Celebrating the American Experience Through YA Diverse Texts

Celebrating the American Experience Through YA Diverse Texts by Roy Jackson

Roy Edward Jackson is an assistant professor of education at Goshen College and holds degrees in English, Education, Library Science and Creative Writing.

“We are a nation of immigrants. We are the children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the ones who wanted a better life, the driven ones, the ones who woke up at night hearing that voice telling them that life in that place called America could be better.” JFK

I’ve only worked in traditional calendar year schools which means I’ve never been in the classroom to engage in rich discourse about the intersection of YA literature and the Fourth of July in real time. While I have had the opportunity to explore the meaning of American citizenship there is something poignant about engaging in books about what it means to be in American in real time near our country’s holiday. Most of us have heard the phrase that we are a nation of immigrants, but many of us don’t fully know, or understand the full complexity of the quote nor the text it comes from. And while we embrace that phrase a nation of immigrants, so many of us are removed from the idea of what an American immigrant is. I hold that privilege of being a fourth (or third depending on how one defines this) generation American citizen. In fact, I know so little of my great-grandparents that it was only recently that I learned of my paternal great-grandmother’s immigration from the Netherlands to America via Ellis Island. Until I read that was her experience, Ellis Island and immigration felt so removed from my life.
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However, I work at an HSI institution that has a newcomer center on our campus for the local community where more supportive activities occur than I most likely know. While I have somehow removed the immigrant experience from my life it is alive and present on the campus and in the schools where I work and collaborate. In addition to the immigrant narrative, it is imperative that we examine and have significant and deep discussions on what the Fourth of July and the American experience is and means for our indigenous communities.
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 All of this means that July 4th is a perfect time to reflect upon what it means to be an American and provide our students rich literary experiences through a diverse set of books that could be utilized in our classrooms. And while most teachers are not in a classroom around July 4th, the examination of the American experience and what it means to be a citizen in this country can occur anytime.
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"Rez Ball" by Byron Graves explores the life of Tre Brun, a talented basketball player on the Red Lake Reservation in Minnesota. Basketball, or "rez ball," is a cultural touchstone and a source of pride. Tre dreams of leading his team to the state championship, representing hope and unity for his community. Tre navigates the basketball season, grappling with identity and community expectations. Reservation life includes poverty, addiction, and limited opportunities, balancing these with his aspirations. Tre’s relationships with his coach, teammates, family, and friends highlight loyalty, resilience, and community spirit.

"Rez Ball" touches on the pursuit of dreams and overcoming adversity, framing this within Native American life and emphasizing cultural roots and community support. The basketball court becomes a metaphor for life, where determination, teamwork, and cultural pride play crucial roles. Byron Graves crafts a narrative that is specific to the Native American experience and relatable to a wider audience. There is something deeply connective about the intersection of sports and Indigenous life on a reservation that helps students envision. It allows students who have little to no understanding of what a reservation is, or what it means to be an Indigenous person in the United States today understand it on a level that is meaningful and understandable. “Rez Ball” provides an opportunity to provided cultural context while opening a window into a most important part of our citizen makeup that often is ignored in our curriculums.

"Come Home, Indio" by Jim Terry is a graphic memoir that tells the story of the author's journey of self-discovery and healing as a Native American. The memoir explores themes of identity, addiction, and cultural heritage. Jim Terry, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, chronicles his life from his childhood to adulthood. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, he feels disconnected from his Native American roots. His upbringing is marked by a sense of not fully belonging to either the Native American or the predominantly white communities around him. As he navigates his teenage years, Jim grapples with identity issues and the challenges of fitting in. He turns to alcohol and drugs as a means of coping with his feelings of alienation and pain. His addiction spirals out of control, leading to destructive behaviors and strained relationships with his family and friends.

The memoir delves into Jim’s struggles with addiction, illustrating the impact it has on his life and the lives of those around him. Despite hitting rock bottom, he embarks on a journey that is deeply intertwined with reconnecting to his Native American heritage and spirituality. Through powerful and evocative illustrations, Jim Terry portrays the highs and lows of his life, offering a raw and honest depiction of his personal battles and growth. "Come Home, Indio" is a story of what the idea of home and citizenship is. The writing is frank and honest, something young readers can connect to. Regardless of background, the universal themes of alienation and fitting in are impactful to young readers.

