The Legend of Auntie Po Summary

The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor is a graphic historical fiction set in 1985 in a logging camp in Sierra Nevada. Mei is the central character, aged 13, and the novel is written from her perspective. Mei's story in Sierra Nevada in 1885 is told using words and graphic images. Mei is the daughter of Hao, a Chinese-American man working at the Sierra Nevada Logging Camp as a cook. Hao is a talented cook, and his meals are the most favorite. Mei helps her father cook frequently, and she has mastered the art of cooking because employees in the camp are fond of her pies. Mei and her father are determined to observe and preserve Chinese traditions despite living in a white-dominated neighborhood.

Mei and Bee are very close friends. Bee is the daughter of Hels Andersen, the manager at Sierra Nevada Logging Camp. Hels and Hao are also friends, and they have known each other for over a decade. Mei and Bee love each other because they have grown up together in the camp. Despite Bee being white and Mei Chinese, the two girls love each other without boundaries. Mei is an outgoing and creative girl. Mei invents stories to keep her friends busy. For instance, when Mei is seated with her friends around a fireplace, she tells them imaginary stories about Aunt Po and her giant buffalo named Pei Pei.

Mei's friendship with Bee is threatened when a conflict between the Chinese and the whites in the logging camp arises. The white workers do not want Chinese employees because they suspect them of burning the company. As a result, Hels unwillingly fires Hao. Hao is unhappy, but he understands the situation. Hao relocates to Chinatown but leaves Mei to live with Bee in their house. Bee feels sad when her father relocates to Chinatown.

A few days later, the workers at the logging camp start complaining that the food is not well cooked, and they request Mei to cook for them. Mei agrees, and her delicious food compels employees to protest, demanding Hao's return. As a result, Andersen asks Hao to resume work.

During a log drive in Spring, Hels and his son, Pauly, try to unlock the mill using a diatomite. Unfortunately, an explosion occurs, and Pauly disappears. The tragedy shakes the logging camp, but Mei keeps other children busy with inventive stories to distract them from what is happening. Unfortunately, the rescue team finds Pauly's body, which is buried a few days later.

The novel ends with the Chinese celebrating the New Year in the camp with other workers. Hels is planning to open a new logging mill in San Francisco, and he requests Hao to relocate and start working there. Hao and Mei are happy because she will start schooling in the new town. Bee bids Mei goodbye as she heads to live with her family in Wisconsin, where she will also attend school. The two girls promise to keep in touch despite living in two separate states.