I'm an American

by Darshana Khiani (Author) Laura Freeman (Illustrator)

I'm an American
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Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
cms Common Sense Media Review

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.

cms Common Sense Media Review
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Hardcover
$19.99

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Kirkus

Each page reveals the many ways in which . . . families have shaped America—and continue to do so—as they share the values they hold dear. Freeman's stunning illustrations drive the story home . . . adding texture, depth, and color. Will inspire a closer look at America's rich history—and the myriad experiences of Americans.

ALA/Booklist

The characters and their stories reflect many lived realities and provide a dynamic sense of America's many facets, which is echoed in Freeman's lovely, luminous, quilt-like illustrations . . . will likely encourage discussion and further exploration of American ideals and identity.

Review quotes

 
Darshana Khiani
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.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780593464724
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication date
May 02, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV039090 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | New Experience
JUV030060 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States
JUV074000 - Juvenile Fiction | Diversity & Multicultural
Library of Congress categories
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