Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States by Rajani LaRocca – Book Recommendation

Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Huy Voun Lee 

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Publication Date: May 27, 2025

Reviewed from library copy

ISBN: 9780316571753

This is the story of people who choose to become Americans. They come from around the world at all ages. Some come alone, others being family, most leave people they love behind. Some come to study and work while others are refugees fleeing their countries. They add so much to our country. They bring new music, food, and language. They do many jobs. They study hard and eventually take a citizenship test to formally become American. 

Written by an immigrant to the U.S. and illustrated by a refugee, this book is engaging and vibrant. It shares with children the many reasons people may come to live in the United States, emphasizing that they still remain part of their original culture, bringing those elements with them and not losing themselves in the process. The illustrations are full of diversity, capturing the many people from across the world coming to the United States to live. 

Ideal to share in classes learning about citizenship and immigration. Appropriate for ages 5-7.