The Colors of Freedom: Immigrant Stories »

In this eye-opening book that will make the immigration experience real for everyone, award-winning author Janet Bode talks to people whose ancestors were slaves or slave owners, European crafts people, Irish farmers, and many others. In addition to these voices from the past, Bode talks with high school students who are immigrants themselves. They describe the customs of their native lands and compare their lives there to those in the United States.

VOYA

Have you ever been arrested? Are you a communist? Have you ever sold or used drugs? Are you a habitual drunkard? These and other highly personal questions are part of the interview conducted by the Immigration and Naturalization Service with prospective citizens of the United States. Bode explores the lives of children who immigrated to America with their families. These children come from virtually every country in the world. Although each story is unique, they share some common experiences. From New York to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, the voices in this volume resonate with tales of fear, loneliness, and anticipation. What Bode does exceptionally well is to allow the voices of the students to ring through page after page. She is the unobtrusive commentator, offering information for the reader and suggesting other books to read or questions for teachers to ask. Some information is provided in snippets and vignettes; other information provides a more in-depth examination of a particular problem faced by an immigrant's family. Ultimately this book celebrates both the differences that make this country interesting and the similarities that bring its diverse citizens together. As one young man from Washington state puts it, "It seems now that Americans come in all different shapes, backgrounds, and especially personalities. I guess that's why people say there is a world or nation of difference." Illus. Photos. Maps. Charts. Biblio. Further Reading. Appendix. VOYA CODES: 5Q 3P M (Hard to imagine it being any better written; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 1999, Franklin Watts, Ages 12 to 14, 144p, $24. Reviewer: Teri Lesesne