Children of the U.S.A.
Who lives in the United States? The U.S. is home to Indigenous peoples whose ancestors have always been here as well as folks who came from every corner of the world. Photo-essays showcase 51 different communities - one in each state plus the nation's capitol. From bustling New York City to windswept Cheyenne on the high plains of Wyoming to one of the northenmost towns in the world, Barrow, Alaska, kids skateboard, play ball, attend school and ride bikes like all kids in the States. But, they also celebrate their distinctive cultural heritages. You can find kids dancing at a Goombay Festival in Ashville,the Mahrajan Festival in Wheeling, the Boon Pee Mai in Nashville and the Thigyan in Fort Wayne. Kids compete in the World Indian Eskimo Olympics in Alaska and party at the Calle Ocho in Miami. Outstanding photographs highlight the rich tapestry of languages, customs, ideas, religions, music and food within the borders of the U.S. and the many faces of American kids in a truly cross-cultural cross-section of the United States.
Awards
Bank Street College Best Children's Books of the Year 2008
Moonbeam Children's Book Gold Award for Multicultural Nonfiction
"[B]y sharing some of the history of Native peoples and immigrants who have formed this country, as well as customs and foods, the authors give children the opportunity to learn about tolerance and respect as they discover many common threads."
&mdashSchool Library Journal
“Children of the U.S.A.”, the latest book from the Global Fund for Children, celebrates the lives and rich culture of children across 51 cities including the nation’s capital and one city in each state. The book especially resonates in Dearborn, Michigan, showing members of the Maples Elementary School Arabic Ensemble evoking the sounds and rhythms of various Middle Eastern musical traditions. While in Wheeling, West Virginia, young members of the Our lady of Lebanon Church enjoy the dancing and tasty treats at the annual mahrajan. You can even find out how children in Clarksdale, Mississippi, came down with the blues, and learn how to knuckle-hop from kids in Barrow, Alaska.
Through vibrant photographs in hundreds of local communities, “Children of the U.S.A” showcases the kaleidoscope of ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds that shape the lives of kids in this country. The children of the United States have important insights to share. As a nine-year-old Arab American remarked, “My friend is African American and she likes me a lot! I taught her an Arabic word and she taught me how to braid her hair.” ACCESS
