In the midst of preparing for a family feast each year, we’ve also wrestled with how to talk to our kids about Thanksgiving. We want our children to learn from and do their part in changing the inequality in their world, and perpetuating the Thanksgiving story we were taught in elementary school runs squarely at odds with that mission.

Related: 10 Ways Parents Can Fight for Social Justice Every Day

But, it can be hard to know how and when to start having the true story of Thanksgiving conversation with kids. So first, remember that we don’t need to nail this by the time the turkey hits the table. This is ongoing and important work to do all year round. Following are a few ideas and resources that are helping our family to lay a foundation that, we hope, will help our kids respect and respond to real history in a way that supports a better future.

Build a Foundation for Knowing & Respecting Native Peoples 

Start by teaching children real stories and truths about Native and Indigenous peoples, both from the past and the present. The more our children can be curious and aware of people for their strengths and rich history, the more they will push back on stereotypes and absorb the real history in a way that makes them compelled to act.

Here are a few easy ways to do this, even with very young children:

  • Learn about the people who live or used to live on the land in your area. Use an app like native-land.ca to find out which people live/lived and which languages are/were spoken on the land on which you live. Search for “native people from {city, state or region}” or “indigenous people from {city, state or region}. Then, look for historically accurate accounts of how those people thrived, being aware of the limitations of the perspective of whoever has created them.
  • Read books that help children come to know about Native peoples and prepare them to push back against stereotypes. For starters, check out this list of 15 beautiful picture books by Native authors about Native protagonists assembled by veteran Tinkergarten Leaders Erika McLemore, who is Creek-Seminole, and Cholena Smith-Boyd of the Shinnecock Indian Nation. As you select more books on your own, consult a reputable resource like Dr. Debbie Reese, a researcher focused on the representation of Native Americans in children’s literature. Through her expert advice, my family has learned how to pick books that are about specific tribes or Native peoples, avoiding the kind of generalizations that lead to stereotypes.
  • Incorporate Native history into everyday outdoor play. As you are walking in a forest or along a river in your area, share something you’ve learned about the Native people who live/lived and what makes/made them special as a group or society.
  • Continue learning. Read more from Indigenous Vision about how to build inclusive communities and support Indigenous youth.

Question History Together 

When you feel your kids are ready, work with them to question and point out the mismatches between the accurate history and the often perpetuated Thanksgiving Story. To start:

  • Get to know the true story of Thanksgiving story yourself. PBS Kids offers wonderful resources for parents and educators on how to approach Thanksgiving with authenticity. These resources also help us parents better understand, for ourselves, the story of the people we call Pilgrims, their interaction with the Wampanoag people, and the full history of the holiday we’ve come to know as Thanksgiving.
  • Don’t be afraid to share with children that there is more to the story. It’s important to help them understand that the familiar story that has been shared for a long time is over-simplified and, as such, can even be hurtful to whole groups of people as well as the allies of those people. One way you can present the disparity to kids is, that although there was a feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, it happened during a time of terrible cruelty and unthinkable loss to the Wampanoag.
  • Seek out additional tools for learning. This New York Times article has helped us use both age-appropriate resources and inquiry to start engaging our kids in conversation about Thanksgiving. For example, it has encouraged us to help our kids ask “Who is telling the story, and what is their perspective? How is this story different from other accounts and facts that we now know?”

Focus on Gratitude 

While it’s essential that we help our children become more attuned to inequality and injustice, telling the true story of Thanksgiving doesn’t have to undermine our practice of sharing gratitude. You can even kickstart an annual gratitude tradition that’s respectful of Native history. Once you learn about the original caretakers of the land you live on, it becomes easy to express thanks for all they’ve done to preserve its natural beauty as part of Thanksgiving.

Be sure to help kids reflect on what they’re grateful for in their day-to-day lives, too. For many years, our family has focused our Thanksgiving on expressing thanks for our family, our health, our earth, and whatever else feels authentic to our kids. We engage in rituals like building a tree of thanks to make this even more concrete for them, and fun for us. This has extended far beyond Thanksgiving for us as well, helping us use simple rituals to develop a gratitude practice as a family and improve our own mental well-being in the process.

