From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry by Paula Yoo - OPTIONAL

From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry: The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian American Movement by Paula Yoo, 374 pages. NON-FICTION Norton Young Readers, 2021. $20 

Language: R (6 swears 29 'f'); Mature Content: PG (dance club/bar) Violence: R (brutal assault, graphic testimony). 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL,  ADULT - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When 27yo Vincent Chin was brutally murdered outside a McDonalds in Detroit in 1982 by an angry auto worker and his stepson, the plea bargain and sentencing fast-tracked the men to a $3,000 fine and probation. This outraged and brought together the Asian American community in protests that led to a Federal civil rights trial. 

Contains lots of background information on Vincent's family, the time period - with a focus on what was happening in the auto industry, and is a great look at Asian stereotypes and how the myth of model minority affected both how Asians were treated and how they reacted to racism. Well researched, well written, and interesting, but I kept asking myself why it was marketed as YA. Includes a timeline and sources.

Lisa Librarian