Embedded Files
In the Spirit of a Dream,
created by Alina Chau,
written by Aida Salazar
This picture book includes the stories, in the form of poems, of 13 immigrants of color who came to the United States full of hopes and dreams. This book celebrates immigrants of color from all over who went on to be a wide variety of influential figures such as an astronaut, a Paralympic athlete, a musician, and many more. It explores immigration with a tone of inspiration as students can see the many things they can accomplish in their futures regardless of their backgrounds. Because of the variation of people recognized, it would appeal to students with varying interests. This text is geared towards slightly younger students, but the illustrations and variation of important figures would still hold the interest of fourth graders.
Possible Instructional Engagements:
Because this book uses poetry and includes a variety of important figures, students could use this as a template for writing about an influential figure in their life.
This would be a good starting point in the unit because of the level of the text, and it'll get students more excited to engage in the topic.
Lucky Broken Girl,
by Ruth Behar
This translanguaging novel, based on the author’s upbringing, is about a Cuban-Jewish immigrant adapting to the differences between Castro’s Cuba and New York City. Once she is starting to feel more confident in her new environment, she is injured in a car accident. It explores the life of an elementary-aged immigrant in the US and many other of her life-altering events and changes. This novel would be a target text for fourth grade students, but the experiences and topics explored will be relatable and eye-opening for a variety students.
Possible Instructional Engagements:
This text could be used as a foundation to research this time in history such as what was happening in the United States and in Cuba at this time.
Because of the richly descriptive memories told in this story, students could use this book as a model in writing a short narrative about one of their favorite or most impactful memories.
Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family's Journey, by Margriet Ruurs, artwork by Nizar Ali Badr
This is a beautifully told and uniquely illustrated picture book about a young girl and her family that decided it was time to flee their war torn village in Syria for Europe with barely any of their belongings. While it isn't a bilingual Spanish/English book, it is a English/Arabic dual language book. It explores a different kind of immigration, refugees, that is a contemporary topic in today's society that needs to be a part of the immigration conversation.
Possible Instructional Engagements:
The unique style of illustration could be used as a model for having the students create an image of their family or an important place to them out of ordinary items.
Because in the book they're welcome in their new country with open arms, this could be a good point to discuss that this is not often a reality for many refugees and immigrants.
Kunkush: The True Story of a Refugee Cat, by Marne Ventura, illustrated by Beidi Guo
This picture book depicts the true story of Kunkush, a cat who was separated from his family while they were fleeing Iran to seek refuge in Europe. With help from locals and the media, Kunkush is able to reunite with his family. It represents the hardships refugees face and the compassion and kindness of strangers. This book of hope and a riveting story will grab the attention of young learners.
Possible Instructional Engagements:
This could be used as a foundation to discuss some of what was happening in the Middle East at this time.
This also could start the conversation about what it means to be a refugee as well as some historical and current examples.
Pie in the Sky, by Remy Lai
This hybrid graphic novel and novel takes us through the life of immigrants just getting to Australia after their father passed away and their struggles with the language, school, and sibling drama. Before their father passed away, he dreamed of opening a bakery. The boys want to continue on their father’s love for baking to help make Australia feel more like home and cope with their loss. Their struggles open up the possibility for students to be more empathetic to people going through different things than them or for students to relate and find comfort in the ideas of feeling isolated, grief, and loneliness.
Possible Instructional Engagements:
Students could write or discuss important traditions and dreams that are important in their family or with their friends.
This could also be an important learning moment with how to help their peers that may be new to the school or even the country.
La serie de podcasts Mija: episodio 3 (Rocky)
This podcast series is available in Spanish or English. It is narrated by Mija, the daughter of Colombian immigrants. Each episode of season one follows the story of a family member of hers. This specific episode follows the story of Mija's father, Rocky. He came to America when his neighborhood in Colombia became too dangerous. His fun, lively spirit gives us a sense of comfort and inspiration in his love and dedication for his family. This gives immigrants a voice in telling their stories in a society where they’re rarely heard. Because this is an audio text, it allows students to connect to the stories in a different way.
Possible Instructional Engagement:
This podcast could inspire an assignment where students write or present about an adult family member after conducting an interview.
Inside Out & Back Again, by Thanhha Lai
This novel, through poems, puts us into the shoes of a ten year-old girl’s experience fleeing to Alabama from Vietnam during the Vietnam War with her mom and brothers. Based on the true experiences of the author, Ha experiences cruel classmates and culture differences as we see an authentic experience of a refugee at this point in history and what this adjustment entailed.
Possible Instructional Engagements:
Students could use this poetry style story-telling to write poems about their own life experiences.
This journal style writing could also inspire students to keep journals to express their feelings as an social-emotional learning and narrative writing activity.
Una película en mi almohada (A Movie in My Pillow), por Jorge Argueta, ilustrado por Elizabeth Gómez
This bilingual picture book tells the experiences of an immigrant from El Salvador living in San Francisco. Through these poems, we see the struggles he is having, missing his home country and fitting into his new environment. This book could be seen as slightly outdated as it was released in 2001, but I think the message is still extremely relevant and valuable for a class of emergent bilinguals.
Possible Instructional Engagement:
Students could use this book as a model for using figurative language and imagery to describe a place or event that is meaningful to them.
Areli is a Dreamer, by Areli Morales, illustrations by Luisa Uribe
This translanguaging picture book tells the true immigration story of the DACA recipient author, Areli Morales. Areli was the last of her immediate family to leave Mexico for Nueva York, and she had a hard time leaving her abuela and her home country. Once she got more adapted to the language and the culture, Areli became proud to be an immigrant living in the United States. This well-written kids book describes the hardships and experiences of many immigrants in the United States especially those who are undocumented.
Possible Instructional Engagements:
This could be the foundation for a conversation surrounding undocumented immigrants including what that means, what they are able to do, and address the stigma surrounding this label.
This also can open up a conversation or lesson furthering the idea of Ellis Island briefly mentioned in this book. Talking about the history of immigration in the United States and the changes over time could be really beneficial in regard to this topic.
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