Traci Huahn - Mamie Tape Fights To Go To School

What was your inspiration for MAMIE TAPE FIGHTS TO GO TO SCHOOL?

I’m a former lawyer and first learned about Mamie while researching Asian American civil rights cases. I grew up just across the bay from San Francisco, where Mamie fought to attend her neighborhood school and, like Mamie, am the daughter of Chinese immigrants, so I was surprised I hadn’t learned her story. It stuck in my mind as something more people should know, but it wasn’t until the pandemic hit and anti-Asian hate was on the rise, that I truly felt compelled to write this book.

Please tell us about your writing process. What kind of research did you do for your book? How long did it take you to write and sell this book? etc.
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I started with the legal research – Mamie’s California Supreme Court decision, Tape v. Hurley, and all the documents filed in her case. I also read books and journal articles to get a good overview, then went more specific, listening to a recorded interview of Mamie Tape from 1972 (shortly before she passed away), and interviewing some of Mamie’s relatives, including her eldest great-granddaughter who lived with Mamie while growing up. A big source of my information came from the dozens of newspapers from the 1880s that reported on Mamie’s case. Even though they often reflected the anti-Chinese bias of the time, they were the most immediate accounts of what happened and helped paint of picture of how much Mamie’s fight was a two steps forward, one step back process.

It took me about eight months to research, write, and sell this book. It was a very unusual process as I had submitted my manuscript for an industry critique through the Kweli Color of Children’s Literature Conference, but instead ended up getting an offer from my now-editor Phoebe Yeh at Crown Books for Young Readers!

What are your favorite illustrations in the book?

Michelle Jing Chan did an amazing job with the illustrations, so it’s hard to choose, but I think my favorite is of Mamie standing on a hillside overlooking San Francisco Bay and her neighborhood where she fought to attend school. Michelle beautifully captured a combination of determination, uncertainty, and innocence in Mamie’s expression. And the foggy windy sunset is so San Francisco! The scene really sets the tone for the rest of the book and Mamie’s long fight.

Another one I love is of Mamie and her family eating the traditional Chinese New Year’s meal of jai. This illustration is extra special because the dishes on the table are inspired by actual dishes hand-painted by Mamie’s mom, which I had a chance to see when I visited Mamie’s great-granddaughter. Michelle did a wonderful job sprinkling little historic details like this throughout the illustrations.

What’s the one thing you want children to take away from your book?
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I hope this book inspires children to step up in the face of unfairness and be part of the change, whether in big or small ways. I also hope they’ll recognize that even though change often comes slowly, especially in terms of social justice and the fight for equality, every little step helps move us forward.

Do you have any tips for pre-published authors?
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Lean into the kidlit community! I have met so many amazing creators through conferences, classes, pitch contests, and writing communities, and it has made all the difference in my journey. You won’t find a more supportive group of people who share their wisdom, root for each other, and commiserate together! These connections and friendships have really furthered my growth as a writer and helped sustain me in my writing practice.

Traci Huahn (she/her) writes books for kids and especially loves stories rooted in Asian American culture, history, and identity. Mamie Tape Fights to go to School is her debut picture book. As a former attorney and the daughter of Chinese immigrants, Traci feels a deep connection to Mamie’s story and hopes it will inspire young readers to become changemakers, even if it starts by taking just one small step.
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Traci was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and still lives close to where she grew up. Most days you can find her there writing, along with her husband, two kids, and their pup who loves belly rubs and Brussels sprouts.


To learn more about Traci visit her at:
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Website: www.tracihuahn.com
Instagram: @tracihuahn
Bluesky: @tracihuahn.bsky.social