"McCunn tells eloquently the story of a real person... Legends about Pie-Biter's exploits and his business acumen keep the reader engrossed in his life, particularly in his career after the work on the railroad ended. Paintings by the gifted artist Tang illustrate the book handsomely."
Reviews: August 2008 Archives
"McCunn tells eloquently the story of a real person... Legends about Pie-Biter's exploits and his business acumen keep the reader engrossed in his life, particularly in his career after the work on the railroad ended. Paintings by the gifted artist Tang illustrate the book handsomely."
"The illustrations are striking, in pleasantly bold colors and with interesting documentary backgrounds introduced from time to time... A valuable tribute to the pioneering work of the Chiense-American community."
"In 1865, young Hoi came from China to help build the American cross-continental railroad. Only a skinny boy at first, his love for American pies quickly helps him gain in size and strength, and earns him the nickname 'Pie-Biter'. With the help of his friend, Spanish Louis, Hoi uses a clever ruse that sets him on the path to becoming a successful packer. Ruthanne Lum McCunn's lively and inventive story is perfectly showcased through the colorful artwork of You-shan Tang. Pie-Biter is a true classic-in-the-making which will become a perennial favorite for generations of young readers to come".
"There are children's books whose significance sometimes transcends mere dismissal as a kid's book. This is one of them."
-The Fresno BeeRuthanne Lum McCunn is an Eurasian of Chinese and Scottish descent, born in San Francisco’s Chinatown. A former school teacher and librarian, McCunn is the author of several books about the experiences of Chinese in America. She lives in San Francisco with her husband.
Youshan Tang grew up in Shanghai, China, and graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts and Peking University with degrees in Chinese art and literature. Since 1980, Tang has made his home in San Francisco where the cultural diversity inspires his work. He is also the illustrator of Abadeha: The Philippine Cinderella and Anklet for a Princess: A Cinderella Story from India.
Shen’s Books is a publisher of multicultural children’s literature that emphasizes cultural diversity and tolerance, with a focus on introducing children to the cultures of Asia.
Through books, we can share a world a stories, building greater understanding and tolerance within our increasingly diverse communities as well as throughout our continuously shrinking globe.

















