America is a land of immigrants. So it is important to hear the stories of immigrants and understand their struggles. This list of new children’s books about immigration is full of inspiring stories, perfect for introducing immigration for young readers.

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We the Dreamers: Nostros los sonadores

Written by Raynelda A. Calderon and illustrated by T. Kutsachenko

This bilingual storybook follows immigrant children as they make their way to America in a variety of ways. Whether brought by plane ride, in their mother’s belly, or on foot with other family members, each of the children explains how they made their way here. Each page includes a simple text in both English and Spanish, and the gentle illustrations are full of bright colors. The beginning of the book includes a note from the author, while the back of the book explains her background and her inspiration for writing the book.

Related Post: Children’s Books about Refugees and Immigration

In the Spirit of a Dream

Written by Aida Salazar and developed by Alina Chau

This biography compilation uses flowing verse to introduce readers to 13 inspiring stories of immigrants in America. The various poems share the stories and accomplishments of authors, artists, athletes and more. Each two page spread focuses on one poem and is paired with illustrations done by different artists. The back of the book includes more information on each of the people featured in the book.

Light for All

Written by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Raul Colon

This beautiful book celebrates the immigrant experience. It shares how people have traveled to the shores of America with hopes, dreams, and a spirit of determination for generations. The lyrical text explores the many reasons that people came to America, and how the glowing lamp of the Statue of Liberty welcomed and inspired them. The colored pencil illustrations show the horrors that some immigrants have fled, and lives they have built once they came to America. In the back of the book, there is a note from the author, as well as a note from the illustrator, explaining their inspiration.

Related Post: Bilingual Books for Kids

The Welcome Chair

Written by Rosemary Wells and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

In this heartwarming book, the author weaves together a wide range of immigrant stories, using her own family legends as a basis. The first half of the book shares the story of a chair built by her great-great-grandfather over one hundred years ago. As it was shared from family to family, the word “welcome” was carved into it in six different languages. Once the story in her family diary left off, Wells used her storytelling and the experiences of others to weave a tale of kindness, and a welcoming spirit. The gorgeous, detailed illustrations add to the warm story, and the back of the book includes notes from the author and the illustrator.

Wishes

Written by Muon Thi Van and illustrated by Victo Ngai

This book follows a family as they leave their home and attempt to find safe passage to somewhere new. The text only includes one short sentence per page, giving a wish to every part of their journey. The illustrations tell the real story, showing the hardship that the family faces on their journey. The back of the book includes notes from the author and the artist sharing their inspiration.

Do you have any favorite new children’s books about immigration? Share them in the comments below!

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