Shining Star is the true story of the Chinese American film star Anna May Wong. She is the pioneer who changed history for all future Asian actors. This was a great book and I think it could be used in the classroom to introduce to children different cultures other than their owns. ( )

A very accessible story for children about the late Chinese American actress Anna May Wong who dreamed as a child of being a movie star. Although she accomplished her dreams she found herself pigeon-holed into stereotypical roles because of her ethnicity. She recalls her father's exortations to always be proud of her background and travels to China to immerse herself in Chinese culture. From then on she resolves to only appear in movies with parts she can be proud of. Youngsters will identify with her childhood dreams and hopefully learn about pride in one's ethnicity. ( )

I'd never heard of Anna May Wong before this, and now I'm really glad I read this. It's a really well done biography. It brings up a couple of issues that are truly swept under the rug in most discussions of racism. Beautiful illustrations really bring this whole book to life. The thing is great, well worth the read. ( )

A book that illustrates how a Chinese American never gave up on her dream or her morals and became successful.

Great picture book, under biography of asian culture in the U.S. & China, Anna May Wong early actress in movies