Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School: Based on a True Story
Written by Traci Huahn
Children’s Book Council - Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers (2025)
*Featured in Rethinking School’s picks for social justice books
*Featured in Zinn Education
*Featured in Seattle’s Child Magazine: Read through AAPI month in May
*Featured in Social Justice Books
Meet Mamie Tape, 8-year-old Chinese American changemaker who fought for the right to go to school in San Francisco in the 1880s.
Mamie’s mom always reminded her a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Even though Chinese children weren’t allowed, Mamie took her first step and showed up anyway. When she was turned away at the schoolhouse door, she and her parents took another step: they sued the San Francisco school board…and won! Their case Tape v. Hurley made its way up to the California Supreme Court, which ruled that children of Chinese heritage had the right to a free public school education. But even then, Mamie’s fight wasn’t over. This is the story of one young changemaker’s brave steps on the long journey to end school segregation in California. It began with a single step.
Art direction: Jan Gerardi
Editor: Phoebe Yeh
Publisher: Crown / Penguin Random House, 2024
“I love that this book communicates, in such a clear and age-appropriate way, the can-do spirit and perseverance of the Tape family!”
“A gripping and accessible biographical story of a U.S.-born Chinese girl caught in a pivotal moment of history. This is a must-read for all ages.”
“An inspiring portrayal of the determination to enact positive change.”