Coy, John  Their Great Gift: Courage, Sacrifice, and Hope in a New Land
Gr. K–3, 4–6, middle school     32 pp.     Carolrhoda

Photographs by Wing Young Huie. A short poetic text focuses on both the difficulties and rewards of immigrant life. Poignant black-and-white and color photos, taken over thirty years in Huie's home state of Minnesota and around America, feature ordinary people of many ages and ethnicities (there are no individual captions). Though accessible to younger children, the book may best be discussed by middle-elementary students and above.
Subjects: Immigration; Multicultural books

Marcovitz, Hal  How Should America Respond to Illegal Immigration?
Middle school, high school     96 pp.     ReferencePoint

In Controversy series. After providing background on the issue ("What Are the Roots of the Controversy over Illegal Immigration?"), the text examines questions surrounding border control, policing, and paths toward citizenship. Informative sidebars, stock photographs, and summaries of facts ending each chapter complement the dense narrative. Reading list, websites. Ind.
Subjects: Immigration; Undocumented immigrants

Osborne, Linda Barrett  This Land Is Our Land: A History of American Immigration
Middle school, high school      124 pp.     Abrams

Covering the full sweep of American immigration, from the English settlers who first came to Jamestown, Virginia, to the immigrants and refugees of today, this excellent history highlights the complex issues and conflicting opinions that the U.S. has always faced. Strong archival and contemporary images; a handsome, clear layout; and extensive quotes throughout the text add value. Timeline. Bib., ind.
Subjects: Immigration; History, American

Ringgold, Faith  We Came to America
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Knopf

Ringgold's poetic text and vibrant art affirm the message that diversity enriches us all. She does acknowledge that "Some of us were already here / Before the others came. / And some of us were brought in chains, / Losing our freedom and our names." The text also touches on varied reasons for immigration.
Subjects: Picture Books; History, American

 

Swain, Gwenyth  Hope and Tears: Ellis Island Voices
Gr. 4-6, middle school     115 pp.     Boyds/Calkins

Mixing fictional monologues, dialogues, letters, and poems with real photographs and factual essays, this well-designed and clearly organized volume conjures up the soul of Ellis Island throughout its history. Together these imagined voices and real images paint an emotional and informative picture of Ellis Island's impact, on both a grand and an individual scale. Bib., ind.
Subjects: Intermediate Fiction; Immigration; Ellis Island Immigration Station; Letters; Poetry

From the November 2016 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.