Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School

by Traci Huahn, Michelle Jing Chan (Illustrator)

*CALA BEST BOOK AWARD IN CHILDREN'S NON-FICTION CATEGORY

*A CBC 2025 NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE BOOK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE SELECTION

Meet Mamie Tape, 8-year-old Chinese American changemaker who fought for the right to go to school in San Francisco in the 1880s. Follow Mamie's brave steps and discover the poignant history of her California Supreme Court case Tape v. Hurley.

Mamie’s mom always reminded her a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step . So when Mamie wanted to go to school, even though Chinese children weren’t allowed, she took her first step and showed up anyway. When she was turned away at the schoolhouse door, she and her parents took another 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.

Mamie Tape Fights to go to School 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.

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“An inspiring portrayal of the determination to enact positive change.”
—Booklist

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"A gripping and accessible biographical story of a U.S-born Chinese girl caught in a pivotal moment of history, this book spotlights the discriminatory difficulties that visible minorities faced and the heroic actions and perseverance that ordinary people must undertake for equality. Truly inspirational! This is a must-read for all ages, really, because Chinese-American history is American history."
–Teresa Robeson, APALA award-winning author of Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom

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"I love that this book communicates, in such a clear and age-appropriate way, the can-do spirit and perseverance of the Tape family!
–Linda Lum Doler, great-granddaughter of Mamie Tape

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Genres: Picture Books, Biography, School, History, Nonfiction, Aapi, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 7, 2024

About the author

Traci Huahn writes books for kids and especially loves stories rooted in Asian American culture, history, and identity. Mamie Tape Fights to go to School is her debut picture book. As a former attorney and the daughter of Chinese immigrants, she feels a deep connection to Mamie’s story and hopes it will inspire readers to become changemakers, even if it starts by taking just one small step. Traci lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two kids, and a pup who loves belly rubs and Brussels sprouts.

Reviews

[Nora Nickum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compelling story for kids about one of the many examples of discrimination affecting fellow children in US history. It's a relatable, moving, and inspiring story, with a takeaway message of persistence, resourcefulness, and speaking up for justice. The fact that the story ends with only a partial victory--Mamie's only option is a segregated school with no play yard--helps show that the fight against discrimination is not over, even today.
I really appreciated author Traci Huahn's note about the research process and what parts of the story are based on known facts and what are imagined (but well-informed) to fill in the gaps.
Michelle Jing Chan's artwork, full of rich emotion, brings the story to life beautifully. I love the contrast between the starting and ending endpapers in particular.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an inspiring story of Mamie Tape and her fight to go to school. Told in first-person point of view, Huahn’s words bring the reader right along and into the emotion of Tape’s journey and the challenges she and her family faced. Chan’s detailed illustrations heighten the emotion and bring us back in time as we can see and feel the roller coaster of feelings and experiences Mamie encountered at every roadblock. Readers of all ages should know Mamies’ story and will be inspired by her ability to perseverance with light and positivity amidst dark times of hate and segregation in America’s history. Back matter expands on Mamie’s story making it a great addition to schools and libraries as well.

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAMIE TAPE FIGHTS TO GO TO SCHOOL written by Traci Huahn tells the inspiring and powerful story of a Chinese American family’s fight for their daughter’s right to attend public school in San Francisco. It is a touching story about perseverance, determination, and bravery in speaking up against discrimination. In the text, Huahn repeats the line: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And the Tape family fought diligently step after step!

Michelle Jing Chan’s illustrations are colorful, and detailed, and add so much to Huahn’s text. Extensive back matter is included. A must for homes, libraries, and schools! 100% recommended.

[H Yen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated story about a young Chinese girl’s struggle to attend a free public school during a period when Chinese students were segregated from white students. The author skillfully demonstrates Mamie Tape’s determination and perseverance, simple concepts that a young reader can appreciate. The historical information at the end of the book helps both educators and parents provide additional context towards a deeper understanding of the origins of racially segregated schools and racism in America and how these challenges were overcome.

