I Is for Immigrants

PreS-Gr 2–A beautifully illustrated book that uses the alphabet to weave together different cultural elements of society. Alko begins the story with the letter A for ancestors, showing portraits of people of many races atop a background of news articles and letters written in cursive. It’s followed by the words abuelita, African dance, and art, then moves to motivational language such as ambition and aspire, accompanied by evocative illustrations. As the alphabet rolls along, the author continues to include colorful vocabulary that is inclusive of many different cultures and communities. In support conversations about immigration and the reasons behind why people from all around the world may come to the United States, the author uses inviting language that would be conducive to conversations about values, people, and things that are important to different cultures.