First published 2025
LaRocca examines the pathways to American citizenship in this illuminating picture book. She traces how individuals arrive in the United States from distant lands, seeking opportunities to live, work, and study. The author explains that citizenship comes through two routes: birth within American borders or the deliberate process of naturalization. Her lyrical text follows people of various ages and origins as they build new lives while preserving their heritage. Through mixed-media illustrations, readers witness how immigrants contribute to their adopted communities over time. LaRocca shows that after years of residence, those who are fortunate can choose to pursue naturalized citizenship. The book celebrates this transformation while emphasizing that becoming American does not require abandoning one's roots. This thoughtful exploration honors the diverse experiences of those who strengthen the nation through their participation in democratic life.
Genres: american, picture-books, non-fiction, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, identity
Setting: United States
Period: 21st-century
32 pages · Hardcover · Christy Ottaviano Books