Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • Origami French Fries: Activity for THE TRAVELING TACO
    • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
    • I’m Signing Books at ALA 2025 in Philly!
Menu
The Chinese Exclusion Act

The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books

Posted on July 19, 2021April 27, 2025 by Pragmatic Mom

I’m kicking off a series that I call “What They Don’t Teach in History Books.” These are topics that are generally erased from history. I don’t remember ever learning about them at school. I will center each topic using children’s books. I plan to add videos and other links to make each topic a more comprehensive unit.

Please feel free to make suggestions for topics or to add to my posts. Let’s build this knowledge base together.

Here are a few of the topics that I plan to cover:

– The Tulsa Race Massacre
– When Mixed Race Marriage Was Illegal
– The First Segregation Case in Public Schools: Menendez versus
– The Deadly Boarding Schools Native American Children Were Forced to Attend
– Andrew Jackson and the murder of his wartime ally, Chief
– Suppression of Evidence that led to Japanese American Internment

 

The Chinese Exclusion Act

The Chinese Exclusion Act

The Chinese Exclusion Act was a United States federal law signed by President Chester A. Arthur on May 6, 1882, prohibiting all immigration of Chinese laborers.

“Chinese Exclusion Act was unlike any law enacted since the founding of the republic. Singling out as never before a specific race and nationality for exclusion – made it illegal for Chinese workers to come to America – and for Chinese nationals already here ever to become citizens of the United States.

What is The Chinese Exclusion Act

Fueled by deep-seated tensions over race, class, and national identity that had been festering since the founding of the republic, it was the first in a long line of acts targeting the Chinese for exclusion – and it would remain in force for more than sixty years. It continues to shape the debate about what it means to be an American to this day.

 

Learn more about THE CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT, including where to watch the documentary:

Examine the origin, history, and impact of the 1882 law that made it illegal for Chinese workers to come to America and for Chinese nationals already here ever to become U.S. citizens. The first in a long line of acts targeting the Chinese for exclusion, it remained in force for more than 60 years.” PBS

 

The History of the Anti-Chinese Movement that Led to the Chinese Exclusion Act

The Chinese Exclusion Act

 

Children’s Books to Learn about The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books

The Chinese Exclusion Act and Chinese Railroad Workers Coolies

Coolies by Yin, illustrated by Chris Soentpiet

Brothers Shek and Wong immigrated to the United States in 1865 to help build the railroad. This was during a time in China when thousands died of hunger. They were called “Coolies,” a term for lowly workers. The work was dangerous and the conditions were terrible. Chinese workers were paid less than non-Chinese. When the railroad was completed, the brothers settled in San Francisco’s Chinatown and sent money so that their family could join them. [picture book, ages 7 and up]

Coolies by Yin and Chris Soentpiet

Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant, and Artist by Julie Leung, illustrated by Chris Sasaki

Tyrus Wong and his father immigrated to the United States in 1921 when the Chinese Exclusion Act was in effect. This is the story of the Disney artist who created (but wasn’t credited for) the style of the animated movie Bambi. Hired directly by Walt Disney, who was racist, Tyrus Wong was fired after an employee strike at Walt Disney Studios even though he did not participate. Still, Tyrus had an extraordinary career as an artist during a time when racism limited most Asian Americans to menial labor jobs. [picture book biography, ages 4 and up]

Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant, and Artist by Julie Leung

 

 

