshine. Sian James's vibrant and imaginative illustrations have appeared in projects for several prominent clients, including Harper Collins and Oxford University Press. A native of Hong Kong, Sian currently resides in Cambridge, England, with her husband, Nathan, and their two affectionate cats, Miso and Mochi.