Chances are your child has a classmate who was not born in America, or at least whose parents are not natural born citizens. Adjusting to life in a new country is difficult, especially if only a little bit of English is spoken. Everything is strange and different, and making new friends is challenging for kids who may dress or speak differently. Reading children's books about immigrants is an excellent way to develop empathy for others, and is extremely helpful for little ones who are transitioning to life in a new land.
A popular book utilized by teachers when covering a history lesson about all the different paths people followed before settling in America. The author debunks the theory that Christopher Columbus was the first to discover this new land. Readers learn about the influx of people later on from France, England, Portugal and Spain who came for a better life. So many were entering the country that eventually immigration laws were introduced in the early 1900s to limit the numbers. The book is packed with maps, vocabulary, and facts about American history.
Kids' Picture Books About Immigration
America is a melting pot of people from different countries all over the world. Common assignments in school involve making family trees and interview grandparents about their ancestry. Frequently, students will find that not-too-distant relatives emigrated to the United States. Reading stories about the hardships people endure when leaving everything they have ever known gives children valuable insight. Many things they take for granted, like speaking English, created incredible hurdles for immigrants who speak a different language. Kids may even know classmates in school who moved here from another country and are learning how to navigate a strange, new place. Children's books about immigration are important to read so that kids understand the struggles and open their hearts to new friends.
Books About Children Who Are Immigrants
Parents who have moved with their children to the United States will want to do everything possible to help the process go smoothly. In addition to their own personal adjustments with employment, family, and friends, they need to ensure their kids are given tools to cope with this enormous change. This is especially true for children emigrating from China or other countries where English is not the native language. They may struggle communicating with peers or have trouble fitting in due to differences in clothing, food preferences, or interests. Picture books with protagonists who are immigrants will provide comfort and open a conversation with a child about adapting.
Home in a Lunchbox
The comfort that food brings to a little immigrant girl is told through pictures where delicious aromas are practically rising from the pages. Jun, who recently moved to the US from Hong Kong, knows only four phrases in English. She feels all alone in school until she opens her lunch box to find bao, dumplings, and bok choy. These foods remind her of home and warm her heart. As the day progresses, she finds more joy in unexpected friends who welcome her into their circles.
Islandborn
An award-winning story about a little girl's journey to learn more about her roots. Lola is in a classroom with students who have emigrated from places far away, just like her. But her classmates all have memories of where they came from and can share stories about their home country. Lola, however, was only a baby when she moved from the Dominican Republic, or The Island, to the United States. She leans in to her abuela and other family members to share their stories, which enables her to imagine what her life was like before she emigrated.
Amy Wu and the Warm Welcome
Every immigrant child should be lucky enough to have Amy Wu as a classmate. Lin is a new student from China who is shy and withdrawn. No matter what Amy does to try and include him, Lin keeps to himself. However, when she hears him speaking Mandarin, Amy hatches a plan to make him feel welcome. A banner, a dumpling party, and a conversation in a language she also speaks!
The Light of Home
A beautiful story that will resonate with any reader who has ever left home and longs to return. Nur grew up by the sea, a place where the moonlight shines across the water and brings her an incredible sense of belonging. But when her family is forced to move, she longs to return to her origins. A return is not possible, but with a set of paintbrushes and a canvas, Nur finds peace in creating a picture of where her heart belongs.
Mina Belongs Here
Mina's story is one that every immigrant, especially those who don't speak any English, will understand. Starting school is not fun when you can't communicate with your classmates. The room is abuzz with lots of talking and activity. Over the course of the year, Mina gradually learns the language and becomes a part of the group. This lyrical story plays out in color that captures the emotional transition from loneliness to a sense of belonging.
Saffron Ice Cream
A little girl with a zest for life reflects fondly on her family trips to the Caspian Sea. She misses dancing to Persian music, delicious saffron ice cream, and especially her best friend in Iran. But her new home has a lot of exciting things to offer, like fun subway rides and nearby beaches.
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