04/01/2018
Gr 6–8—An introductory look at several large immigrant communities living in the United States. In each volume, statistical data about population size in the United States and historical background information is provided. Two aspects are of special note: each title does generally present the topic population as heterogeneous, accurately addressing the many ethnic, religious, and cultural groups within each; and some unattractive aspects of political play, including the actions of the United States, are mentioned. That said, each book includes a chapter titled "Living as Americans" that often falls flat; for instance, "Somali Americans may eat American food and Somali food." Furthermore, in Iraqi American, the U.S. occupation of Iraq is not discussed in much depth. In each book the achievements of many first-, second-, and third-generation famous people are highlighted, representing a variety of fields and endeavors. VERDICT An ambitious series that most libraries will want to consider.
