Embedded Files
Front Desk by Kelly Yang (2018)
Summary: In this middle-grade chapter book, a young girl helps manage a motel while navigating immigrant life. Mia and her parents came to the United States with nothing but $200 and a hope for a better life. They soon get a job managing a motel run by Mr. Yao, who also happens to be the father of one of Mia's classmates. While Mia's parents clean, she runs the front desk and deals with Customers. Mr. Yao's greediness poses challenges for Mia's family, but she loves working at the hotel. When she finds a sweepstakes with the grand prize of a motel, she decides to save all her money for a chance to win their own motel. This heartfelt read is more suitable for older readers because this book doesnt shy away from showcasing the obstacles and discrimination faced by new immigrants in the US.
Controversy Scale: Low-Medium (2/5)
Do be warned that this book does address some more mature topics, like discrimination due to immigration status and a robbery where the main character's mom is beaten. The owner of the motel is also very bitter and often times seeks to take advantage of immigrants and residents in order to get the biggest profit possible.
Themes: Economic justice, friendship, perseverance
Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson (2019)
Summary: Six students share personal stories about family, immigration, and justice. A group of six 6th graders who are in a class for special learners are given an hour a week to sit together in a room without an adult present and encouraged to share their stories. While hesitant at first, the racially diverse group of kids decides to not only share their struggles, but also record each other. Together, they discover that everyone faces different struggles related to racial profiling, family separation, bullying, and growing up. This book highlights the power of stories and the strength of community. It is the winner of the 2019 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work. The book tackles heavy subjects in an age-appropriate way that provides adults with opportunities to discuss immigration and American injustice.
Controversy Scale: Medium (3/5)
Adults should be prepared to answer questions about things like ICE, immigration laws, and police brutality. The overall message of the book is to highlight that while everyone faces different obstacles, we have the opportunity to harbor one another when needed.
Themes: Community, empathy, social issues
Land of Cranes by Aida Salazar (2020)
Summary: A young girl's childhood experience of being separated from her father and being held in a detention camp with her mother. Nine-year-old Betita has grown up hearing stories about cranes who flew high in the sky, like her and her family. Her world shatters when her father doesnt make it to pick her up one day. She finds that her dad has been taken during an ICE raid at work. When she tries to reunite with her father, her mother and Betita also get detained. Together, they must stick together and survive the detention center's harsh conditions. This book is written in prose and highlights the power of poetry and art. Betita uses picture poems to try and connect with her father, but later on to advocate for her and her mother's case. This is a great book to get a look inside the shortcomings of the immigration system and help children understand the harsh conditions immigrants face.
Controversy Scale: Medium-High (4/5)
While this book tackles some heavy topics, it is a vital read. There is real pain and sadness behind some of the picture poems, but at an age-appropriate level. The author highlights the mistreatment that takes place in these centers, from lice to unedible food, to guard mistreatment, and even abuse. Immigration, refugees, and detention centers are highly controversial but relevant issues that students might have questions about.
Themes: Immigration, detention, resilience
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei (Middle Grade Edition 2019)
Summary: An actor's childhood experience in Japanese internment camps. George Takei is most well-known for his role in Star Trek, but before he was a well-known actor, he grew up in an internment camp. In 1942, Americans of Japanese descent were forced to go to Japanese Internment camps due to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Controversy Scale: Medium-High (4/5) This title is aimed for more mature readers to to language (rare uses of hell and damn) as well as some wartime violence. The book has been banned in some areas, like Tennessee because of its themes of systematic racism and civil rights violations during the Japanese interment camps. This title might be best used when communicating with adults by possibly sending permission slips home.
Themes: Civil rights, historical injustice, resilience
Until Someone Listens by Estela Juarez with Lissette Norman (2022)
Summary: An autobiographical work of a young girl's advocacy for her deported mother. When Stela was 8, her mother got deported. As her family is separated, Stella decides to use her voice to help reunite her family. This work bridges the topics of immigration and social justice by showing kids the power they have to make change. This title is written by a 14 year old Stella seeking to use her voice to being about positive change. This is an accessible, first hand account as to the consequences families must face when torn apart due to immigration policies.
Controversy Scale: High (4/5)
This work is highly accessible and high interest since it is written by a young adult. The themes are heavy as they deal with the consequences of families being separated. This is an excellent choice for students with questions about social justice and small ways everyone can bring about change. Adults should be ready to engage in conversations about justice and immigration policy with kids. Politically speaking, social justice and immigration are very controversial topis and adults should be ready for pushback.
Themes: Immigration advocacy, family separation, civic action
We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories From Refugee Girls Around the World by Malala Yousafzai (2019)
Summary: A collection of stories of young girls who are displaced. Malala weaves together her own experience with displacement due to war. She weaves in the stories of other young women whose stories resonate with Malala. Provides nonfiction first-hand accounts for young readers about young activists fighting for social justice while also learning more about immigration. As written by Nobel Peace Prize Winner and education activist Malala Yousafzai, this is a very reputable primary source. The audience can read individual accounts or enjoy the collection as a whole.
Controversy Scale: Low-Medium (2/5)
This collection highlights the issue of displacement by featuring first hand accounts of the issue from refugees. The stories they share of their dangerous escapes from their towns and villages in search for a better life. The themes can be mature and violence is present but not over the top. This is a great work to get first hand account of refugees that include famous activist students should be familiar with.
Themes: Representation, empowerment, community
Library, English, and Social Science cross-curricular collaboration. Below are more in-depth lesson plans to help give you ideas on ways you can use these titles with your child or classroom. Use your own discretion and professional judgement!
Library: An ever-relevant media literacy lesson on identifying credible and reliable information. Readers will further their understanding of social justice and immigration by comparing and contrasting information on immigration to find which is more reliable. This lesson ensures they are properly informed about important issues and can identify credible versus non-credible information.
English: Stories are integral to understanding who we are and knowing our history. After reading these suggestions above, readers will create a short piece that tells a story about immigration or social justice.
Social Science: Adapted from resources provided by the National Park Service. It further reinforces the topic of immigration by connecting to America's immigration history and teaching learners about Ellis Island
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