America's Dreaming

April 15, 2024
A child named America feels out of place at a new school. America is clearly nervous. Though the child isn't visually depicted (each scene is viewed from the young narrator's perspective), America confesses, "My hands are shaking so bad, I drop my backpack." As class begins, the teacher, Mr. Downs, invites the students to introduce themselves and share their dreams, which include scoring the winning World Cup goal and singing on Broadway. But when it's America's turn, the child freezes up, and the other students giggle and sneer. During recess, America stays inside, buried in a biography of Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Downs offers America books about historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Sojourner Truth, people who sometimes felt they didn't belong. That night, these larger-than-life people visit America in a dream and share words of wisdom. The next day goes better: America speaks up, and the other students welcome America into the fold. McKinnon tells a heartfelt yet didactic story, accompanied by Phuong's earth-toned illustrations. The legendary figures America meets are reduced to flattened, simplistic depictions. McKinnon offers a one-sided view of friendship and acceptance; while America does plenty of soul-searching, the other students don't reflect on their unkindness--which may inadvertently leave readers believing that the onus is on bullied children to work harder to fit in. The other kids' ultimate willingness to embrace America also seems unrealistically rushed. The class is diverse; Mr. Downs is light-skinned. An earnest but less-than-convincing attempt at fostering inclusion. (author's note, information on historical figures) (Picture book. 4-8)

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May 13, 2024
Casting America as both the new kid at school and this story’s narrator, McKinnon and Phuong roll out a historical
welcome wagon. The narrator’s anxiety is palpable on the initial day of class: “My hands are shaking so bad, I drop my backpack and trip over it.” When the teacher asks students to introduce themselves and “share something you love to dream about,” America freezes and the others laugh. Asked by the teacher if they like to read, America nods and responds that “opening a book is like someone opening their door for you. Letting you in to see what their life was like and how it might help you with yours.” Soon, the classroom Welcome Wagon, filled with books whose “pages turn like the hands of old friends waving hello,” helps the new
student consider how the words of four historical figures—Amelia Earhart,
Martin Luther King Jr., Emma Lazarus, and Sojourner Truth—might inspire their dreams. In Phuong’s cool-hued,
portrait-forward images, characters emerge from books to encourage the protagonist. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8.

August 1, 2024

Gr 1-5-On the first day of school, America looks for a solo seat in the classroom. During introductions, America freezes up and isn't able to share something they love to dream about. At recess, America stays inside with a book. The teacher shows America the Welcome Wagon, laden "with books to remind us that all kinds of people had trouble being accepted." America borrows books about Amelia Earhart, Sojourner Truth, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Reading their stories that night gives America the courage to share their dreams with the class the next day. Through America's journey, readers are reminded of the importance of understanding and respecting different preferences in social interaction. The narrative skillfully explores America's gradual comfort, from choosing to stay inside to read to eventually raising their hand in class. The book portrays a diverse classroom environment, and Phuong captures small details, like the Welcome Wagon sign on the cart of books, that add depth and authenticity to the setting. This attention to detail enhances the overall reading experience and invites readers to appreciate the beauty of inclusivity. This needed story celebrates individuality and is a reminder that every child moves at their own their own pace, and that it's okay to find happiness in solitude. Heartwarming and thought-provoking, this book encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities and appreciate the diversity of the world around them. Back matter includes an author's note, short bibliographies of the famous individuals mentioned in the story, and suggestions of titles for those wanting to create their own book collection. VERDICT A valuable addition to any library or classroom collection.-Peggy Henderson Murphy

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