However you choose to celebrate this holiday, remember that while we cannot change history, we can make our children alert to who is telling and what needs to be told about the story. It’s the only way our kids will learn to do their part to make sure better stories are written in their time.

This post originally appeared on Tinkergarten.

After 18 years as an educator, curriculum developer and school leader, Meghan has her dream gig—an entrepreneur/educator/mom who helps families everywhere, including hers, learn outside. Today, Meghan serves as co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Tinkergarten, the national leader in outdoor play-based learning. 

Juneteenth is not only a time for celebration but of remembrance and reflection of a historical milestone for African-Americans. While freedom is certainly worthy of a good party, let us never forget what the holiday is truly about: the final ending of slavery in the United States and the hope for a better future. Read on for our Bay Area roundup of events to help you celebrate freedom and teach little ones the importance of Juneteenth.

A band plays at a Juneteenth celebration
Derek Lamar via Unsplash

San Francisco Citywide Black Student Union
The youth-led San Francisco Citywide Black Student Union will host its first Juneteenth event this year at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in John McLaren Park. The festival is meant to celebrate youth, promote local entrepreneurs, creators and artists is free to the community. Jun 18

SF Black Wallstreet Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Food, live music and amusement park rides will headline this celebration of black history and culture so gather the family and head over to Gilman Park in San Francisco for the annual Juneteenth Celebration. Jun. 19

Afrocentric Oakland’s Juneteenth Weekend
Afrocentric Oakland’s Juneteenth Weekend will be packed with fun for the whole family and kicks off with its 10th annual Pan-African Wellness Fest which centers on holistic health followed by a full-day celebration promoting family, community, culture and love. Jun. 18 & 19

Juneteenth in the Streets
Families are in for a treat this year at the African-American Community Service Agency’s 41st Annual Juneteenth Celebration in San Jose. Headlined by singer/songwriter Tamar Braxton, the community event is in the SoFA district and will celebrate African American heritage, community and so much more. Check out their website for the event schedule. Jun. 12-18

35th Annual Berkeley Juneteenth Festival
Unity is the cornerstone for many Juneteenth events and Berkeley’s annual festival is no different. A true celebration of family and black culture, there will be something for all ages in attendance. Bonus: There will be a special “Dad Hat” for sale in honor of Father’s Day. Jun. 19 More details.

a pair of hands plays the African drums
Luz Mendoza via Unsplash

Juneteenth at the Purple Museum
It’s always a good day for a visit to the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose. They’ve partnered with Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) to celebrate Juneteenth through a host of special events. Families can watch a variety of animated short films, channel their rhythm during a drumming workshop with Ghanaian-born performer and Master Drummer Pope Flyne, and even make their very own drum to practice at home. Jun. 19

Juneteenth Food and Music Festival
Nothing rings louder than the call of freedom. The Juneteenth Food and Music Festival will include more than 60 vendors ranging from food to handmade crafts along with a sip and paint area and a fashion show. Jun. 17 More info.

Virtual Juneteenth Celebration

Crayola Read Along, Draw Along 
Did you know that Opal Lee is known as the “grandmother” of the Juneteenth holiday? Join Crayola Education for a virtual celebration of Lee’s inspiring message of hope, unity and strength via a Read A Long/Draw Along on June 16. During the virtual event, author Alice Faye Duncan will read the true story of Opal Lee, sharing the history behind the holiday. Then participants will have the chance to create artwork with illustrator Keturah A. Bobo. Get your crayons and colored pencils ready!

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When your child has food allergies, a typical playdate, birthday party or school lunch involves a lot more preparation, label-reading, caution and let’s face it…fear. From wheat to nuts, dairy to sesame, navigating the onset and management of food allergies can be complicated. They’re not just an inconvenience, they can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to find treatment that makes life safer—and better!—for the 32 million American children and adults living with food allergies.

Latitude Food Allergy Care was founded by a mom on a mission to find answers in response to her own daughter’s life-threatening food allergies. With five locations in the Bay Area, these clinics are 100% focused on food allergies. Their offerings include prevention, testing and treatment for people of all ages.

