How do you explain to a child what it means to be American?
This award-winning picture book delivers a hopeful, inclusive message that helps children understand our country not by apple pie and fireworks, but by its shared values: kindness, courage, freedom, and diversity.
Written by Rana DiOrio and decorated veteran Elad Yoran, and brought to life with illustrations by New York Times bestselling artist Nina Mata, What Does It Mean to Be American? gives children ages 4–8 the language to talk about civic identity with pride, empathy, and understanding.
Ideal for read-alouds at home or school, this book offers a nonpartisan, values-based lens that celebrates who we are―and how we grow together.
Why families and teachers choose this book again and again:
- Encourages empathy and pride in a shared national identity
- Offers a hopeful alternative to divisive narratives, without oversimplifying complex truths
- Sparks meaningful questions: What does freedom feel like? How can I help others feel welcome?
Inside you'll find:
- Award-Winning Excellence: Winner of the Moonbeam Children's Book Award; Finalist for the Benjamin Franklin and INDIES Book of the Year Awards.
- Visually Inclusive Storytelling: Vibrant art showcases diverse families, cultures, and experiences―helping every child see themselves in the American story.
- Civic Readiness for Kids: Aligns with early social studies, social-emotional learning (SEL), and character-building curriculums.
- Perfect Timing for Big Days: A standout for July 4th, Memorial Day, Citizenship Day, Election Day, or classroom units on American history and values.
Loved by parents, teachers, and librarians alike, readers call it "thoughtful, empowering, and exactly what kids need right now."
Rana DiOrio is an intrepid force for empowerment and positive change. Her purpose is to help people maximize their potential, and she continues to expound and expand upon that mission across her diverse and highly successful career.
As a corporate and securities attorney, tech-sector investment banker, investor, and advisory board member, Rana has catalyzed the financial, operational, and cultural growth of organizations for almost three decades. As an award-winning author and children’s media entrepreneur, she has sparked meaningful conversations between children and their caring adults and is focused on fostering kindness in the next generation by helping creatives who make this possible realize the full potential of their work through her company, Creative Mint, Inc. She lives in San Francisco, CA with her three children. Follow Rana on Twitter @ranadiorio and on Instagram @ranedear.
Elad Yoran is a 20+ year cybersecurity veteran, business executive and Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). He has founded and led many successful companies for which he was honored as “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Ernst & Young. Elad serves as director at several government and industry boards including the Army Cyber Institute, the Cloud Security Alliance, and previously, the FBI IT Advisory Council. Elad is the author of many articles and is a frequent speaker and lecturer. He has appeared on BBC, Bloomberg, CNN, Fox Business, Fox News and others. Previously, Elad served as a US Army officer and is veteran of Operation Restore Hope in Mogadishu, Somalia. He is a graduate of the Wharton School and West Point. Elad lives in New York with his wife and four children. Follow Elad on Twitter @EladYoran.