[Leslie Barnard Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this one made me tear up. This well-crafted picture book tells the powerful story of Mamie Tape and her fight to attend school. Text and art weave together beautifully, painting a poignant portrait of Mamie, her family, and their brave struggle for opportunity and education. Huahn does an incredible job telling this history in a way that is accessible and meaningful to young readers. Highly recommend!

[Estrela Lourenço · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very moved by Mamie Tape's story, of her brave attitude and of her family who made the needle of equality move in the right direction. Unfortunately, this is a theme that needs to be discussed a lot still today. Here in Ireland we have a somehow similar situation with children in direct provision and unfortunately, demonstrations like those of the principal in this school are still happening in 2024... All children should be allowed free education and it breaks my heart to read of Mamie's experience. The illustrations are lovely and with a soft palette to match the story's tone - steady and strong. A must read for all children and family's to understand how education is not always a guaranteed right, and why we must fight so hard to change that!

[Charlotte Cheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Asian American mother and educator, I am shocked I had never heard of Mamie Tape's story and her battle to attend school as a Chinese American. The story helps kids empathize with what Mamie had to endure and the images shed a light on how everyone felt as they overcame barriers of racism and discrimination. Definitely a story worth sharing so that we all can understand the past that we come from and future that we want to build for our little ones.

[Marie Hermansson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poignant historical fiction picture book about the inspirational figure Mamie Tape is a must read for all. Mamie Tape and her family's courageous journey challenging the school board and fighting for Chinese children's right to go to public school was the first fight of its kind. The Tape family and their convictions paved the way for all children to have the right to equal education and to attend unsegregated public schools. Mamie Tape took the first step in a thousand mile journey and her story deserves to be known and celebrated. Author Traci Hauan's detailed research and story crafting from Mamie's perspective allow for the reader to experience and empathize with her fight to go to school. The illustrations feature actual historical elements from Mamie Tape's family bringing to life this important story.

[Kimberly Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written from eight-year-old Mamie Tape's perspective, young readers will be inspired by her courage and perseverance in her fight to attend school. Paired with bright and engaging illustrations, this book is based on a true story and gives a zoomed in view of segregation in the late 1800s and how it prevented Chinese American children from getting a public education. It is a must-have for school and home libraries!

[Bonni Goldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super kid friendly story about Mamie Tape and her family’s fight for equality that didn’t end segregation in California schools, but did win the right for Chinese American children to a public school education. With lyrical language, Traci Hauhn takes us on a compelling and intimate journey through the eyes of young Mamie. The events are structured by the familiar Chinese proverb– A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And we follow Mamie step by step. There is a wonderful balance between the times of struggle and the times of joy. The color palette and details in Michelle Jing Chan’s illustrations add another layer to the tone and historical period. The backmatter is rich, including more about the history of the struggle, the Tape family, Hauhn’s research process and an excellent bibliography. Besides being a deftly told and important story in America’s history that all children should read, This is a perfect and inspirational example of the determination, failures, successes, and community necessary to create real change.

[Phobean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, uplifting, and yet still quite sad. This wasn’t a story of American bias and American perseverance I knew, but I’m glad that’s been corrected. Sweet illustrations. Detailed and interesting endnotes. I’m a fan of this author and looking forward to more!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

back at it again at the work conference table

[Lynnette Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Traci Huahn is the vessel through which Mamie Tape so poignantly and triumphantly tells her story and links the injustice of the past to the present imperative for racial and social justice, equity and inclusion throughout the USA.

[Kelly Rice Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this mostly true story of Mamie and her fight for an education. I know my 7 year old will too. The author was detailed, emotional, and measured in her text— and the beautiful illustrations bring in even more emotion. The author outlined her process and the full true story in the back matter, including photos of the real family and a timeline. I loved the theme throughout of tying Mamie’s journey to the Laozi proverb: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. This helps kids understand they can do big things by breaking them into small steps. As a mixed-race Chinese American family, we have heard many stories of the Chinese Exclusion Act, the fight for equality and how the ability to go to school should feel like a privilege. This book captures this history in an approachable kid-friendly way using first person narration. Highly recommend!!

