I’m an American

Gr 1-5–The Statue of Liberty, a soaring bald eagle, and the Stars and Stripes introduce the American experience and the important tenets that make this a nation. Large appealing faces of a diverse group of young people populate each page. These children of varied ages discuss what makes them American. The picture book presents different groups of Americans and how they came to the United States. Behind each child narrator’s head, woven into the background, are the origin stories. The illustrations include quilt squares with soft patterns and bits of the flag. The work features the experiences of those from Indigenous, Black, LGBTQIA+, Chinese, Irish, Russian, German, Japanese, Indian, Somali, Mexican, Filipino, and Venezuelan backgrounds. The book concludes by celebrating diversity as a strength that can help build a better nation. The author includes her own origin story in her notes. The last pages expand on each section, differentiating the book for older readers. Paragraphs discuss the factors that influenced migration and the experiences of non-immigrant groups (Indigenous peoples, enslaved peoples). Additional matter includes a map, further reading, bibliography, and more.