Pie Biter (Chinese-Spanish-English)

Author: Ruthanne Lum McCunn
Illustrated by: Youshan Tang
Hardcover: 32 page(s)
Age Range: 5 - 10

Book Description:

Pie Biter is the legend of a pioneer in the tradition of John Henry and Paul Bunyan, based on real characters in the 1800-???+-?-+s. The story begins with Hoi coming from China to help build the 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 of Pie Biter.

Then, with the help of his friend Spanish Louis, he uses a clever ruse that sets him on the path to becoming a successful packer. Initially published in 1983 as the Chinese American answer to Paul Bunyan, the story is now re-published in a new design and a tri-lingual format featuring English, Chinese and Spanish.

- American Book Award

Publisher's Weekly
"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."

School Library Journal
"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 Chinese-American community."

Children's Bookwatch Reviews
"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".