I'm an American

March 15, 2023
What makes someone American? A classroom of children from a wide variety of backgrounds ponder the characteristics and qualities of the American identity. Is it a matter of where you live? What you look like? Or perhaps the traditions you follow? "I think being an American is something more," one child contends. The others share their own beliefs and family experiences--one student is the grandchild of Japanese Americans who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II; another child and their family members are Somali refugees; a light-skinned child attends Pride each year with their fathers. Each page reveals the many ways in which their families have shaped America--and continue to do so--as they share the values they hold dear. Khiani attempts to capture each meaningful experience succinctly. Still, younger readers may feel left behind during the story's more complex moments, such as a discussion of the impact of redlining on Black Americans. Freeman's stunning illustrations drive the story home, with layered images depicting past and present on each page interwoven with the American flag, adding texture, depth, and color. The resulting patchwork effect reinforces the power of both diversity and shared beliefs in breathing life and strength into the American identity. Extensive backmatter provides further context and guidance for additional research. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Will inspire a closer look at America's rich history--and the myriad experiences of Americans. (author's note, map, migration factors, additional information about the various cultures mentioned, further reading, selected bibliography) (Informational picture book. 8-12)

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May 1, 2023
Grades 1-4 In colorful picture book format, this title features a diverse group of children answering, "What do you think makes a person an American?" After some initial answers like "where we live" and "how we look," each child goes on to share specific values they believe in and why. For example, "basic human rights" stems from one student's Irish ancestors, who migrated to escape hunger and poverty; another, whose family found refuge from war-torn Somalia, highlights "safety." For some, their definitions stem from experiences that notably don't reflect the other values, such as those of a displaced Muscogee family in the 1800s ("I believe in perseverance") and a contemporary Black family's experience with redlining ("We will continue our fight for equality"). The characters and their stories reflect many lived realities and provide a dynamic sense of America's many facets, which is echoed in Freeman's lovely, luminous, quilt-like illustrations. Though some complex concepts might make more sense to older readers, this will likely encourage discussion and further exploration of American ideals and identity. Robust source notes offer a wealth of supportive background.

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June 2, 2023

Gr 1-5-The Statue of Liberty, a soaring bald eagle, and the Stars and Stripes introduce the American experience and the important tenets that make this a nation. Large appealing faces of a diverse group of young people populate each page. These children of varied ages discuss what makes them American. The picture book presents different groups of Americans and how they came to the United States. Behind each child narrator's head, woven into the background, are the origin stories. The illustrations include quilt squares with soft patterns and bits of the flag. The work features the experiences of those from Indigenous, Black, LGBTQIA+, Chinese, Irish, Russian, German, Japanese, Indian, Somali, Mexican, Filipino, and Venezuelan backgrounds. The book concludes by celebrating diversity as a strength that can help build a better nation. The author includes her own origin story in her notes. The last pages expand on each section, differentiating the book for older readers. Paragraphs discuss the factors that influenced migration and the experiences of non-immigrant groups (Indigenous peoples, enslaved peoples). Additional matter includes a map, further reading, bibliography, and more. VERDICT A lushly illustrated, accessible title.-Elisabeth LeBris

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