The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor

The largest mass lynching in US history occured in 1871 in Chinatown in L.A., when a mob of 500 people killed 19 Chinese immigrants. When surface gold began to slow, animosity towards Chinese immigrants began to grow, with racist depictions in media turning the white public violent towards them. During the California Gold Rush in the late 1940’s-early 1950’s, Chinese immigration jumped and they were welcomed as laborers on railroads and mining. This is an important and often overlooked aspect of American history. When violence against Chinese immigrants begins to flare up, Mei begins to see her own mythological story, a logging god named Auntie Poe, come to life and this helps keep her brave.

Mei is not just an amazing cook, however, but is known for her storytelling. Though recently Mei has begun to notice her affection for Bee may be more complex than friendship.

She enjoys her life with her father, feeding the men at the logging camp and being with her friend Bee. Born in Reno, Nevada, she is constantly ‘othered’ for her Chinese heritage and denied access to most of American society, such as the ability to attend a University. Mei has lived her entire life in the United States. Shortlisted for the 2021 National Book Awards, this story of a young, queer woman caught in the racial politics struggles of American history is a beautiful coming-of-age story about the tradition, standing up for oneself, and the power of storytelling.

Written as a middle-grade graphic novel, this is still moving and enlightening through adulthood and the illustrations are simply magical. Set in a Sierra Nevada logging camp in 1885 following the Chinese Exclusion Act, The Legend of Auntie Po follows Chinese immigrants Mei and her father as they navigate the difficult and often violent racial tensions in the United States while working in the camp’s kitchen. If you are looking for a historical fiction graphic novel with a ton of heart, look no further than The Legend of Auntie Po, written and illustrated in gorgeous watercolor by Shing Yin Khor. I’m angry that even the gods I make can’t help my family.’ ‘ I’m angry that I have to make my own gods.

The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor