The Journal of Wong Ming-Chung/Lawrence Yep/213 pgs/Epistolary Novel

This book is one of the Dear America series.  In this book, a young Chinese boy decides to journal his uncle’s preparation and eventual journey to America during the California gold rush.  The uncle arrives in America and sends back money for the family.  He also requests that the family send the oldest son to join him.  Unbeknownst to the young boy, his family does not send his older and stronger brother, but sends him instead.

There in California the boy and his uncle experience the hardships and cruelty directed at the Chinese laborers and at immigrant workers.  They also experience the thrill of discovering gold.  Between the wages earned and the money from the gold, the two are able to send home money to help many in their homeland.