Thank you so much to net galley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book! Super cute and I have a few people I want to get this for!

Heartfelt and meaningful, I appreciated this discussion which doubtless many children experience. I appreciate that publishing is investing in more of these stories.

This book poses relevant points about skin color, religion, one's origins, and what it means to be American. This is a worthwhile read in today’s cultural and political climate. I thought that some passages were lengthy and that the info could have been condensed as there were already quotes and author’s notes in the beginning and end pages. I read this via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

I received an electronic copy from Smith Publicity (Self Published) through NetGalley.
A son and his mother discuss what it means to be an American. She answers honestly about the diversity in our country and how to show love for each other and America. The soft colored illustrations bring out the discussion points between the characters.
It will be a terrific read aloud though it is a bit long. The explanations make terrific starting points for family discussions.
Informative text at the end of the book includes info on the people listed and information for activist parents.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Really important book and conversation starter, amazing artwork and info at the end as well.

The concept is good, refreshing but a little to rushed in the representation and storytelling.

I know it's not just for me to judge a book like this merely on the artwork or the expectations I had when I picked up this book but I genuinely feel that this book could have been so much better.

The story telling process turned out to be a bit laborious. Of course, I do understand that it represents a sensitive, serious issue on immigration and what America means to them. But I still feel it could have been written in a more simplistic way for the kids to enjoy it better.

The artwork is a little too intense and gloomy as is representative of the theme of the story.

But yes, an uplifting book. It would provide a better understanding of what immigrants feel and think.

Thank you for the ARC #NetGalley.

This book is needed today and is a great conversation starter about what makes an "American." There is an underlining sense of optimism but is tempered with an acknowledgment of the divisive reality in which America finds itself in our modern era. The pictures are absolutely gorgeous and help underscore the emotion throughout.

I got this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
This picture-book shows the conversation between a son and his mom about what it means to be an American. It discusses and highlights the core values that are connected to America as a whole and the inclusiveness and big "melting-pot" it is supposed to be. I particularly liked that it focuses wholly on how people contribute to the community and how they feel, instead of the big "where are they from?". A really great answer to the horrible racism especially brought out by Donald Trump since 2016.