I Is for Immigrants

Each letter of this exuberant and poignant alphabet book is represented by a montage of words and images that include feelings, ideas, and things that people from all over the world have brought with them to their new home. . . Readers from all backgrounds will have a blast looking for references to their own heritages and finding commonalities. Vibrant, vigorous, and multifaceted--just like America. 

Author-illustrator Alko, a Canadian emigrant to the U.S., presents an abecedarian companion to her B Is for Brooklyn that celebrates multicultural elements found within the U.S., including food (bubble tea, falafel, guacamole), instruments (drums, xylophone, zither), buildings (mosques, restaurants, temples), and qualities (ambition, creativity, optimism). Some words present clearer cultural connections than others; the page on P, for example, features a diverse potluck of pierogies, pupusas, pizza, and more alongside the word "pets," showcasing a cat, dog, mouse, and rabbit sitting beneath the blue feast table. Though some seemingly East Asian figures are portrayed with yellow skin, Alko's multilayered gouache and collage art is otherwise engaging, with snippets of newsprint, patterned paper, stamps, sheet music, and more overlaid with washes of paint, colorful hand lettering, and depictions of people of different abilities and religions and with a range of skin tones and backgrounds. Readers may not come away with context for the images--particularly regarding cultural and historical explanations behind the words--but this visual amalgam succeeds in highlighting "so much that is wonderful about our diverse American culture." Back matter includes an author's note. Ages 4-8. Agent: Marietta B. Zacker, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (June)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

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. VERDICT A great book, one that would be welcome in every collection.

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.