Here are 5 reasons to visit Latitude to take control of food allergies:

You can clear up confusion.

Is it an allergy? A sensitivity? An intolerance? Rather than going down an unproductive Google rabbit hole and self-diagnosing, a Latitude board-certified allergist will use a combination of medical history, blood tests, skin tests and oral food challenges to diagnose and create a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan. And they see patients as young as four months old!

You’ll have peace of mind.

Did you know that more than 170 foods have been reported to cause allergic reactions? Nine common food allergens are responsible for most of the serious food allergy reactions in the U.S: milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, crustacean shellfish and sesame. About 40% of children with food allergies are allergic to more than one food. With that being said… the idea of serving your kiddo a food they may be allergic to is certainly anxiety producing.

Put your mind at ease with the right plan and support. Major clinical studies and guidelines show that early and regular exposure to certain food allergens like peanut, egg, dairy and wheat may reduce the risk of developing an allergy to that food. Latitude offers early food introduction to infants under the close observation of an allergist (in a nurturing, welcoming environment) to ensure safety.

It won’t take forever to get an appointment. (Cue the sigh of relief!) 

Latitude is built to provide patients with ease of access. They’re able to see most new patients in just a matter of weeks, not months! For children with food allergies that are dealing with symptoms on a regular basis, this means getting to the bottom of the issue sooner. Reach out to Latitude Food Allergy Care to schedule your appointment now.

It fits within your budget.

Latitude accepts most kinds of insurance so you don’t need to worry about unexpected bills and can focus on getting the help and treatment your child deserves.

Treatment can improve quality of life.

Studies show that children with food allergies and their caregivers have high rates of anxiety and depression. Understanding and avoiding certain foods can feel overwhelming, especially when your child isn’t always right by your side. But the right treatment can be a gamechanger. Latitude offers advanced treatment options including Oral Immunotherapy (OIT), a food allergy treatment that regularly exposes an individual to increasing amounts of the foods they are allergic to. Over time, OIT retrains the immune system to decrease adverse reactions to a specific protein or allergen. It’s approximately 85% effective when supervised by experts who specialize in this treatment.

Latitude offers OIT for patients as young as 12 months, and can treat single and multiple foods at the same time. Not only does OIT help avoid life-threatening exposures, it can provide major improvements in quality of life by reducing dietary restrictions and empowering people to enjoy more food.

Latitude’s team of allergists understand the unique challenges and stress of living with food allergies, and provide testing and treatment to deliver life-altering outcomes. Make an appointment to visit Latitude Food Allergy Care and unlock a better future for your child today!

Learn more about Latitude’s Food Allergy solutions for people of all ages.

—Jessica Solloway

Nearly thirty years ago, at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, poet Maya Angelou read her composition On the Pulse of Morning, a poem that encouraged fresh beginnings and positive habits even while lamenting the failings of our past, notably those related to the environment. On the Pulse of Morning is about nature, but like all fine poems, it speaks to larger themes, imparting wisdom between the lines and new insights with each re-read. Among this poem’s broad messages are that humans, by virtue of their intellects, do have the capacity to change, and that Hope is a motivator. Hope for a better future can be the basis for fresh beginnings and new habits.

The sentence that I love most is, “The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.” I love it because the “horizon leaning forward” is figurative language that could represent the mission of any good school. We want our schools to be places where all our students have the space and the resources to reach their potential as scholars and problem-solvers, where they are free to stumble and then start over, where they develop positive and lasting habits of mind, among them empathy and remaining open to continuous learning.

It is in this spirit—and at the onset of the new horizon of 2022—we recommend some stories that speak to fresh beginnings and feature personal growth themes and amplify ideas we promote in our schools.

Preschool

Because Amelia Smiled Written and Illustrated by David Ezra Stein
Amelia’s smile and her general happiness go on to cause a chain reaction of goodwill and inspiration that continues across several other countries and eventually back to Amelia. The message here is strong: one person’s action can make a difference, like ripples in the ocean. When we do kind things for other people, they are more likely to do kind things themselves. Stein’s bright pencil, crayon and watercolor illustrations make this book a treasure.

