The Iron Road & the
Steam-Breathing Dragon
An Illustrated Book
66 Pages with Full-Color Illustrations
"The Iron Road & the Steam-Breathing Dragon" intimately recounts the journey of two brothers from Guangdong seeking adventure and fortune, delving into their encounters with mortality, the forging of friendships, and the legacy of an Iron Road that brought true unity to the nation for the first time.
Russ Low's intimate storytelling, complemented by engaging dialogue and vivid illustrations, breathes life into one of the most extraordinary chapters in American history. This epic tale explores the indomitable will and determination of young foreigners pitted against the formidable forces of nature and the pervasive racism of overseers. "The Steam-Breathing Dragon" stands as a poignant saga of courage, resilience, tragedy, and triumph, forever altering the destinies of these men and shaping the course of the nation.
Journey to Gum Saan 1864
The Secret Town Trestle 1865
CPRR Locomotive 1867
Avalanche Winter 1866
Dr. Tererai Trent
Author of The Awakened Woman, Scholar, Speaker, Humanitarian
"I find no words to express my gratitude to you for sharing your story! Indeed, the story of "Three Coins" resonates with me deeply. You gave me hope and a strong belief that my fight for a better life has a lasting ripple effect on many generations to come! You are a gift! And thank you for celebrating women and their resilience in a world that seemingly wants our silencing! I will never forget your Great-grandmother, Ah Ying, as long as I live!"You will too
Sue Lee
Chinese Historical Society
of America
"Ah Ying is a woman after my own heart. She is feisty and smart. Definitely got a mind of her own. And once she decides what she wants, she goes for it. She's so different from the stereotypical docile, filial Chinese daughter. What a good read!" Sue Lee
Anne Hoiberg
Author, Activist, Educator Women's Museum of California Hall of Fame
"Russell N. Low's book, Three Coins, highlights the resilience, determination, courage, and stubbornness of his great-grandmother, Ah Ying, who was sold by her family and brought to America as a nine-year-old Chinese slave for a family in San Francisco's Chinatown. Ah Ying's story begins in September 1880 when her mother gives her three coins to toss into the ocean to protect her on her journey. Ah Ying's life in Chinatown reflects the early history of human trafficking to this country and U.S. and California legislation that outlawed Chinese immigration from 1875 to 1943. Her story includes kidnappings, the Presbyterian Mission Home, rescues, romance, marriage, children, a devastating earthquake, and the resultant racial division between the Chinese and White San Franciscans that "once again became evident, as the effects of the great equalizer quickly faded."
