My America

PreS-Gr 1–People have been immigrating to America for many years but we usually only hear accounts from the adult’s perspective. This book tells unique and interesting immigration stories from a child’s point of view. Readers are greeted by each character in his or her native language, learning each child’s name and the country they left. Somalia, Nepal, and India are just a few of the countries represented in this book. Some children explain why they came to this country (to go to school, to find food and shelter, to feel safe, etc.) and how they traveled to America. The details about why they had to leave their home country are mentioned but not delved into deeply. The pages show the children in their homelands as well as their new lives in America. Katz’s illustrations are bold and beautiful, and each child is full of expression. Interesting details in these scenes help convey a deeper understanding of their lives. The tender lesson for readers is that people are all alike.