Book Review of Worthy: The Brave and Capable Life of Joseph Pierce by Andrea Wang
The Children’s Book Review
Worthy: The Brave and Capable Life of Joseph Pierce
Written by Andrea Wang
Illustrated by Youa Vang
Ages 5-10 | 64 Pages
Publisher: Levine Querido (2025) | ISBN-13: 9781646145577
What to Expect: Biography, Chinese American history, Civil War, resilience, bravery, identity, representation, and social justice.
In Worthy: The Brave and Capable Life of Joseph Pierce, acclaimed author Andrea Wang (Watercress, winner of Caldecott and Newbery Honors) turns her lyrical, sensory-filled prose toward a little-known but profoundly important figure in American history.
Illuminating the extraordinary life of Joseph Pierce, a Chinese immigrant who rose from namelessness to serve with distinction in the Union Army during the Civil War, the story traces his journey from his childhood in Canton, when he was sold to an American sea captain, to his adoption by the Peck family in Connecticut, and his service as a soldier in the 14th Regiment of the Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. Against the backdrop of rampant anti-Chinese prejudice, Pierce forged a life of bravery, loyalty, and resilience.
Worthy offers young readers a timely and timeless, unforgettable portrait of a man who lived with courage and dignity despite the systemic obstacles before him. Adults who read this book alongside children will find striking parallels to contemporary conversations about immigration, identity, and belonging, making this book an ideal springboard for intergenerational dialogue.
Wang’s brilliant prose seamlessly combines sensory details with historical facts to create a vivid reading experience. Quotes from newspaper clippings are strategically embedded in the design, adding context and authenticity while grounding the narrative in historical reality. Enriching the story are helpful backmatter elements, including a timeline, bibliography, and an author’s note that contextualize Pierce’s life against broader issues of racial prejudice, historical erasure, and the ongoing need for representation in American history.
With stirring art by debut illustrator Youa Vang—painted in acrylics and finished digitally—the visuals on each page carry a nostalgic weight while still feeling fresh and contemporary. The palette is moody and atmospheric, perfectly matching the gravity of Pierce’s story—the illustrations not only support the text but also draw young readers deep into the historical moment.
Powerful, poetic, and visually compelling, Worthy ensures that Joseph Pierce’s story—once nearly erased from history—will be remembered, honored, and shared with a new generation. As many reviewers are likely to state, Worthy is wholeheartedly worthy of your time and attention.
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About the Author
Andrea Wang is the author of Watercress, which was the recipient of a Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, a New England Book Award, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor. Her other books include award winners such as The Many Meanings of Meilan, Magic Ramen, and The Nian Monster. Andrea holds an MS in environmental science and an MFA in Creative Writing for Young People. She lives in Colorado with her family.
You can learn more about Andrea and her writing at https://andreaywang.com/.
About the Illustrator
Youa Vang is a visual developing artist and designer. He has worked on projects such as Princess and the Frog, Lego, and Phineas and Ferb, but Worthy is his first book for children. He resides in California (maybe with a partner or pet).
