This book inspires LeVar to explore traditions and heritage passed down through generations when he meets young people from Vietnam, Yemen, Russia and South Africa who have recently come to the United States. Each retains unique attributes of their own heritage, yet each also contributes to a multicultural, harmonious society.

Review books

Feature Book:

The Lotus Seed

When forced to leave her country. A young Vietnamese girl takes a lotus seed with her as a reminder of her past.

Author: Sherry Garland
Illustrator: Tatsuro Kiuchi
Publisher: Harcourt Brace

I'm New Here

Follow Jazmin, a young Salvadoran girl, as she integrates into an American school. Jazmin's first day is a disaster, but then she finds a true friend and begins to enjoy her new experience.

Author: Bud Howlett
Illustrator: Bud Howlett
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Grandfather's Journey

A Japanese American man recounts his grandfather's journey to America, which he later also undertakes, and the feelings of being torn by a love for two different countries.

Author: Allen Say
Illustrator: Allen Say
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Halmoni and the Picnic

Yunmi, a Korean American girl, and her third grade class help her newly arrived grandmother feel more comfortable with her new life in the United States.

Author: Sook Nyul Choi
Illustrator: Sook Nyul Choi
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin