If You and Your Parents Are New Americans (Need to Know Library)

A perfect resource for both teens and their families—those who are recent arrivals to the United States, or immigrants who have been here for some time. If you want to provide access to a sensitively written account of what it means to be a new American, this is the title to purchase. Discussion includes second language concerns, a history of immigration to the U.S., suggested resolutions for conflicts between clashing cultural values and customs, and an upbeat and up-to-date look at what there is to celebrate in this new land.

Grade 6-10-After a brief history of U.S. immigration, which seems like unnecessary filler, this pedestrian text gives commonsense advice on how teens and their parents can fit into a new culture while holding on to their heritages. Stress is given to the benefits of bilingualism. Occasional quotes, boxed information, and sharp photographs, generally in color, add some interest to a relatively dull text. Errors have crept in: the Cuban American girl pictured is probably celebrating her quincea-era, or 15th birthday, not turning "sweet sixteen"; and in 1892, Ellis Island processed well over 5000 immigrants on a busy day, far more than the figure of 2000 given here.
Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 7-12. Aimed at immigrant teens, this informal guide in the Need to Know Library series is a must for ESL classes. It's packed with practical advice about coping with family, school, bureaucracy, and more. Neither condescending nor preachy, Santos raises important issues about fitting into a strange place while hanging on to one's heritage, and he gets across the richness as well as the problems of having access to two cultures. The brief history of U.S. immigration includes one sidebar about the Native Americans and their displacement, but otherwise the focus is on the brave newcomers who have enriched America. In one of the best chapters, Santos confronts teens' relationships with their immigrant parents, acknowledging the conflicts and calling young people to act as mediators for adults. The design is open and the print is clear and readable; there are numerous sidebars and subheads as well as lively, full-color photos of contemporary teens in all their diversity. A glossary, an excellent bibliography, and a list of helpful organizations and Web sites are appended. Hazel Rochman
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