What Does It Mean to Be American?

Most children’s books about being an American are full of white men and indoctrinated concepts. This is not one of those books. It starts with an interracial family and follows them throughout the book as they explore what it means to be American. It employs overused phrases, like “all people are equal” and gives them new meaning by stating being American means being able to love who you choose, to welcome those from other countries, and appreciate the diversity in our own. 

In the back there are discussion questions for families to explore the ideas more. I especially like how not only does it ask what does it mean for everyone to be treated equally, but also asks when are some times that people are not treated equally. This is a lightheaded book that would be a great starting point to developing an appreciation of being an American.

Add it to your bookshelf!

Author: Rana Diorio and Elad Yoran

Illustrator: Nina Mata

Publisher:Sourcebook

I was kindly given this book for my honest review but all opinions are my own. 

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