An effective method of preserving our Cantonese Toisan culture and history is by supporting books that educate the younger generation. Kindly consider purchasing these books for your school library to spread awareness of our rich and beautiful heritage.
Please support our local indie bookstores by purchasing from Yu and Me Books, even though some titles may only be available through Amazon.
Atlas of Asian-American History by Monique Avakian
This atlas offers an in-depth look at the political and social history of this diverse ethnic group. Featuring detailed maps, it tells the story of not one group of people but many. For example, it covers the Asian heritage, the Chinese in 19th-century America and Japanese and Koreans in Hawaii.
Coolies by Yin and Chris Soentpiet
Shek marvels at the new world as he and his brother, Little Wong, arrive in California. Along with hundreds of other workers, the brothers are going to build a great railroad across the West. They plan to save enough money so that their mother and little brothers can join them in America. But as days grow into months, they endure many hardships-exhausting work, discrimination, and treacherous avalanches. Inspired by actual events, this story reveals the harsh truth about life for the Chinese railroad workers in 1865, while celebrating their perseverance and bravery.
Learn to Speak Cantonese I: A Beginner's Guide to Mastering Conversational Cantonese by Jade Wu
Imagine falling in love with someone, but not speaking the same language as their extended family. This is the case for Gabriel, the narrator of this textbook, who is an American boy learning Cantonese to impress his girlfriend’s mom. In this Cantonese learning book, you will join Gabriel in his first meeting with Jenny’s mother, who is from Hong Kong and can only speak Cantonese. From having dim sum to describing his favorite pastimes, Gabriel will teach you everything you need to know to master basic conversational Cantonese. Free audio and flashcards downloadable from www.inspirlang.com/resource
Learn to Speak Taishanese 1: A Beginner's Guide to Mastering Conversational Taishanese Chinese by Jade Wu
When is it too late to learn about someone’s past? Or even the present?
To Amy, a 20-year old college student from San Francisco, life was too busy to wrap her mind around silly questions like this one, until she found out that her grandmother, or Popo in Chinese, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This memory disorder not only took away Popo’s identity, but also her speech abilities, leaving her with the use of only her mother tongue: Taishanese.
With Popo’s progressive memory loss each day, Amy knew the answer to her question was: tomorrow would be too late. The only way to connect with Popo again was by building a bridge between them. Learning Taishanese was that bridge.
In this book, you will join Amy’s journey to reconnect with her grandma using Taishanese in San Francisco’s Chinatown. From having dim sum to describing her favorite pastimes, Amy will teach you everything you need to know to master basic conversational Taishanese.
Fusang: The Chinese Who Built America by Stan Steiner
The story of Chinese immigrants to the U.S. and their contribution to the country.
Harper & Row; First Edition (January 1, 1979)
Fighting on all Fronts - Profiles of WWII Chinese Americans from the Golden State
A new book on California Chinese Americans who served in World War II — a salute our Greatest Generation. This book documents the contributions and stories of Chinese in America who served in the field and at home. Author Montgomery (Monty) Hom reveals stories of honor, sacrifice and service that men and women made for a country which did not accept them. At the war’s beginning most Chinese could not immigrate, become citizens or vote and this was reversed at the War’s end. The pages are filled with Monty’s personal collection of original artifacts, letters, maps, photos, posters, and memorabilia.