Kindergarten

The Longest Storm Written by Dan Yaccarino
A beautifully illustrated picture book about the importance of having coping skills. This author/illustrator places a metaphor moment where the storm forces the family into total darkness and isolation. “There was nothing to do and too much time to do it.” Once the family realizes that they can work together, they find forgiveness and comfort in each other. The importance of saying sorry, as well as healing and moving on as a family are clearly portrayed on the pages of this book. A great conversation starter for some tough topics.

Grades One & Two

Manjhi Moves a Mountain Written by Nancy Churnin, Illustrated by Danny Popovici
This incredible true story is about a man so determined, he spent 22 years chiseling through a mountain. The breathtaking double-page watercolor illustrations capture the decades-long timeline and determination of Manjhi. In a small village deep in India the townspeople at first ridiculed him. He was eventually joined by his community, transforming him to a legend. The book includes a way for readers to share their own experiences and celebrates kids who do acts of kindness, good deeds, and encouraging kindness to spread.

The Bad Mood and the Stick Written by Lemony Snicket and Illustrated by Matthew Forsythe
This brilliant and unique story tells the tale of a bad mood and a stick, and ponders the cause and effect of each of them. They travel around the town, poking brothers, falling in mud puddles, and missing out on ice cream. When the stick has a cocoon on it, the ice cream store owner displays it for all to see. What becomes of the bad mood? The striking gouache, ink, and pencil illustrations, show us where the bad mood travels, and how a bad mood can be cured. This personification of a bad mood gives children a tool through which they can gain understanding about the way moods work and impact our lives.

Grades Three to Five

One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia Written by Miranda Paul, Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunan
This inspiring true story is about Isatou Ceesay, who began a movement to do something about the plastic bags that were polluting her community. The bags were being discarded everywhere, which led to dirty water, mosquitoes, and eventually sickening the goats who began eating them. With unique art and native words interspersed throughout, the story follows persistent Isatou who thinks outside the box and ignores the laughter to solve this town’s problem.

Middle School

Stuntboy, In the Meantime Written by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Raul the Third
Newbery Medal honoree and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jason Reynolds and graphic novel artist Raul the Third collaborated on this hilarious, hopeful, and action-packed illustrated chapter book about the greatest young superhero you’ve never heard of. The main character, Portico Reeves, creates a superhero persona to help himself deal with bullies, his family issues, and his own anxiety. Stuntboy is a hero with determination and a true heart of gold, even when his problems make life hard. This book is full of comics but has a deep and meaningful story that many middle schoolers will appreciate.

Pony Written by RJ Palacio
The Author of Wonder brings us this historical fiction story which takes place in 1860 Ohio. Twelve-year-old Silas witnesses his Scottish immigrant father’s abduction, and must push himself past all his fears while on a mission to rescue him. It becomes a hero’s journey, on which Silas feels like Telemachus from Greek mythology. The other star of the book is the Arabian pony with a white skull on his face that seemingly understands how to help his travel partner. This is a story about resilience and bravery, companionship, and family bonds. Included as illustrations are daguerreotype portraits, which are fun and help to visualize the characters in their era.

Photo: Stratford School

 

Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California. 

Wheaties announced today that LeBron James will be the next athlete to adorn the cover of the iconic orange box. James takes over the cover from Serena Williams, both of whom were named Associated Press Athletes of the Decade earlier this year. James will continue Wheaties’ 85 year-run of featuring sports champions on the collectible boxes. 

Wheaties - LeBron James

The box looks a little different this time. Alongside James is a collage of kids and families from the LeBron James Family Foundation’s transformational I PROMISE program in Akron, Ohio. The wraparound image includes students and staff from the I PROMISE School, the groundbreaking Akron Public School opened by James and the Foundation in 2018 that serves the district’s most at-risk students and their entire families. The school and the Foundation’s comprehensive programming have redefined the community of Akron and is a testament that James has never forgotten where he came from. No matter how much on court success he has had, his legacy is much bigger than basketball.

