I Am America [Hardcover]

Charles Smith Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Poet and photographer Charles Smith, Jr. has created a poignant, stunning photographic picture book that celebrates the many faces that make up America.

"I am America/I am proud/I am diverse/soft-spoken/and loud."
The powerful poem in this one-of-a-kind book is enhanced by the accompanying photographs that represent children of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. The playful images and touching poetry work together to tell the story of America. Children and parents alike will be moved by each unforgettable face and each strikingly beautiful line of verse. Photographer Charles Smith, Jr. brings his unique artistic style to this patriotic and poignant portrayal of America's children.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-Brilliant full-color photographs depict vivacious children of different ethnic and racial backgrounds as they make faces, play music, and act like kids. Poetic text conveys the diversity of the nation's citizens: "I am almond eyes. I am a proud nose. I am cheeks freckled the color of a rose." The bright pages of purple, hot pink, and lime green add to the joy of this theme-based photo album that celebrates the spirit of America. It's a good reminder that our nation is made up of many distinctive people with various interests, all part of the country we call home.
Anne Knickerbocker, formerly at Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 2. "I am big baggy jeans. / I am bandana wraps. / I am blue denim jackets. / I am backward baseball caps." From clothes and music to religion and ethnicity, this handsome picture book celebrates diversity in America today, with lots of full-color photos of smiling kids and a simple rhyming text in very large type. Each kid appears repeatedly in lively close-up portraits, usually three or more to a page, revealing the rich variety in each individual. Mosaic, not melting pot, is the metaphor here, whether it's physical appearance, religion, or culture. Children will enjoy finding themselves and their friends and talking about their differences and connections. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Cartwheel; First Edition edition (July 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439431794
• ISBN-13: 978-0439431798
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #186,752 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for explaining America to your little Expat American living abroad, January 1, 2011

By 

China Mom (Shanghai, China) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: I Am America (Hardcover)

My daughter is an American growing up in Shanghai, China. While she did live in the USA for 2 and a half years of her life she doesn't really remember it. I bought this book to help her identify with other American children living in the USA. The book accomplishes that goal - the picture are bright and colorful, appealing to the young reader and the prose is perfect - simple but demonstrates the diversity that is America. I highly recommend this for the young expat - ages 3 - 5.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Am America, September 13, 2010

By 

Tracy - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: I Am America (Hardcover)

I used this book in a lesson on voice. I got some really great writing. My favorite was, "I am a rock and roll, Spanish-speaking bad boy." The book really inspired the students to determine who they are.

5.0 out of 5 stars Live and In Person, October 11, 2010

By 

Robert B (Las Vegas, NV United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Am America (Hardcover)

Today (11 October 2010) I had a chance to hear Mr. Smith perform his poem/book. I was deeply moved to hear him share this book. I will buy this book. I was impressed with him and many of the stories/poems/books he shared. Well worth the time to hear him in person if given the opportunity.

I am a High School teacher in Las Vegas, NV. Thanks to our Librarian Mr. Smith visited our school. AWESOME!