Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* This powerful collaboration gives depth to the clichéd use of the term diversity. Writer and photographer Ewald partnered with Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, an arts and education organization in Philadelphia, to produce this unique compilation of immigration stories. Eighteen high-school students create the book's art and share their personal immigration experiences, framing them around the letters of the alphabet. The author's note explains the entire process and is key to appreciating the collection. The basic format involves a two-page spread with a photograph on the left and text on the right with the focal letter of the alphabet, a quote from the student, and then the personal narrative. The students and their stories come from all over the world and describe a variety of circumstances. Occasionally, the descriptions of home countries are compared with life in America in a way that decries the former and glorifies the latter; however, there are also elements that reflect the racism these teens face and the conflicting desires to resist assimilation and to fit in. Ultimately, these are emotionally raw, unapologetically frank life stories in the voices of their tellers. The same goes for the photographs, which the students designed and modified. A must-read for middle and high schools.--Amina Chaudhri Copyright 2019 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5 Up-This unique alphabet book is the result of collaboration between Ewald and 18 high school teenagers who attend Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, an arts and education organization in Philadelphia. Pairs of students each selected a letter of the alphabet and planned a portrait that illustrated the letter. They set up a studio, and Ewald took the photos; then the students added lettering to their finished work. The students each generated questions that the photographer used to interview them. The teens spoke of their hopes and fears and dreams about coming to and living in the United States. The photos, all on the verso pages, are arresting and varied. Some are of objects, such as a prayer rug for "F" (faith). A few entries are more on the interpretive side; "J is for Jewelry" might give readers pause. The book could spark conversations in classes discussing immigration and current events, or work as a mentor text for students interested in creating their own alphabets. VERDICT A solid addition to middle and high school libraries.-Brenda Kahn, Tenakill Middle School, Closter, NJ © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
This unique photo-essay uses the alphabet to present a snapshot of the immigrant experience. Photographer/editor Ewald collaborated with real teenage immigrants from a Philadelphia high school to choose a word for each letter; each entry includes a definition, translation in the teen's native language, a related personal anecdote, and a photographic portrait representing the word. The result is powerful and extremely relevant to young Americans' lives. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