“We all know LeBron James for his record-breaking basketball career, but his achievements off the court truly set him apart,” said Taylor Gessell, brand experience manager for Wheaties. “From starting the LeBron James Family Foundation, to boldly speaking out on racial injustice, to launching the I PROMISE School – LeBron is a champion of change who is using his sports platform to better the world. We couldn’t be prouder to feature such a positive force of inspiration for the next generation of champions on Wheaties’ historic box.”

James grew up in Akron, Ohio, where he leaned on his family, friends and community to lift him up when times were tough. He was a standout high school player for St. Vincent-St. Mary before being drafted as the #1 overall pick. James has gone on to win three Championships, four league MVPs. He currently stands as the 3rd all-time points leader and he can now add Wheaties Champion to the list.

“Growing up where we come from, to see my I PROMISE kids and families from Akron, Ohio, represented on the iconic Wheaties box means everything,” said James. “The movement we’ve started in Akron is about doing our part to uplift our community by first listening and then responding with the resources they need. We will continue to do everything we can to create a better future for our kids and our community, and it starts with the students, teachers, and everyday champions you see on this box.”   

 In 2004, James, who proudly refers to himself as “just a kid from Akron,” started the LeBron James Family Foundation to give back to the same community that changed his life. LJFF started by organizing community events and in 2011, refocused its efforts on education. In 2018, LJFF opened the I PROMISE School, dedicated to giving Akron’s most challenged kids the resources and support they need to excel in school and beyond. With its Family Resource Center, the Foundation eliminates barriers families face with access to job support, legal aid, healthcare, GED classes, financial literacy programs, and an onsite food pantry. For those experiencing homelessness, the Foundation opened the I PROMISE Village to provide transitional housing. LJFF has also guaranteed tuition to The University of Akron or Kent State University for every eligible I PROMISE graduate. James and his Foundation have started a movement that is transforming the future for thousands of Akron families.

“Having our students, families and educators on the Wheaties box alongside LeBron is pretty powerful, and it illustrates that deep and meaningful work cannot be done alone,” said Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. “It takes an entire community to truly rally around those that need it most, and it takes a lot of passion and hard work. But it can be done, and we’re humbled to continue pushing the envelope on what’s possible for these families and all communities across the country.”

The limited-edition LeBron James and I PROMISE Wheaties box will be sold on www.Shop.Wheaties.com now and will roll out on store shelves in the U.S. in the next several weeks.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Wheaties

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Get ready to cast your ballot. Just in time for the 2020 elections, the Yara Shahidi Barbie doll is here to inspire young girls from around the world. As part of their ongoing Role Model Series, Barbie is shining a light on notable women who affect positive change in the world. 

Yara Shahidi Barbie

You may know Shahidi as an actress and model but off-screen she uses her platform to inspire others. She launched Eighteen X 18 voting initiative to educate and motivate first-time voters to turn out for the 2018 mid-term elections. The Yara Shahidi doll hopes to empower the next generation of voters to stand up for what they believe in, emphasize the importance of using one’s voice at every age and show young voters how they hold the power to help shape a better future. 

To further encourage a conversation around the voting process, a QR code on the doll’s packaging links to  WeVoteNext which provides directions on how to register to vote based on one’s zip code. 

The collectible doll is available now for pre-sale exclusively on Amazon and Barbie.com.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Mattel

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Photo: Clay Banks via Unsplash

Every fall the kids go back to school but what about when it’s Mom’s turn to go back to school? Going back to school after you’ve been doing the important work of being a mom can be intimidating. You might feel like you’re totally out of the loop or that you’ll struggle to fit in.

The good news is that going back to school, while scary, can be very rewarding and valuable. A lot of the process will involve figuring things out as you go, but there are a few tips that can help you prepare for success. Keep these 10 things in mind as you get ready for your first day back in the classroom.

1. Use the University’s Resources for Mothers as Much as Possible

Universities understand that moms going back to school have unique challenges. Many schools have resources and groups to help mothers succeed and manage their coursework. In most cases, you’ll have to seek out information especially for mothers. The best way to find out what resources are available at your university is to ask! Your advisor can help you find the help you need to feel supported.