[Holly Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author clearly has a passion for bringing this history to the forefront for us to reflect, remember, and realize this wasn't so long ago. It's messaging is completely applicable to issues we still grapple with today in terms of human dignity, respect, and honoring the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I am so grateful to be able to learn about this moment in time, this personal story, and the emotions it brings to the surface are palpable. It is so helpful to have a real historical figure to revere and empathize with to learn about a part of our history I had no idea about. Thank you for writing this beautiful book. The illustrations are also lustrous and gorgeous. The whole story comes to life, jumps off the page and into our hearts. So glad this is on the shelves. Read it!!

[Ann Diament Koffsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Mami Tape Fights To Go to School, Traci Huan retells the true story of the young Mamie, who fought to overcome prejudices against Chinese children and be admitted to public school.

Huan thoughtfully describes how Mamie and her family carefully challenged the prejudicial policies by meeting with school officials, hiring lawyers, and bringing their case to the lower and then higher courts. Throughout, Huan demonstrates how the fight was not quick, and was not solved immediately, but rather took place over many months. At each juncture, Huan details how Mamie and her family took another step forward in the fight--or sadly, in some cases fell a step backward. By showing the resilience and endurance of Mamie and her family, Huahn elegantly teaches readers both an important part of American history and demonstrates to readers how important patience can be to achieving greatness.
An insightful and timely message.

[Nancy Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem of a book author Traci Huahn and Illustrator, Michelle Jing Chan have created.
Based on historical accounts this story recounts the resilience and perseverance of a young Chinese American girl and her family. They dared to challenge the discrimination she faced to attend school in San Francisco. Mamie Tape is a significant change-maker taking this fight all the way to the California Supreme Court and winning. This book is a powerful reminder for kids, families, teachers and schools that those hard challenges begin with a single step of determination and hope and make all the difference for generations to come!

[Laura Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much history reading Traci Huahn's Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School. I cannot wait to introduce this compelling true story to my child and his friends. Besides the excellent writing, I loved the colorful illustrations. We need this book in every elementary school!

[Susi Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School is an important book that shows the commitment of a young girl trying to get the education she deserves. Her drive to never quit and to overcome obstacles is inspiring. The art is moving and beautiful.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central

In 1884, Mamie Tape's parents attempted to enroll her at the Spring Valley Primary School near her home in San Francisco California. Mamie had played with the children in her neighborhood, but was denied admission to the school because of the anti-Chinese sentiments at the time. These had a long history; before Mamie's time, there had been a school for Chinese students in a church basement, but it had since been shut down. Mamie's parents filed a lawsuit, and the family took on a long fight in Tape vs. Hurley to try to finally allow students of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds to have equal access to education. Time and again, their efforts didn't meet the desired results. Mamie was finally able to attend the San Francisco School District 's separate Chinese Primary School; the "Chinese School" was later renamed the "Oriental School". It wasn't until much later that laws were changed to give better access to education to all students.

Huahn frames the Tapes' fight in the philosophy of Laozi's proverb "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step", and this refrain is a unifying one to show how long the struggle was. There are plenty of details about the history of education in California, and the horrible treatment of people of Asian descent. There is a very good bibliography as well as some notes on the research Huahn did, and interviews she conducted with some of Tape's descendants.

Surprisingly, the Spring Valley School is still in operation after 170 years, operating out of a building opened after the 1906 earthquake and fire. Seeing a modern day view of this setting will be a surprise after seeing the rural setting in Chan's realistic illustrations!

