• BOOK WILL BE SHIPPED AS SOON AS AVAILABLE, EST. EARLY NOVEMBER 2026 •

Yung Stands Strong: A Story of Expulsion and Resilience is a children’s book written by Annette Makino, with illustrations by Yukari Mishima and an extensive section with historical background written by members of Humboldt Asians and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity (HAPI) and local historians.

This full-color book tells the story of nine-year-old Yung, a real girl who was suddenly forced to leave her home when Chinese residents were driven out of Eureka, California, in 1885. Building on available historical records, this tale follows Yung and her beloved cat, Miu Miu, through the shocking events of the expulsion and their journey to a new home in San Francisco. Along the way, Yung navigates racism and injustice to discover how strong she really is.

Additional background material covers the history of Chinese immigration to the United States, Eureka’s Chinatown, and Chinese people’s resistance and resilience. Yung’s experience remains all-too relevant today.

Yung Stands Strong is published by The Press at Cal Poly Humboldt and printed by Bug Press, both in Arcata, CA. The book is 50 pages, 11 x 8.5, perfect bound, in full color. 

Advance reviews:

“Bravo for this remarkable children’s book, gorgeously illustrated and told in captivating fairy-tale style. Yung Stands Strong and the outstanding community effort to make a difficult historical period accessible to young readers – with an appended teaching guide – merits being read, taught and emulated everywhere!”
– Helen Zia, author of Asian American Dreams: The Emergence of an American People

“A children’s book that every adult should read. With beautiful illustrations and depth of meaning, Yung Stands Strong captures the tragic story of ugly and hateful racism in historic Eureka while also highlighting the courage and resilience of the Chinese people, represented by a child’s innocence and bravery. Knowing this book is available to children gives me hope for the future.”
– Satsuki Ina, author of The Poet and the Silk Girl and co-founder of Tsuru for Solidarity

“Especially in these times, it’s important for all of us to know the painful histories that form the bedrock of America. In particular, the stories of Asian Americans are missing from history books and our consciousness. This beautifully illustrated, carefully written book showcases the resilience and strength of a people during an incident of discrimination.”
– Bao Phi, author of A Different Pond and Ride / Đạp Xe

“Blending a compelling story, useful background materials, and engaging visuals, Yung Stands Strong will help young readers understand a historical injustice so that they can prevent similar wrongs from happening.”
– Stan Yogi, co-author of Fred Korematsu Speaks Up and Wherever There’s a Fight

“A dramatic kid’s-eye view of a nearly forgotten episode in our nation’s history. Vivid illustrations add to the drama of Yung’s story. A well-researched and graphically attractive afterword invites kids to consider the human consequences of racism.”
– Karen MacPherson, former Washington Post children’s book reviewer and retired Takoma Park Maryland librarian