2. Be Patient With Yourself—You Don’t Need a Full Schedule Right Away

It can be very tempting to just get through your program as quickly as possible so you can get back into the workforce. However, it can be a mistake to take on a full course load right away.

Try easing into it. Start with one or two courses and work your way up if you find that you’re managing things with ease. You can even choose an online program if that’s more manageable for your schedule.

Be realistic and don’t feel bad if you can’t take a full load of classes. It’s better to do well in a few classes than to barely pass a lot at once. Be patient with yourself.

3. Ensure Your Kids Understand the Life Change You’re Making

Your kids, especially if they are younger, may have difficulty understanding the changes in their lives that your going back to school will bring. That’s why it’s important to be open with them, to reassure them, and to explain exactly why you’re taking this step. Getting them on board and helping them to understand why it’s important for you to go back to school will make the transition easier.

4. Identify Why You’re Going Back

There are going to be some moments during your educational journey when you feel like giving up. That’s normal!

To help prepare for these inevitable speed bumps, you should identify exactly why going back to school is important to you. For many women, it’s the ability to provide for their families. Just 14% of workers in the U.S receive family leave benefits, and many women have to go back to work almost immediately after giving birth. If you want a better future for your family, use that as your motivation during the hard times.

5. See If You Have Any Available Credits to Transfer Over

If you attended college in the past, you may not have even considered that your credits could transfer over. While each school has different requirements, it’s always worth checking to see if some of the work you’ve done in the past could give you a leg up and help you as you head back to school. You’ll save money, time, and you won’t have to re-learn information you already know.

6. Consider Scholarships Exclusive for Moms

Did you know there are grants and scholarships out there just for moms going back to school? If you need financial help to go back to school, it’s definitely worth spending some time applying for scholarships designed for returning students with kids.

7. Establish a Schedule…and Stick to It

Juggling childcare, school, and for some moms, work, can be difficult. The best way to manage your time is to establish a schedule from the very beginning and stick to it. Getting behind can make you feel overwhelmed, so it’s important to be realistic about how long everything will take.

8. Don’t Forget to Budget

Going back to school is expensive—and so is caring for children. As a mom returning to school, you’ll need to budget and plan for expenses that may come up during your program. Books, fees, and other expenses can really add up, so make sure you add them to your budget. By making a budget, you can minimize your debt load and make your life easier when you graduate.

9. Connect with Your Advisor

It’s important to ask for help when you need it, so start building those crucial support relationships as soon as you head back to campus. Connect with your advisor right away. You’ll get access to school resources and start building trust that could help you later on.

10. Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Experience

While it’s easy to remember all the challenges you’ll face when you go back to school, it can be harder to focus on the positives. Try to enjoy the experience. Make new friends, get into what you’re learning, and remember that this will all be worth it in the end.

Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in industries including health and wellness, wearable technology, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her children. Sarah enjoys watching baseball and reading on the beach. 

Powerful stories of the immigrant and refugee experience can help kids understand what people go through when they move to a new country and start new lives. These novels and memoirs for kids 10 and under can help build empathy and sensitivity among readers, and kids from immigrant families can see reflections of their own struggles and triumphs. For more books about the immigrant experience that kids of all ages can enjoy and identify with—from Illegal, a graphic novel that paints a harrowing picture of a refugee crisis, to classics like The Joy Luck Club for older kids—check out the entire list at Common Sense Media.

Carmela Full of Wishes

By Matt de la Peña

This delicate, finely wrought story about a young Latina girl lays out the difficult circumstances of her immigrant family while celebrating her as a kid like any other. 

Recommended for ages 4 and older

 (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2018)

Dreamers

By Yuyi Morales

This is the story of author Yuri Morales’ her own immigrant experience, traveling from her native Mexico to San Francisco, California, with her infant son. In an end note, she makes clear that the book is not about "Dreamers" as we use the word today, undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, but in the sense that all immigrants are dreamers, coming to "a new country carried by hope and dreams, and carrying our own special gifts, to build a better future." 

Recommended for ages 4 and older

(Holiday House, 2018)

Mamá the Alien/Mamá la Extraterrestre

By René Colato Laínez 


Mamá the Alien is a cute, bilingual picture book that introduces issues related to immigration, documentation, and citizenship in a warm, lighthearted way for kids as young as preschool.

