Today's read caught my attention because it's a theme which sits close to home. It's simply a topic all families discuss, when an immigrant member is involved. I've always wondered what the test looks like because I've never really done the research to see, but I know there is one. So, this is going to be informative for me, too.
Will young readers enjoy it? Well, that depends on how it's done. And that's why I'm curious to take a peek and see what's inside!
SO MANY QUESTIONS
Abuelita Becomes a US Citizen
by Belen Medina
Illustrated by Heidi Moreno
Quill Tree Books
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 4 to 8
Inspired by the author’s own abuelita, this tribute to becoming a US citizen follows a young girl who helps her grandmother prepare for America’s citizenship test.
Anita’s abuela is taking a very important test soon: the exam to become a US citizen! If Abuelita passes, she’ll finally be able to achieve her life-long dream. Anita and her abuela review the questions everywhere they go: at the tiendita, at the open mercado, all around the barrio. But will Abuelita pass the test?
This ode to immigrants, beautifully brought to life by illustrator Heidi Moreno, will fascinate and educate readers about what it takes to become a US citizen.
- Includes the full list of questions for the US citizenship test – with answers
- Inspired by the author’s grandmother’s path to citizenship
MY TIDBITS
With grandparent-grandchild warmth, these pages present the tension and hard work needed to pass the US citizenship test.
Anita's abuela has lived in the US for a long time and is about to take her test to become a US citizen. There are so many questions she needs to know the answers to. Luckily, Abuelita has always been known to have a great memory. Still, she studies the questions and answers rigorously, taking them with her everywhere she goes.
The book begins with an illustration presenting the questions of the US citizenship test listed on pages of paper. So, listeners/readers know right away what Anita's abuela is learning. Abuelita is then introduced as she sits at a kitchen table, studying away. Each page presents her learning in various places as Anita accompanies her through daily activities and constantly quizzes her. The scenes are familiar and add a lovely backdrop as the questions hit, one after the other. It's never boring, lets the nervousness come to life, and lets readers gently connect with Anita and Abuelita. Both come across as kind and cheerful, making it easy to hope that Abuelita can pass the test.
The text allows the questions to seep in with a sense of fun and flows nicely for the age group. It creates a lovely read-aloud, which should even hold reluctant listeners' attentions. There's a sense of playfulness to keep everything from growing serious or boring, and a littl tension grows the entire way through. The questions at the beginning of the book add a bit of fun as listeners/readers can see how many answers they know themselves. The answers are listed at the end of the book which I appreciate, too.
It's a touching read, which raises respect for those immigrants who took the path to US citizenship, while bringing in family goodness as well.