Author Traci Huahn: Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School

Based on a true story set in the Bay Area

Author Traci Huahn tells the story of Mamie Tape, who fought for the right to go to her neighborhood school in 1885 in San Francisco. Learn behind the scenes facts and make a fun snake craft. Ages 5-9

When Mamie Tape was 8, she put a ribbon in her hair and set out for the first day of school. But when she got there, the neighborhood school would not let her enroll because she was Chinese American. Listen to a read-aloud of author Traci Huahn's book detailing Mamie's story: Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School, learn about her story, plus fun behind the scenes facts that inspired the art and words in the book, and make a craft too! Ages 5-9

Sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library

Traci Huahn (she/her) writes books for kids and especially loves stories rooted in Asian American culture, history, and identity. Mamie Tape Fights to go to School is her debut picture book and a 2025 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, awarded by the Children's Book Council & National Council for the Social Studies. As a former attorney and the daughter of Chinese immigrants, Traci feels a deep connection to Mamie’s story and hopes it will inspire kids to become changemakers, even if it starts by taking just one small step.

​​Traci was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Most days you can find her at home writing, along with her husband, two kids, and their pup who loves belly rubs and Brussels sprouts.

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