Ewald, Wendy, Editor
America Border Culture Dreamer: The Young Immigrant Experience from A to Z
64 pp. | Little | October, 2018 | Trade ISBN 978-0-31648-495-4 $18.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-0-316-48497-8
(3) YA Photographs by Wendy Ewald. This unique photo-essay uses the alphabet to present a snapshot of the immigrant experience. Photographer/editor Ewald collaborated with real teenage immigrants from a Philadelphia high school to choose a word for each letter; each entry includes a definition, translation in the teen's native language, a related personal anecdote, and a photographic portrait representing the word. The result is powerful and extremely relevant to young Americans' lives.
Undocumented immigrants
Herzog, Brad
W Is for Welcome: A Celebration of America's Diversity
32 pp. | Sleeping Bear | April, 2018 | Trade ISBN 978-1-58536-402-2 $17.99
(4) K-3 This timely alphabet book looks at the history and contributions of immigrants in the United States. Each page represents a different letter and a word beginning with that letter that relates to diversity and immigration. In addition to the (sometimes awkward) rhyming verses for each word, a few paragraphs of further information are provided along with original art created by one of several included illustrators.
Glynne, Andy
Ali's Story: A Real-Life Account of His Journey from Afghanistan
32 pp. | Capstone/Picture Window | August, 2017 | Library ISBN 978-1-5158-1412-2 $27.32 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-5158-1417-7
(4) K-3 Seeking Refuge series. Illustrated by Salvador Maldonado. Each book offers a first-person account of a refugee child's separation from family due to hardship or war: Ali leaves Afghanistan with his grandma as his parents stay behind, while Juliane endures a painful separation from her mother in Zimbabwe before they leave the country together. Despite the odd, sometimes disjointed digital images, simple storytelling makes these texts relatable to young readers. Review covers these Seeking Refuge titles: Ali's Story and Juliane's Story.
Family--Grandmothers
Family--Parent and child
Juliane's Story: A Real-Life Account of Her Journey from Zimbabwe
(4) K-3 Seeking Refuge series. Illustrated by Karl Hammond. Each book offers a first-person account of a refugee child's separation from family due to hardship or war: Ali leaves Afghanistan with his grandma as his parents stay behind, while Juliane endures a painful separation from her mother in Zimbabwe before they leave the country together. Despite the odd, sometimes disjointed digital images, simple storytelling makes these texts relatable to young readers. Review covers these Seeking Refuge titles: Ali's Story and Juliane's Story.
Women--Refugees
Henzel, Cynthia Kennedy
Mexican Immigrants: In Their Shoes
32 pp. | Child's | August, 2017 | Library ISBN 978-1503820302 $28.50
(3) 4-6 Immigrant Experiences series. This series provides general glimpses into many immigrant groups' struggles in the U.S. Each book's vignettes (with direct quotes) on real immigrants striving for citizenship and acceptance in America add intimacy and impact to the presentation; frank discussions of discrimination are included. Photographs extend the narratives. There are four other fall 2017 books in this series. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Immigrant Experiences titles: Mexican Immigrants, Somali Immigrants, Japanese Immigrants, and German Immigrants.
Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg
Mexican Americans
Hutchison, Patricia
Somali Immigrants: In Their Shoes
Somali Americans
Kuntz, Doug & Shrodes, Amy
Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush's Incredible Journey
40 pp. | Crown | January, 2017 | Trade ISBN 978-1-5247-1547-2 $17.99 | Library ISBN 978-1-5247-1548-9 $20.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-5247-1549-6
(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sue Cornelison. This unusual, true refugee story--centering on Kunkush, a cat who becomes separated from his human family after they flee Mosul together--will be of particular interest to children. Smudgy art in vibrant, saturated colors emphasizes the tenderhearted rather than the terrifying elements of Kunkush's ordeal and the joy when he's finally reunited with the family in Norway. Notes, photos, and a map are appended.
Reviewer: Debora Pearson
Japanese Immigrants: In Their Shoes
Japanese Americans
McCarney, Rosemary
Where Will I Live?
24 pp. | Second Story | April, 2017 | Trade ISBN 978-1-77260-028-5 $19.95
(3) K-3 Haunting photos of refugee children and adults in different countries (identified in tiny print) and situations pair with spare text that reflects these children's concerns; in the last image, a child in Niger looks straight at the young reader and says, "I hope someone smiles and says 'Welcome home.' I hope that someone is you." A powerful introduction to the world's refugee crisis.
