How I Became an American

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as a move to a new city, or when they begin asking deep questions about where their family came from. It is particularly resonant for children who feel like outsiders or are struggling to balance their heritage with a new environment. The story follows Johann, a ten-year-old German boy living in Transylvania at the turn of the 20th century, as his family decides to leave their ancestral home for a better life in America. Through Johann's eyes, children explore themes of resilience, the fear of the unknown, and the enduring strength of family bonds. It is a gentle yet honest look at the immigrant experience that helps middle-grade readers understand that home is something you carry with you. Parents will appreciate how it validates the sadness of leaving things behind while celebrating the bravery of starting over.