I'm an American
By (Author) Darshana Khiani
Illustrated by Laura Freeman
Penguin USA
Viking Books for Young Readers
30th May 2023
United States
Children
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Places and peoples
Childrens / Teenage: Social issues / topics
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Diversity, equality and inclusio
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Multicultural
813.6
Hardback
48
Width 226mm, Height 287mm, Spine 11mm
462g
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. 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.
Praise for I'm an American:
The characters and their stories reflect many lived realities and provide a dynamic sense of Americas many facets, which is echoed in Freemans lovely, luminous, quilt-like illustrations . . . will likely encourage discussion and further exploration of American ideals and identity. Booklist
"Each page reveals the many ways in which . . . families have shaped Americaand continue to do soas they share the values they hold dear. Freemans stunning illustrations drive the story home . . . adding texture, depth, and color.Will inspire a closer look at Americas rich historyand the myriad experiences of Americans."Kirkus Reviews
Darshana Khiani was born in Kenya and immigrated to the United States when she was one. She is an author, engineer, and advocate for South Asian children's literature. She is infinitely curious about the world and enjoys sharing her findings with young readers. If she can make a child laugh, even better. She is the author of How to Wear a Sari. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family and a furry pup. You can visit her online at DarshanaKhiani.com or follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @DarshanaKhiani. Laura Freeman is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Hidden Figures- The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, for which she won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and NAACP Image Award. She received her BFA from the School of Visual Arts and has illustrated over thirty children's books, including Kamala Harris- Rooted in Justice and The Faith of Elijah Cummings- The North Star of Equal Justice. In addition to illustrations in books and editorial content, her art can be found on a wide range of products, from dishes and textiles to greeting cards. She lives with her family in Atlanta. You can visit her online at LFreemanArt.com.