Mountain Chef
Book Summary:
Mountain Chef tells the true story of Tie Sing, a Chinese American cook who worked with the U.S. Geological Survey in the early 1900s. His skill, perseverance, and leadership on a critical expedition in Yosemite helped influence the creation of the National Park Service. The book highlights his contributions and honors the often-overlooked role of Chinese immigrants in U.S. history and environmental conservation.
Recommended Questions:
How did the camping trip and Tie Sing’s work influence people’s views about nature and preservation? What evidence does the author provide that this trip helped lead to the creation of the National Park Service?
What other contributions did Chinese immigrants make to Yosemite National Park? Where can we learn more about them and their contributions?
Research the Chinese Exclusion Act. How might the Chinese Exclusion Act have affected Tie Sing’s opportunities, recognition, and treatment in the United States? What does this law tell us about challenges faced by Chinese immigrants during this time period?
How might Tie Sing’s work have influenced future policies or attitudes about conservation and national parks?
Why is it important to highlight the stories of individuals like Tie Sing in history books aimed at children?
Compare Tie Sing’s story to other immigrant contributions you have learned about. How does his experience expand your understanding of the role immigrants played in shaping U.S. history and landscapes?
How do the illustrations and storytelling help you understand the challenges of working in Yosemite and the importance of Tie Sing’s work?
What lessons can we learn from Tie Sing’s perseverance and ingenuity that apply to modern issues in conservation or social justice?
Standards:
NCSS Theme 3: People, Places and Environments
This book shows how human activity interacts with natural spaces and influences the creation and preservation of national parks. Students learn how Tie Sing’s work shaped public understanding of Yosemite and conservation practices, emphasizing the link between people, geography, and environmental stewardship. The story encourages appreciation for the environment and recognition of the human efforts behind protecting it.
Social Justice Anchor Standard 13: Examining Inequity
The book highlights the important contributions of Chinese immigrants, specifically Tie Sing, to Yosemite and the development of the National Park Service. These contributions were historically overlooked due to discrimination and exclusion, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act. By telling Tie Sing’s story, students learn to value and acknowledge the roles of marginalized groups in shaping U.S. history, promoting awareness, inclusion, and respect for diverse cultural contributions.
WA History 2: Understands and analyzes causal factors that have shaped major events in history
This standard applies because Tie Sing’s work on Yosemite expeditions contributed directly to the founding of the National Park Service. Students can analyze how individual efforts and broader historical contexts (immigration, conservation movements) intersected to create lasting policies and institutions. The story illustrates cause-and-effect relationships in U.S. environmental history.
