Author: Andrea Wang
Illustrators: Youa Vang

Worthy: The Brave and Capable Life of Joseph Pierce by Andrea Wang and illustrated by Youa Vang showcases the life of Joseph Pierce, a Chinese child who was brought to the United States and later became a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War. After being sold into slavery, he finds himself in the hands of Captain Amos Peck and is raised by the captain’s family. Despite living just as those around him, he still had to encounter the bigotry of those who thought that being Asian met he was worthless. The story follows him through childhood to the end of his life, demonstrating the lasting implications of hardship, but still reminding us of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Extend Your Learning:

Use these comprehension questions with your kids or students to build their literacy skills!

How did Joe get that name?
What kind of work did he do on the ship?
What state did he end up being raised in?
Why did he join the military?
What Regiment did he get assigned to and what did he do during service?
What were some of Joe’s experiences after getting out of the military?

To learn more about Joseph Pierce and other people in similar situations as he was, check out these websites:
- Joseph Pierce: The Civil War Service of a Connecticut Chinese – New England Historical Society
- The Overlooked Role of Asian Soldiers in the Civil War | HISTORY

Make a Character Tree

Craft your own character tree, a tree that showcases the qualities that make you YOU!

What you will need: Writing utensils (i.e. pen, pencil, markers, colored pencils, crayons), at least two pieces of paper.
What you will be doing: Write some of the character traits that you see portrayed by Joe. Then, write down some traits that describe you. On a separate piece of paper, draw a tree with bare branches. Take all the words you wrote down and place them on the trees as “leaves.”

If you are one of our central Ohio neighbors, check out the book at your local branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library where the book is available. Then come to the NVMM and learn more about unique Veteran stories that can be found throughout United States History.

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Worthy: The Brave and Capable Life of Joseph Pierce

Extend Your Learning:

The NVMM is Open on MLK Day!

$1 Admission on Jan. 16 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.