Journey to America: Celebrating Inspiring Immigrants Who Became Brilliant Scientists, Game-Changing Activists & Amazing Entertainers

A timely, beautiful exploration of America’s rich history of diversity, Journey to America profiles 20 immigrants and children of immigrants who have affected the nation’s culture or business.

From showstopping entertainers to game-changing activists to brilliant scientists, these first- and second-generation Americans show the determination and innovation that has shaped the country we know today:

• Science: Kalpana Chawla (astronaut), I. M. Pei (architect), Chien-Shiung Wu (particle physicist), and Albert Einstein (theoretical physicist)
• Entertainment: Tan France (fashion designer), Camila Cabello (singer-songwriter), M. Night Shyamalan (filmmaker), Natalie Portman (actress), Rihanna (singer), and Dikembe Mutombo (basketball player)
• Politics: Ilhan Omar (congresswoman), Arnold Schwarzenegger (former governor of California), and Alexander Hamilton (founding father)
• Business: Indra Nooyi (former PepsiCo CEO), Sergey Brin (Google co-founder)
• Children of immigrants: America Ferrara (actress), Walt Disney (founder of The Walt Disney Company), Michelle Kwan (figure skater), Kamala Harris (US vice president), and Barack Obama (former US president)

Journey to America gives you all the stats, facts, and behind-the-scenes information on who they are as well as what they’ve done.

Author-illustrator Maliha Abidi’s striking illustrated portraits bring the personalities to life in vivid color. Sidebars explain historical and political facts about the immigration process, highlighting the differences between a permanent resident and a citizen, a first- and second-generation American, and more.

As children develop their own dreams for the future, the diverse stories and accomplishments of these American immigrants serve as inspiration.

Maliha Abidi is a Pakistani-American artist and author living between London and Los Angeles. Born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, she migrated to California, United States at the age of 14. As a South Asian immigrant, her experiences play a huge role in her work. Her art focuses on advocating for social justice including women’s rights, girls’ education and mental health. Using bright and bold colors, Maliha hopes to get people interested in complex issues that impact our societies. As Maliha says, “Come for the art, stay for the cause.”

She is also the founder and creator of @WomenriseNFT. A Web 3.0 initiative with the focus on women’s rights and girls’ education through using art as a tool for advocacy.

Maliha’s work includes illustrations, animations, NFT art and illustrated books. In her spare time, she loves to travel, read books, go bicycling and explore new blends of coffee.