School Library Journal Review
| Gr 7 Up--This comprehensive introduction to the history of immigration in the United States starts with a full chapter outlining the history of the founding years with compelling primary documents. The next chapter is organized by the major national, ethnic, and religious waves of immigration from every continent, from the 1800s to the present. Text inserts include detailed explanations of key concepts, such as refugees, the American Dream, and Japanese American internment; several profiles of revered immigrants in politics, the arts, and sciences; and very recent Pew Research infographics. Well-recounted chapters on the long history of backlash against immigrants include under-taught history, such as the 1850s Know Nothing Party movement and the multiple federal acts to limit, stop, open, or control immigration across centuries. Myths regarding undocumented migrants are debunked, and a fresh perspective is offered that perhaps people who are xenophobic are actually metathesiophobic, or fear change. There is a clear explanation of the ever-shifting DACA program, and balanced sections on areas of debate, such as the effectiveness of sanctuary cities and ICE workplace raids. The Trump-era backlash is also recounted in a chronological, systematic way, and included is an explanation for the vast amounts of misinformation on the subject since, "Immigration is an issue that stirs emotions and political passions." Highly readable, well-designed nonfiction with an appeal to the reader to consider their own stance: wall or welcome? VERDICT An excellent trade book for classrooms moving towards teaching with text sets and a perfect update for all library collections.--Sara Lissa Paulson |
Booklist Review
| This engaging account presents a thorough history of immigration to the U.S. Coverage begins with the migration of humans out of Africa (tracing their eventual arrival in North America), touching on Indigenous cultures and progressing through the impact of European ventures (including the 1619 Dutch ship carrying enslaved people) and the twentieth- and twenty-first-century waves of immigrants from all over the world to today. This is history presented through the lens of immigration, and readers learn the basics (the difference between emigration and immigration) along with new insights (both Benjamin Franklin and George Washington disparaged immigrants). There are accessible explanations of current issues (paths to citizenship, DACA), with special attention paid to immigration policy under the Obama and Trump administrations. Facts and statistics debunk myths that fuel prejudice and hate crimes; the benefits of diverse cultures are highlighted. There are numerous photos and graphics, and content is displayed in manageable subsections. Back matter includes a glossary, notes, bibliography, and suggestions for further reading. This will benefit report writers and help libraries update their history collections. |
Kirkus Review
| A fact-based look at both historical and modern arrivals in what is now the United States, including European colonization, profiles of notable immigrants, and an overview of current events. Ortiz approaches the complex history and issues surrounding migration with a scholarly but accessible and compassionate tone, beginning with humanity's early fossil records. Readers explore early Colonists' travel to North America and the reasons behind it. The book continues, covering modern immigration, how authorities define legal versus illegal immigration, and how someone becomes a U.S. citizen. The text aptly supplements readers' basic history knowledge with often overlooked aspects of America's past, including the effects on and of Indigenous peoples, contributions immigrants have made to American industry and culture, and the backlash immigrants often face. The plight and power of new arrivals are not soft-pedaled: Readers are given facts on topics such as slavery, the Chinese Exclusion Act, the impact of the Mexican-American War, and the xenophobia faced by people of many different origins. Nativism and its impact on modern immigration policy, as well as the fallout of Covid-19, are also explored along with common immigration debates and myths. Readers are encouraged to explore their own families' immigration stories, no matter how far back they go. A combination of real-life examples, critical historical context, and engaging graphics and data presentation makes this a solid choice. An inviting, thorough, and accessible introduction to an important and perpetually relevant topic. (glossary, source notes, bibliography, further reading, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission. |