Education should never be taken for granted, and many underserved populations have had to go through incredible fights to have access to something many people claim to not even enjoy! THis should be required reading for anyone interested in educational equality, along with Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Tonatiuh, The Story of Ruby Bridges by Coles, and Jordan-Fenton's When I Was Eight. The Tape family's struggle is also mentioned (complete with some period photographs) in Lee and Soontornvat's Made in Asian America: A History for Young People for readers who want more information.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

For anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement and the fight to end racially segregated schools, this picture book [3.5 for me] is a revelation. While many folks are familiar with Brown v. Board of Education (1954), they may not be as familiar with Mendez v. Westminster (1947), an important ruling in California that helped pave the way for the Brown cases. It's also quite likely that few know about the subject of this picture book, Tape v. Hurley (1885) in which a Chinese family fought for the rights of their daughter, Mamie Tape, to have access to free public education in San Francisco. Even though the state court ruled in the Tapes' favor, the School Board stalled her attendance through various pieces of red tape, eventually opening a separate school for Chinese youngsters. The status quo had prevailed, but this case was a step that began the long, long journey to desegregation in schools. The text focuses on Mamie's emotions and reactions as doors keep being shut in her face, but through it all, she remains hopeful that she will be able to attend the school she has in mind and that changes will come. At times, it must have felt that there were thousands of steps in this particular part of history. Adobe Photoshop illustrations complement the accessible text, both of which make a complicated subject easy to understand and relatable. Several images capture Mamie's eagerness to attend school and be able to socialize with others and her bafflement over the school officials' reluctance to let her do so. Those who are interested, particularly educators, will want to read the Author's Note explaining the related cases and the fight for equality and her discussion of her research process. There's also a Selected Bibliography for anyone wanting to learn more. Add this one to a collection dedicated to civil rights, social justice, and individuals who made a difference.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long before Linda Brown and even before Sylvia Mendez, there was Mamie Tate. In her quest to go to school with her neighborhood friends, Chinese American Mamie Tate had to sue to gain access to schooling in the San Fransisco School District. The reader learns of how the Tate family had to take on the school district to gain education for Chinese American students who were not only denied access to white schools but had their Chinese only schools shut down. The fight ends with at least one separate school being open. Eventually that right to education led to integrated schools. Telling the story through the eyes of the young girl, we see how a long journey often starts with a single step. The author and illustrator are both Chinese Americans and have used a picture book format to tell the story of an important historical event few of us know about. The end pages include an Epilogue to the Chinese Primary School and an extensive Author's Note that shares even more insights into this legal battle. Author Huahn also tells her journey in writing the book and includes a very extensive selected Bibliography. Huahn also has provided a website for more information including a teaching guide. This book should be in family and classroom collections.

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1885, the California Supreme Court ruled in Tape v. Turley that all children, including those of Chinese heritage, had the right to a free public-school education in California. It was a victory laced with disappointment for Mamie Tape and her family. Though Mamie could attend school, the state could still segregate her from white students. Still, the ruling changed the lives of thousands of children.

Though some details of Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School are imagined, the steps her family took are true. Author Traci Huahn paged through the original legal documents, read books, journals, government reports and newspaper articles about Mamie’s case. Huahn also interviewed several of Mamie’s living relatives and listened to a recorded interview with Mamie when she was 96.

Huahn took all that information and boiled it down into an engaging first-person narrative that follows the highs and lows Mamie faced. She includes further information in an epilogue and author’s note. Illustrator Michelle Jing Chan adds context through expressive images.

Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School is a fascinating read that will inspire young readers to make change in their own communities.

[Sarah Sassoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Traci Huahn’s ‘Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School’ is a moving story of a little girl’s bravery and determination to fight for her rights to go to school in a time when Chinese children were not welcome to go to public school in California. This book introduces children not only to the harsh reality and history of racism and segregation, but also to the bravery of immigrants and their cultural richness which gives them strength and hope to know who they are and what they want, which is to learn and move ahead in their new country, as a contributing part of society.

Education is key, and the hardships Mamie faces in the book are very real. This is a part of history which shouldn’t be forgotten, but learned from, because on the shoulders of figures like Mamie who fought with her parents for equality, stands multicultural America. I recommend this book as a wonderful, child friendly telling of important historical and social topics. More than that it teaches children that a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step... an important life lesson for all of us.

