THE AMERICAN WEI

Wei Fong and his parents have immigrated to America from China, and they’re about to become citizens. They’ve passed their tests; now it’s time for the ceremony where they swear allegiance to their new country. But Wei is almost as nervous about losing a wobbly tooth as he is about becoming a citizen. Just as the family approaches the federal courthouse, Wei’s tooth falls out; “He’s dead!” Mama cries, finding Wei prostrate on the pavement, searching for the tooth he’s dropped. Passersby from France, Poland, Kenya, and Trinidad help him search; the tooth is located, the new friends are all sworn in, and Wei goes home with some very American hopes of a visit from the tooth fairy. Pomeranc keeps the tone light-hearted and reassuring, showing only the sunny side of coming to America—and missing some of the details found in Maggie Rugg Herold’s A Very Important Day (1995). (Picture book. 4-10)