Recent Books with Newcomers and Immigrants
These books shed light on the experiences of immigrants and refugees.
Barefoot dreams of Petra Luna
Dobbs, Alda P., author
2021
"Based on a true story, the tale of one girl's perilous journey to cross the U.S. border and lead her family to safety during the Mexican Revolution."-- Provided by publisher.
Call me Athena, girl from Detroit : a novel in verse
Smith, Colby Cedar, author
2021
This enchanting novel in verse captures one woman's struggle for equality, independence, and identity as a Greek immigrant in troubled 1930s America.
Cuba in my pocket
Cuevas, Adrianna.
2021
In 1961 Cuba, with the threat of military service for children looming, twelve-year-old Cumba's parents send him to Miami, where he lives with a new family and misses his homeland.
Fatima's great outdoors
Tariq, Ambreen, author
2021
"An immigrant family embarks on their first camping trip in the Midwest in this lively picture book by Ambreen Tariq, outdoors activist and founder of @BrownPeopleCamping"-- Provided by publisher.
I wish you knew
Azúa Kramer, Jackie, author
2021
After Estrella's father is deported because he is an illegal immigrant, her teacher at school invites her and the other students to meet around an old oak tree and share the things they wished their teacher knew about their life at home.
The magical reality of Nadia
Yūsuf, Bāsim, 1974- author.
2021
Nadia loves fun facts. Here are a few about her: - She collects bobbleheads -- she has 77 so far. - She moved from Egypt to America when she was six years old. - The hippo amulet she wears is ancient...as in it's literally from ancient Egypt. - She's going to win the contest to design a new exhibit at the local museum. Because how cool would that be?! (Okay, so that last one isn't a fact just yet, but Nadia has plans to make it one.) But then a new kid shows up and teases Nadia about her Egyptian heritage. It's totally unexpected, and totally throws her off her game. And something else happens that Nadia can't explain: Her amulet starts glowing! She soon discovers that the hippo is holding a helpful -- and hilarious -- secret. Can she use it to confront the new kid and win the contest?
My words flew away like birds
Pearson, Debora, author.
2021
Story about the experience of a child who moves to a new country. Everything feels new and strange to her, and though she has learned some of the language, when she tries to speak, all her words fly away. In the end, our heroine finds she doesn't need a lot of words to make a new friend. It is a story of finding a sense of belonging in a new place, resilience, and human connection.
The samosa rebellion
Sekaran, Shanthi, 1977-
2021
A twelve-year-old boy's life changes when his grandmother comes from India to live with the family in Mariposa, an island country known for its butterflies, that is becoming hostile to immigrants.
Watch me : a story of immigration and inspiration
Richards, Doyin, 1974- author
2021
When Joe came to America from Africa, he worked hard in school, made friends, and embraced his new home, but many did not believe he would succeed.
Where I belong
Mickelson, Marcia Argueta.
2021
"Guatemalan-American high school senior Millie Vargas struggles to balance her family's needs with her own ambitions, especially after her mother's employer, a Senate candidate, uses Millie as a poster child for 'deserving' immigrants"--Provided by publisher.
World in between : based on a true refugee story
Trebinčević, Kenan, 1980- author.
2021
Kenan loves drawing and playing soccer with his friends. He wants to be a famous athlete, hates it when his classmates trash his buck teeth by calling him 'Bugs Bunny,' and fights with his big brother, who's too busy and cool for him lately. Sometimes his parents drive him crazy, but he feels loved and protected--until the war ruins everything. Soon, Kenan's family is trapped in their home with little food or water, surrounded by enemies. Ten long months will pass before they finally make it out of the country alive, with help from friends and strangers. And that's only the beginning of their journey.