[Aixa Perez-Prado · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exquisitely illustrated tale centers on a young Chinese girl’s quest to gain access to a free public education during an era of segregation between Chinese and white students. Through the author's vibrant storytelling, readers witness Mamie Tape's unwavering resolve and tenacity, themes that resonate even with children of all ages. As an illustrator, I find that the book’s use of a warm color palette enhances the emotional depth of the narrative, creating a visually inviting experience that complements the story’s heartfelt message. Moreover, the historical details included at the conclusion of the book provide valuable context, enabling educators and parents to foster a richer understanding of the origins and eventual dismantling of racially segregated schools in America. This added layer of information encourages critical thinking about racism and the efforts to overcome societal challenges.

[Shyamala Shanmugasundaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

How far can parents go to ensure their children have a right to education? How far will you stretch to bring the change which empowers the present and future generation?
Some stories must be told. Mamie Tape Fights to Go to school is one among them.
Set in 1885, the story focusses on the challenges faced by Chinese children in accessing education. Mamie Tape's hope, perseverance and determination comes alive in Traci's picture book biography.
Staying true to the story, the author gives different perspectives that compounded the problem. One learns to appreciate the power of persistence after reading the book.
The author's note at the end of the book is an engaging read.
Full marks to illustrator Michelle Jing Chan for capturing the year 1885 through fashion, settings and characters.

[Joyce Schriebman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an important story to know about! Mamie Tape Fights to Go To School is another one of those must-read books that reveals the buried tracks of American history. Unable to attend the white school, Mamie and her family challenge unfair segregation practices of their day. Spoiler alert, the ending isn't as great as you'd hoped. But there's inspiration to be taken from the story, and Mamie Tapes and her family help pave the way forward for others. Traci Huahn has artfully crafted a hard-to-tell story in a way that is easily accessible to young readers. And Michelle Jing Chan's sprawling illustrations and softened colors take us back to a time long ago. These types of books--the ones that tell the truth about our not-so-pretty past--are vital to understanding our present. And it's never too early to help children understand that kindness and compassion are never out of date.

[Gabriele Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully crafted and illustrated picture book tells the story of a Chinese American family’s fight against segregation in California schools in the late 1800’s, bringing to light a little known part of American history. Huahn weaves an accessible and engaging story of the Tape family’s struggle, vividly conveying Mamie’s emotional journey and her courageous and determined spirit. Huahn doesn’t sugarcoat the less-than-ideal ending but instead leaves readers with a clear sense for how long it can take to bring about significant change – an important and empowering message that lets kids know that, with patience and perseverance, they too can make a difference. An author’s note offers a more detailed account of Mamie’s fight for equality as well as Huahn’s extensive research. Highly recommended for all readers, libraries and classrooms.

[Rd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Powerful and Heartwarming Story!!!

Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School by Traci Huahn tells the true and inspiring story of a young Chinese-American girl’s courageous battle against racial discrimination in the late 1800s. Mamie's determination to attend school, despite facing immense adversity from the powerful San Francisco School District, highlights a lesser-known chapter in American history, where Chinese-Americans faced extreme racial prejudice. This heartwarming narrative sheds light on the resilience of Mamie and her family, and celebrates her historic victory in the California Supreme Court—a true David versus Goliath moment in the fight for equal rights in education. This beautifully written, and illustrated, book is a tribute to those who fought for justice and paved the way for future generations of Americans.

[Thomas Cooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2024
Traci Huahn has written about a chapter in US and California history that was previously hidden and neglected, but must be remembered. Framing the story skillfully to young readers, Huahn makes the plight of Mamie that much more moving and interesting because school-age children can identify with Mamie’s journey and see how she and her family were willing to take great risks to provide their children with our free public education system. Huahn doesn’t shy away from exposing her readers to the prejudice Mamie experienced. Children will be inspired by Mamie’s perseverance and courage in the face of bigotry and many set backs. I loved how Huahn adds an epilogue with further historical details and anecdotes about the Tape family. A real winner for young readers and anyone curious about US civil rights history!