A parent might reach for this book when their child asks complex questions about why people move from one country to another, or when a new classmate has an immigration story. "A Kids Book about Immigration" directly and gently explains the concepts, motivations, and emotional realities of leaving one's home for a new one. It covers why people immigrate, from seeking opportunity to fleeing danger, and explores the mix of feelings involved, like hope, sadness, and the challenge of belonging. For ages 8 to 12, this book provides clear language and a compassionate framework, making it an invaluable tool for starting an honest conversation about a timely and important global topic.
Alludes to reasons people flee, such as war or danger, without graphic details.
Sensitive Topics
The book directly discusses sensitive reasons for immigration, including war, poverty, and persecution. The approach is secular and factual, aiming for clarity over alarm. It does not contain graphic details but names these harsh realities as motivators for leaving a home country. The overall tone is realistic about the difficulties but ultimately hopeful, focusing on the resilience of immigrants and the importance of welcoming communities.
Ideal Reader
This is for an inquisitive 9 to 12 year old who has started hearing about immigration on the news or in school and has questions. It is also perfect for a child whose own family has an immigration story and who is looking for language to understand and articulate their experience. It serves any child in a classroom with newcomers, providing them with a foundation for empathy.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview the sections that discuss refugees and asylum seekers, as these detail difficult reasons for leaving a country (war, danger). While the book handles this gently, a parent should be prepared to pause and discuss these concepts. Co-reading is highly recommended to answer questions as they arise and provide emotional reassurance. The book is designed to be a conversation starter, not a passive read. A child asks, "Why did my friend have to leave her country?" or "What does 'refugee' mean? I heard it on TV." The parent wants a resource that explains the topic clearly and compassionately without being overwhelming or frightening.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will grasp the core ideas of moving, the mix of sad and happy feelings, and the importance of being a kind friend. An older reader (10-12) will be able to understand the nuances between different legal statuses (immigrant, refugee), connect the concepts to current events, and engage more deeply with the social justice and fairness aspects of immigration policies.
What Makes It Special
Unlike narrative picture books that tell one specific immigration story, this book's strength is its direct, nonfiction format. As part of the "A Kids Book About..." series, it tackles the entire concept head-on. It provides a vocabulary and a framework for understanding a complex system, making it an exceptional tool for parents and educators who need to explain the topic broadly and accurately.
Read plot summary
This nonfiction book is a direct-address guide to the concept of immigration. It defines key terms like immigrant, refugee, and asylum seeker. The author explains the complex reasons people move, breaking them down into "push factors" (like war, lack of opportunity, or danger) and "pull factors" (like safety, education, or joining family). The book walks the reader through the emotional journey of leaving home, adapting to a new culture, and facing challenges like learning a new language or dealing with prejudice. It is interspersed with personal reflections from the author and concludes with an empowering call to action for empathy and kindness.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The book talks about 'push' factors (reasons to leave) and 'pull' factors (reasons to go to a new place). What are some examples of each that you remember? Can you imagine a 'push' factor that would be strong enough to make you leave home?
2
Author Mj Calderon is a first-generation Salvadoran-American and shares parts of their family's story. Why do you think it is powerful to learn about immigration from someone who has experienced it?
3
The book defines different terms like immigrant, refugee, and asylum seeker. Before reading, what did you think those words meant? Did anything you learned surprise you?
4
What are some small, kind things the book suggests (or that you can think of) that you could do to make a new student at your school feel welcome and included?
