America Border Culture Dreamer

Gr 5 Up-This unique alphabet book is the result of collaboration between Ewald and 18 high school teenagers who attend Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, an arts and education organization in Philadelphia. Pairs of students each selected a letter of the alphabet and planned a portrait that illustrated the letter. They set up a studio, and Ewald took the photos; then the students added lettering to their finished work. The students each generated questions that the photographer used to interview them. The teens spoke of their hopes and fears and dreams about coming to and living in the United States. The photos, all on the verso pages, are arresting and varied. Some are of objects, such as a prayer rug for "F" (faith). A few entries are more on the interpretive side; "J is for Jewelry" might give readers pause. The book could spark conversations in classes discussing immigration and current events, or work as a mentor text for students interested in creating their own alphabets. VERDICT A solid addition to middle and high school libraries.-Brenda Kahn, Tenakill Middle School, Closter, NJ