Worthy: The Brave and Capable Life of Joseph Pierce

Gr 2-4–This true story presents the life of Joseph Pierce, a Chinese American who fought for the Union in the American Civil War. With a sympathetic voice, Wang (Watercress) outlines Pierce’s origins in Canton (now known as Guangdong), enslavement in childhood, service in the Union Army, and experiences with prejudice and ill treatment. The author’s exhaustive research is evident on every page (and in the thorough time line and bibliography), and her use of speculative detail to fill gaps in the historical record makes for a riveting biography. Of note is the book’s inclusion of newspaper headlines from Pierce’s era that express racist and anti-Chinese sentiments, boldly confronting the realities of his world. Vang’s stirring acrylic paintings, digitally finished, strengthen the impact of the narrative. The lighting and composition lend a cinematic quality to the illustrations, particularly in darker scenes illuminated by lanterns, campfires, and the setting sun. In a few instances, the plot’s tight focus on its protagonist may leave readers searching for greater detail. Early in the story, the young Joe is sold by his father to an American sea captain (acknowledged by Wang to be one of several possible versions of the truth). In the historical context of food scarcity, this grim, desperate act makes logical sense, but children might be surprised that the book doesn’t delve into what the boy’s father might have felt in such an unimaginable situation. Later, readers learn that “Joe wanted to marry Martha,” with no previous reference to her in the text, although the pictures hint at romance and the time line identifies Pierce’s wife as a white woman named Martha Morgan. This omission can be confusing and doesn’t give readers insight into the couple’s decision to get married in a society hostile to interracial couples.