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First Generation American Kids Books

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Hi SCBWI Community,

If you're reading this: thank you! I'm looking for some insight in regard to this specific topic-- first generation kids books.

First--It's interesting how different people have told me different things about if I'm first generation or not. Research surrounding what is a first-generation or second-generation (immigrant) or american can get pretty confusing.

Nevertheless, how I've decided to identity myself is as  first generation American, because my parents are foreign born and my siblings and I were the first to be born in America. My siblings and I were also the first children to go to college. This identity has always been with me, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I started to become more aware about it and accept it, and actually see how its impacted my life.

In the market I see many beautiful books about the immigrant and refugee experience. What I have not yet come across is voice-driven books with first-generation kids. So I'd love to ask-- do you  know of any books with a first-generation (as I've defined it above) main characters. If you happen to have read one, please share it away!

And if you're reading this and are first-generation, as well, what does that identity mean for you (if you don't mind sharing?)

Thank you!!!!!
-Christina Alexandru
#1 - March 19, 2022, 08:39 AM
Onwards,
Christina Alexandru

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I've read quite a few novels/memoirs of first-generation Americans. Here are a few that come to mind rightaway.
Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston (adult)
This is My Brain in Love by I. W. Gregorio (YA romance)
How to Love by Katie Contugo (YA romance, can't remember if the parents are first gen or immigrants)
Watercress by Andrea Wang and Jason Chin (beautiful PB)
#2 - March 19, 2022, 11:29 AM
Little Thief! Max & Midnight, Bound, Ten Easter Eggs & 100+ bks/mags
https://vijayabodach.blogspot.com https://bodachbooks.blogspot.com

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