Review by Booklist Review
Showing a family embracing in front of the Statue of Liberty on the front cover, Some of Us celebrates immigrants to the U.S. warmly and thoughtfully. Saturated, painterly illustrations depict adults, children, and families of various skin tones and ethnic backgrounds, highlighting the rich diversity that immigration imparts. The story acknowledges the distinct places people come from and various modes of travel used, from train to foot to motorcycle. The reasons for immigrating to the U.S. are discussed with sensitivity while asserting, "We all deserve safety, respect, opportunity." A combination of spot art and full-bleed illustrations that fill entire pages captures people partaking in various everyday activities, such as doing yoga in the park, participating in story time, and going to the doctor. These scenes provide windows and mirrors for young readers and subtly reinforce the text's message that immigrants enrich the cultural fabric of the nation. All of this leads to a description of the naturalization process and the rights that come with citizenship. An author's note, bibliography, and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights concludes.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"Some of us are born American. Some choose," begins Newbery Honoree LaRocca in this elegantly limned work about U.S. citizenship. An initial section examines how and why people might seek to arrive in the country, from any place and at any age, leaving behind "loved ones, important jobs, beloved places," and sometimes fleeing "war, oppression, poverty." Throughout, a collective we references how "we bring with us our languages, our cuisines, our customs, clothing, music, stories, histories," and "add to the rich tapestry of our new home." A second section reviews the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, emphasizing that the oath is "not to the president, not to Congress," but to "freedom, justice, peace, equality." Using a red, white, and blue palette, Lee's digital imagery emphasizes lively group scenes, including of a city community, a public-school polling place, and a crowd gathered to watch fireworks. Underlining the responsibilities and rights of citizens, it's an affirming reminder that "we all deserve safety, respect, opportunity." Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author's note, "Rights of all Peoples" guide, and bibliography conclude. Ages 5--9. Author's agent: Brent Taylor, Triada US. Illustrator's agent: Claire Morance, Painted Word. (May)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
LaRocca lovingly traces the path to U.S. citizenship. "Some of us are born American. Some choose," the author proclaims as Lee introduces a diverse, smiling crowd of people dressed in red, white, and blue. As the narrative unfolds, adults and children alike make different journeys from far-flung places. Artful and versatile image compositions integrate American symbols, making for an accessible work that's nevertheless imbued with a sense of grandeur. Optimism abounds, but both author and illustrator laudably acknowledge, too, the grim realities confronted by many immigrants. "Some of us are invited to study or work," LaRocca notes on a page featuring labeled headshots of Flossie Wong-Staal, I.M. Pei, Jesús Ferreira, and Rihanna. "Some flee war, oppression, poverty," she declares on a more somber page on which a dark-skinned hand grasps barbed wire. One busy spread portrays an urban neighborhood full of ethnic eateries, while another shows families praying inside eight different houses of worship--a pleasing, symmetrical snapshot of peaceful coexistence. After immigrants vow to defend the Constitution and become citizens, they "can fully participate in the governing of the country [they] love." Finally, as fireworks explode, they cheer: "We are all American." This is a remarkably nuanced ode to immigrants and to citizenship, capped by thoughtful backmatter that balances patriotism with critique about historical immigration laws rooted in prejudice. A moving and captivating civics lesson. (author's note, photograph, United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, bibliography)(Informational picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
