This work consists of twenty reading selections, fiction and non-fiction. It is intended for use in grades 4 through 6 (9-12 year olds), and covers topics dealing with the history of the Chinese in America and contemporary Chinese American experience. These selections emphasize particularly the role the Chinese played in the development of the American West, giving examples of activities in transportation, agriculture, reclamation, fishing, and the provision of goods and services. The authors demonstrate, through the texts, that Chinese Americans are an integral part of a multi-ethnic, pluralistic American society. The selections take the form of personal experiences, more specifically relevant to Chinese living in California than to those residing elsewhere in the U.S. There is, however, present throughout, an emphasis upon social factors which helped to form the Chinese American experience in general. These factors include anti-Chinese legislation, the Angel Island detention, and changes in social and family structure caused by prejudice and discrimination. A group of questions follows each reading selection. These are designed both to measure understanding of the story and to encourage readers to project their own thoughts and feelings onto the experiences related. A teacher's guide to accompany this work is also available. (Author/GC)