The Colors of Freedom: Immigrant Stories (Single Title: Social Studies: Cultures and Peoples: Multiculturalism)

Grade 4-8-A veritable "mixing bowl" of immigration material, this book contains not only the stories of newly arrived teens, but also short sketches by those whose families have been here for generations. There are traditional recipes, an immigration survey, a sample citizenship test, and student essays on "What It Means to Be an American." The interviews and stories are grouped geographically with chapters on the "Americas and the Caribbean Nations," "Mexico," "Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa," and "Asia and the Subcontinent." Each chapter begins with a few shorter pieces followed by "A Longer Look." These latter pieces can be quite absorbing, describing customs in the homeland, the journey to the United States, and experiences here. However, the hodgepodge of material presented, combined with the drab format, makes it difficult to navigate the text. Maps and student drawings are scattered throughout, along with some generally dull, fuzzy black-and-white photographs in "A Family Album of Those Who Helped." Chapter and section headings are printed on what appears to be torn, gray paper, resulting in an unattractive layout; thus, the book will appeal mainly to teachers, who may like its variety. Otherwise, lengthy, compelling interviews by teens themselves can be found in Marina Budhos's Remix (Holt, 1999) and in Yale Strom's attractive Quilted Landscapes (S & S, 1996).
Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 7-12. Culled from nearly 1,000 student writings and interviews, Bode has assembled a dynamic, thought-provoking collection of contemporary young adults' works, reflecting their experiences as recent immigrants. Contributors are from the Americas and Caribbean nations, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, as well as a section from Native Americans. Well-organized chapters contain the students' writings, interviews, poems, and artwork. The contributions range from the humorous to the painful. This is the voice of youth contemplating the cultural influences and perceptions shaping American society as well as their own sense of self and belonging. A 13-point questionnaire and a teacher's guide will prompt further thought about a plethora of immigration concerns, past and present. Aside from the anemic bibliography and an ineffectual index, this is a stellar treatment of complex immigration issues presented in an accessible format. Karen Simonetti^R.