Roberts, a journalist by trade and talented story teller by passion, paints the lives of 13 families by retelling their stories in a way that captures the essence of their journeys to the United States as well as their journeys to becoming Americans. Roberts eloquently breaks down many of the myths surrounding immigrants by sharing stories of men, women and children who had to leave so much behind by emigrating. The book is divided into sections, The Survivors, The International Entrepreneurs, The Business Owners, The Professionals, and The Women. The characters and their stories give many fresh perspectives on the issue of immigration.
During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans resident Abdulrahman Zeitoun decided to stay behind and care for his properties as well as those of his many clients. After immigrating to the United States from his native Syria, Zeitoun founded a successful painting and home repair company, married an American, and was raising four children in New Orleans. After a series of unfortunate events Zeitoun was arrested by the Department of Homeland Security and denied many rights during the chaos following the storm. Being Muslim post September 11, Zeitoun was confronted by officers he thought were approaching him to help, but instead found himself led at gunpoint, profiled as a terrorist and put into a makeshift prison until he was transferred to the local Federal Prison. Dave Eggers’ national best selling depiction of this hardworking man’s mistaken identity and his wife’s commitment to get him back are a must-read.
Immigration often separates families and often children are left behind while parents go to find work and a better life. What happens to these children when they are reunited with parents that they’ve never really known? Castilla addresses many of these issues and explores the predicaments so many young people are faced with when they reconnect with parents they barely remember. The discussions this book triggers are endless and it is a great resource for exploring current issues. This is a must have for any diverse middle school or high school classroom.
Written in verse this poetic narrative captures the tale of a young refugee fleeing Saigon after the Vietnam War. With her father presumed dead, Ha-the protagonist and storyteller, her mother and brothers resettle in the deep south of the United States. The prose captures the emotions of the young girl as she overcomes the hurdles of leaving so much behind and confronting discrimination, bullying, and many unknowns. The book parallels many of the perils today’s immigrants have to face and gives the readers opportunities to empathize with Ha and her family. Inside Out & Back Again is highly recommended for the YA audience.
Pellegrino illustrates an authentic story of a family during the armed conflict in Guatemala. Tomasa, a thirteen year old girl, flees with her two brothers and father from military destruction in the Guatemalan highlands in the 1980s. They travel through Guatemala to Mexico City and across the border into Arizona, where Tomasa’s mother and oldest brother await them. Tomasa's journey gives you a taste of a Guatemalan highland culture through the folktales her father tells every night, the words used in Quiché (an American Indian language of the Mayan family), and Tomasa’s weavings. This is a heart felt journey of a young girl trying to stay positive and optimistic for her younger brothers, while burying her own emotions after seeing her mountain village in flames.
Sharon and her sister Mary are shocked when their parents tell them that their 2 year old brother, Di Di, will be spending a year in China. Their mother will start working and the girls will be at school, leaving no one to take care of Di Di whereas in China, Sharon has grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins that would be happy to take care of Di Di. Although saddened by their parents’ decision, the year goes by faster than Sharon and Mary predicted. When Di Di returns Sharon and Mary complain that Di Di no longer remembers them or the English language. As time passes the three siblings spend more and more time together playing and having fun. This short novel opens the window into a unique cultural experience that is not as uncommon as people would think.
This is the story of the relationship between a young girl and her grandmother, who emigrated from Cape Verde 40 years earlier. On the grandmother’s 70th birthday friends and family come from all over to celebrate, except for her sister Aura who remains in Cape Verde. Cora, the granddaughter, sees the longing in her grandmother’s face for her sister. The grandmother then tells Cora about a mantenha, or message, that might be received from someone far away. That night Cora has a dream about Aura that inspires her birthday gift to Grandma: a jar of shells, sand, and water that Aura may have touched on her side of the ocean. Cora’s gift inspires her grandmother to contemplate returning to visit Cape Verde. This story draws on the importance of family connection and giving from the heart.
Make a tax deductible contribution today.
15th Annual Creative Writing Contest
The American Immigration Council's Community Education Center is proud to announce the launch of the 15th Annual "Celebrate America" Creative Writing Contest. The contest is for 5th graders across the nation- if you know a fifth grade student or teacher let them know the contest has launched and local contests will be getting started nation-wide. Contact your local coordinator today!
Resources
We strive to enhance classroom learning by providing a wide variety of accessible and creative educational teaching resources.
Follow Us On
 YouTube |
 Facebook |
 StumbleUpon |
 Twitter |