What makes a person an American? Is it their citizenship? Is it where they call home? Is it their beliefs? Today we are sharing a picture book that asks and answers this question. The book is I'm An American by Darshana Khiani and illustrated by Laura Freeman. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
About the Book:
A breathtaking, eye-opening look at the patchwork of cultures that make up our nation and the many ways we define what it means to be an American.One of Chicago Public Library’s Best Books of 2023!
What does it mean to be American?
A classroom of children across many races, cultures, and origins explores the concept of Americanness as they each share bits of their family history and how their past has shaped their own personal American experience. Whether as new immigrants, or those whose family came to this country generations ago, or other scenarios, these children’s stories show some of the broad range of cultures and values that form the history and identity of our nation.
A beautifully depicted, thought-provoking look at the vast expanse of cultures that exists in America, the values that bring us together as one people despite our differences, and the many ways we define what it means to be an American.
From Me:
A diverse group of children are asked what it means to be an American. Each has a thought-provoking answer full of history, culture and so much more. Answers like believing in democracy and the right to vote, having basic human rights, freedom of religion, tribal nation identity, diligence and hard work, justice, following dreams, safety, equality, freedom to express yourself, and more. All are strong characteristics of the ideals of America. It is interesting to think about and how many of these things have been taken away from some people and others have always had them.
I love the perspectives from the different cultures. The author shares in the beginning that the cultures represented are a small portion of what could be shared. There are many different cultures shared including a Native American, gay family with two dads, Chinese American, Mexican American, Russian Jewish family, German family whose ancestors settled on the plains, Somali immigrants and even a Venezuelan immigrant who is not quite feeling American yet. It is the melting pot of the United States.
Each child shares a reason that relates to their or their ancestors' lives. This book makes the reader think and is a powerful book. Each page has the reader thinking about their own beliefs on what truly makes an American. I love the tie in with history as well as current events. This book is perfect for a classroom discussing immigration, the United States as well as learning about the country for the special Independence Day celebration. It is also a great introduction for talking about genealogy. When did your family come to this country? When did you become an American?