Monnig, Alex
German Immigrants: In Their Shoes
German Americans
Roberts, Ceri
32 pp. | Barron's | September, 2017 | Trade ISBN 978-1-4380-5020-1 $9.99
(3) K-3 Children in Our World series. Illustrated by Hanane Kai. Using relatable language and explanations, this volume sensitively explores the plight of refugees and migrants. The coverage includes why and how people leave their home country, refugee camps, asylum seekers, and the complicated process of determining where a refugee will ultimately live; suggestions for how to help are also provided. Kai's muted, reassuring illustrations enhance the lucid prose. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Emotions--Empathy
Rowell, Rebecca
William Williams Documents Ellis Island Immigrants
112 pp. | ABDO/Essential Library | August, 2017 | Library ISBN 978-1-5321-1018-4 $25.95 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-6807-8803-7
(3) YA Defining Images series. This volume details the history of Ellis Island, with a focus on William Williams, commissioner during its busiest years in the early twentieth century. Williams's record-keeping and extensive collection of photographs, letters, and more provide valuable insight into the workings of the immigration station. Powerful archival photos enhance the account. Additional information on key photographs is appended. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
Ellis Island Immigration Station
Williams, William
Ventura, Marne
Kunkush: The True Story of a Refugee Cat
32 pp. | Capstone | August, 2017 | Library ISBN 978-1-5157-7319-1 $28.65 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-5157-7331-3
(3) K-3 Encounter series. Illustrated by Beidi Guo. During a dangerous journey out of Iraq, a refugee family loses their beloved cat. Through the actions of several volunteers and a social media campaign, the family is finally reunited with Kunkush in Norway. A heartwarming true story of hope amidst heartbreak, with digital illustrations that skillfully manipulate light and color palettes to convey emotion. Reading list. Glos., ind.
Loss (Psychology)
Carney, Elizabeth
48 pp. | National | May, 2016 | Library ISBN 978-1-4263-2342-3 $13.90 | Paper ISBN 978-1-4263-2341-6 $3.99
(4) K-3 National Geographic Readers series. This leveled text for fluent readers is an accessible account of the "main gateway to America," where so many immigrants started their lives in the U.S. The layout is busy and colorful, crowded with archival photographs, captions, call-outs, and text with solid information; kids won't know the highlighted famous immigrants (e.g., songwriter Irving Berlin). A quiz is included. Glos., ind.
Coy, John
Their Great Gift: Courage, Sacrifice, and Hope in a New Land
32 pp. | Carolrhoda | March, 2016 | Library ISBN 978-1-4677-8054-4 $19.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-4677-9756-6
(3) K-3 Photographs by Wing Young Huie. A short poetic text focuses on both the difficulties and rewards of immigrant life. Poignant black-and-white and color photos, taken over thirty years in Huie's home state of Minnesota and around America, feature ordinary people of many ages and ethnicities (there are no individual captions). Though accessible to younger children, the book may best be discussed by middle-elementary students and above.
Currie, Stephen
Undocumented Immigrant Youth
80 pp. | ReferencePoint | October, 2016 | Library ISBN 978-1-60152-980-0 $29.95 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-60152-981-7
(4) YA Forgotten Youth series. Currie describes the experiences of children who come to America illegally, either with or without their parents. Using statistics and first-person accounts, the presentation documents the difficulties encountered, including fear of detection and deportation, problems involving detention centers, and factors relating to teenagers (e.g., going to college). Photographs and sidebars are included on otherwise text-heavy pages. Helpful organizations' contact information is included. Reading list, websites. Ind.
Haugen, David M.
What Should Be Done About Illegal Immigration?
(4) YA Issues in Society series. An introduction describes the dilemma the U.S. faces with undocumented immigrants, especially from Central and South America. Five chapters explore options: prevention (e.g., a wall along the Mexican border), deportation, or acceptance. Written before President Trump's election, the book does not reflect new events concerning immigrant issues. Color photos and occasional "Viewpoint" sections add interest to the dense prose and dull, textbook-like layout. Reading list, websites. Ind.
Reviewer: Gail Hedges
Becoming an American Citizen
48 pp. | ABDO/Core Library | September, 2016 | Library ISBN 978-1-68078-240-0 $22.95 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-68077-651-5
(4) 4-6 American Citizenship series. After explaining U.S. citizenship, this book explores the ways of gaining it, touching on the Fourteenth Amendment, birthright citizenship, obtaining a green card, and the path to naturalization. Interspersed in the serviceable text are core-standards-geared prompts and activities that enhance understanding but may distract researchers. Primary sources, photographs, and charts provide additional insight. "Fast Facts" and discussion questions are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind.
This Land Is Our Land: A History of American Immigration
124 pp. | Abrams | April, 2016 | Trade ISBN 978-1-4197-1660-7 $24.95
(3) YA Covering the full sweep of American immigration, from the English settlers who first came to Jamestown, Virginia, to the immigrants and refugees of today, this excellent history highlights the complex issues and conflicting opinions that the U.S. has always faced. Strong archival and contemporary images; a handsome, clear layout; and extensive quotes throughout the text add value. Timeline. Bib., ind.
Baker, Brynn
Life in America: Comparing Immigrant Experiences
48 pp. | Capstone | August, 2015 | Library ISBN 978-1-4914-4128-2 $28.65 | Paper ISBN 978-1-4914-4174-9 $8.95 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-4914-4180-0
(4) 4-6 Connect: U.S. Immigration in the 1900s series. Capitalizing on the Common Core, this uneven set (linked to the fictional Emma's New Beginning) introduces historical facts along with biographical information, passages exemplifying cause and effect, and exploratory questions. Life and Journey are repetitive; both include timelines. Liberty includes primary source quotes from immigrants, making it more immediate. Abundant archival photos (with captions in a difficult-to-read font) are included. Reading list. Glos. ind. Review covers the following Connect: U.S. Immigration in the 1900s titles: Life in America, In the Shadow of Lady Liberty, and Journey to America.