Terms that Define Immigration

Immigrant:  a person who leaves one country to live in another permanently

Drought:  a long period of little or no rainfall

Prejudice:  a strong dislike of a particular group
Refugee:  a person who flees for safety to another country in times of war or disaster
Pushes:  the reasons an immigrant leaves their homeland
Pulls:  the reasons an immigrant comes to the United States
Legal immigrant:  a person who has permission from the U.S. government to enter the country.
Citizen:  a member of a particular country.
Green card:  an identification card that proves an immigrant has permission to live and work in the United States.
Naturalization:  the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.
Before an immigrant can apply for naturalization, must meet the following requirements:
– At least 18 years old
– Must have a green card
– Resident of the U.S. for at least 5 years
– Good moral character
– Must be willing to take an oath pledging loyalty to the U.S.
Naturalization Process
– Fill out Form N-400
– Send the form, 2 photographs, a copy of a green card, and a check for $250 to the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service)
– Take and pass the citizenship test (20 questions on U.S government and history/must answer 12 correctly)- Complete an interview where they take an oath and answer questions about their N-400, their work, and their families.
– The citizenship ceremony
Who are Today’s Immigrants?
From the 1960s to the 1990s, most immigrants arrived from four areas of the world.  These places are Asia, the region of Mexico and Central America, the islands of the Caribbean Sea, and Africa.

Why did they come?

They came to get a good education or to get better jobs.  They also came to escape war, starvation, torture, and death.

What challenges did immigrants face?

At first, many knew little or no English.  Even those people who were well educated were forced to work at jobs that did not pay well.  They had to continue at these jobs until their English improved.  Sometimes, people were as poor in their new country as in their previous one. Some immigrants faced prejudice from people who did not want them in the United States.  Other immigrant groups had religious customs that were different from the ones in their new communities.  Some new arrivals once lived in rural areas.  They had a hard time adjusting to city life in a new country.

How did immigrants preserve their history and culture?

– Community centers (place for immigrants to get together)
– Ethnic museums and theaters
– Bookstores

– Websites

What contributions did immigrants make to life in the U.S.?

They are in business and politics.  They play professional sports.  They are actors and entertainers, artists and writers.  They go to school and work in factories.  They open stores and restaurants.

 

 

To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

p.s. Related posts:

When Mixed Race Marriage Was Illegal: What They Don’t Teach in History Books

Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books

Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books

Are Slant Eyes Racist? Portraying Asians in Children’s Books

Racism in Children’s Books: Asian Slant Eyes

Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism

Can A Book Do Real Harm? Anti-Asian Racism in Joey Pigza series by Jack Gantos

Creating a Diverse & Inclusive Family Library at Tough Talk Tuesday

Antiracist Books for Kids, Teens, and Adults

White Privilege Books for Kids

SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response

What would you do If You Ran the Dr. Seuss Museum?

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants®  Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court

  • ALSC Notable Children’s Book
  • Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
  • California Eureka Non-Fiction Award Honor Book
  • Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
  • Junior Library Guild Gold Selection

 

Cover Reveal for THE TRAVELING TACO by Mia Wenjen Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

 

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-HengAmazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • ⭐ Starred review from School Library Journal!
  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  • Massachusetts Book Award Long List
  • dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023
  • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
  • Green Earth Book Award Long List
  • Nautilus Silver Winner, Nonfiction Children’s Picture Book
  • Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction
  • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

cover for Sumo Joe

Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Bank Street College’s The Best Children’s Books of the Year

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

 

Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

 

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s GuideSigned or Inscribed by Me

 

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison Foley

Signed or Inscribed by Me

Asian Pacific American HeroesSigned or Inscribed by Me

3 thoughts on “The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books”

  1. Colleen Paeff says:
    July 20, 2021 at 12:09 pm

    Thank you for putting this together, Mia. I look forward to future installments.

    Reply
  2. Maria Adcock says:
    February 3, 2022 at 12:09 am

    It’s so true that this topic is not thoroughly taught in many schools…if anything, there may be a mention that it existed but without much depth. Thanks for bringing in the depth!

    Reply
  3. Aimee says:
    June 15, 2023 at 10:33 pm

    This is a great summary! Wish there were more children’s books to help our children learn about this sad chapter in Chinese American history. Maybe you can write a children’s book or a YA novel?? 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • Sumo Joe turns 6 Years Old and 6 book GIVEAWAY! June 11, 2025
  • 7 Interfaith Picture Books & GIVEAWAY! June 9, 2025
  • Read Your World Summer Flash Sale! June 6, 2025
  • I’m Signing Books at ALA 2025 in Philly! June 4, 2025
  • Food for the Future: Half Moon Miracle in the Sahal June 2, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT