SOME OF US

LaRocca lovingly traces the path to U.S. citizenship.

“Some of us are born American. Some choose,” the author proclaims as Lee introduces a diverse, smiling crowd of people dressed in red, white, and blue. As the narrative unfolds, adults and children alike make different journeys from far-flung places. Artful and versatile image compositions integrate American symbols, making for an accessible work that’s nevertheless imbued with a sense of grandeur. Optimism abounds, but both author and illustrator laudably acknowledge, too, the grim realities confronted by many immigrants. “Some of us are invited to study or work,” LaRocca notes on a page featuring labeled headshots of Flossie Wong-Staal, I.M. Pei, Jesús Ferreira, and Rihanna. “Some flee war, oppression, poverty,” she declares on a more somber page on which a dark-skinned hand grasps barbed wire. One busy spread portrays an urban neighborhood full of ethnic eateries, while another shows families praying inside eight different houses of worship—a pleasing, symmetrical snapshot of peaceful coexistence. After immigrants vow to defend the Constitution and become citizens, they “can fully participate in the governing of the country [they] love.” Finally, as fireworks explode, they cheer: “We are all American.” This is a remarkably nuanced ode to immigrants and to citizenship, capped by thoughtful backmatter that balances patriotism with critique about historical immigration laws rooted in prejudice.

A moving and captivating civics lesson.