Recommended for ages 4 and older

(Children's Book Press, 2016)

Yo Soy Muslim: A Father's Letter to His Daughter

By Mark Gonzales

A father's advice to his daughter about her mixed indigenous Mexican and Muslim heritage reads as both intensely personal and widely universal, airily poetic and solidly concrete. The book represents Muslim kids and families in a positive light, providing a mirror for Muslim kids, and a window for readers of all backgrounds.

Recommended for ages 4 and older

(Salaam Reads, 2017)

Islandborn

By Junot Diaz

It's not every day that a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist writes a picture book, and this one vibrantly celebrates diversity by mining the author's own Dominican American immigrant experience. 

Recommended for ages 5 and older

(Dial Books for Young Readers, 2018)

This Is Me: A Story of Who We Are and Where We Came From

By Jamie Lee Curtis 

In This Is Me, an Asian-American teacher describes the journey of her great-grandmother, who came to this country carrying only one small suitcase filled with personal items. This book helps kids dig up their histories and relate them to their own lives and identities in a personally meaningful way.

Recommended for ages 5 and older

(Workman Publishing Co, 2016)

Where Will I Live?

By Rosemary McCarney

This excellent book introduces young kids to the plight of refugees and is brought vividly to life by the photos and faces of very real children who've been affected. 

Recommended for ages 5 and older

(Second Story Press, 2017)

The Day War Came

By Nicola Davies

This moving, haunting story of a young refugee draws its power from its simplicity, as the girl herself tells her own story, observing what's happening around her in ways kids can absorb. The Day War Came is frank and heartbreaking, but gentle. Author Nicola Davies makes clear this kid is like any other.

Recommended for ages 6 and older

(Candlewick Press, 2018)

A Different Pond

By Bao Phi

This tender, masterful family story about a hardworking Vietnamese refugee dad and his son focuses on a simple outing that speaks volumes about their lives and the strong ties that bind them. 

Recommended for ages 6 and older

(Capstone Young Readers, 2017)

Angel Island: Gateway to Gold Mountain

By Russell Freedman 

Through photographs, original poems, and interview excerpts, Russell Freedman tells young readers about the experience of immigrants coming through San Francisco's Angel Island during its operation from 1910 to 1940. 

Recommended for ages 9 and older

(Clarion Books, 2014)

The Arrival

By Shaun Tan 

This wordless graphic novel about an immigrant who leaves his troubled country to make a new life for himself is a visual masterpiece.

Recommended for ages 9 and older

(Arthur A. Levine, 2007)

Front Desk

By Kelly Yang

Loosely based on Kelly Yang's experience growing up as an immigrant in America, this powerful, moving tale highlights the importance of tolerance and diversity, making it a must-read for kids. Front Desk takes place in the early '90s, but many of the heartbreaking stories mentioned in the book are still a reality for immigrants and minorities today.

Recommended for ages 9 and older

(Arthur A. Levine, 2018)

The Only Road

By Alexandra Diaz 

As two teenage cousins take the perilous journey from Guatemala to the U.S., this harrowing, heartfelt tale brings to life the plight of thousands of young refugees and the dangers they face.

Recommended for ages 9 and older

(Simon & Schuster, 2016)

Refugee

By Alan Gratz

This ambitious, harrowing page-turner is chock-full of historical information, and it succeeds in providing a vivid window onto the lives of three fictional child refugees from different time periods and settings: 1938 Berlin, 1994 Cuba, and 2015 Syria. 

Recommended for ages 10 and older

(Scholastic Press, 2017)

Shooting Kabul

By N. H. Senzai

This novel about an 11-year-old Afghan immigrant will give readers of all ages sensitive insight into the hardships immigrants experience in their daily lives, especially those seeking asylum from oppressive cultures. And, they will be reminded of how the 9/11 terrorist attacks made the lives of Muslim immigrants even harder.

Recommended for ages 10 and older

(Paula Wiseman, 2011)

Feature photo: iStock

 

Common Sense Media
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.