"Call Me American" by Abdi Nor Iftin is a memoir tracing Abdi's journey from war-torn Somalia to the United States. Growing up amidst the chaos and violence of civil war, Abdi found solace in American movies and music. His admiration for America grew as conditions in Somalia worsened. Escaping to Kenya as a refugee, he faced hardships but won the Diversity Visa Lottery, allowing him to immigrate to the U.S. In America, Abdi faced culture shock, homesickness, and complex new challenges.

"Call Me American" is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. It highlights the immigrant experience, emphasizing sacrifices and struggles for freedom and a better life. The memoir touches on identity and belonging, celebrating the diversity and resilience that define America. As our students today watch war play out on the television and their devices “Call Me American” showcases a much-needed window and mirror to engage in empathy to accept and support newcomers to their classroom. More importantly there is opportunity to explore the nuances of green card and visa lotteries, among other various means of immigration to America. The opportunity to discuss fairness in policy and legislation is ripe from this memoir as our partisan news agencies often depict it erroneously.

"I Was Their American Dream" by Malaka Gharib is a graphic memoir exploring identity, family, and the immigrant experience. Malaka, born to Filipino and Egyptian parents, navigates her multicultural heritage while growing up in California. She balances her parents' high expectations with fitting in with American peers, dealing with stereotypes and cultural expectations. Malaka’s parents, who met and fell in love in the United States, bring their distinct cultural backgrounds into her upbringing. Her father, a Muslim Egyptian, and her mother, a Catholic Filipino, instill in her a blend of traditions and values. Malaka grapples with the pressure to meet their high expectations while trying to fit in with her American peers. This duality often leaves her feeling torn between two worlds. Her experiences at school highlight the struggle of balancing these influences, dealing with stereotypes, and facing questions about her background. Through self-discovery and acceptance, she learns to appreciate her unique identity, blending the rich heritage of her parents with her American experiences.

"I Was Their American Dream" highlights universal themes of belonging and the pursuit of the American Dream, capturing the nuances of growing up between cultures, much like “Come Home Indio” has done. The memoir's engaging graphic panels, reminiscent of animation, will captivate students, while the relatable dialogue connects with those who might have little exposure to the immigrant experience or cultures like Malaka’s. Her themes of parental expectations are universal and relatable. Through her vivid illustrations and candid storytelling, Malaka Gharib offers a heartfelt and insightful look at what it means to be a first-generation American, honoring the complexities and beauty of a blended identity.

"Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese-American" by Laura Gao shares her journey from Wuhan, China, to the U.S. Settling in Texas, Laura faces alienation and pressure to assimilate. She deals with stereotypes, racism, and fitting in while holding onto her cultural roots. The memoir captures her struggles, balancing heritage and acceptance. Laura's self-discovery involves reconnecting with her Wuhanese roots and appreciating her cultural background. The COVID-19 pandemic impacts her identity and heritage perception, adding challenges and solidarity with her roots. "Messy Roots" celebrates diversity and the immigrant experience, highlighting cultural pride and resilience.

"Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese-American" is deeply poignant with the pandemic permeating the memoir, as it still permeates our students today. It is an entry point to connect to Gao as a reader. The pandemic was indeed a universal experience. Like “I Was Their American Dream” the illustrations and panels in Gao’s graphic memoir are alive on the page in an animated sense that will attract reluctant readers who love animation. However, it is the themes of assimilation in a time of isolation that perhaps force readers to take themselves back to that time of the pandemic, but also recognize what that must have been like for someone who has immigrated to the country. More significantly, with the demonization of Chinese persons, particularly Wuhan, what this memoir does is force us as Americans to examine the demonization and racism that was embedded in life during the pandemic at the national level, and how that must’ve impacted someone from Wuhan in real time.

"Gold Diggers" by Sanjena Sathian is a contemporary novel that combines magical realism, a coming-of-age story, and a heist plot to explore themes of ambition, identity, and the immigrant experience in America. Set mainly in Hammond Creek, Georgia, it follows Neil Narayan, a young Indian-American teenager struggling with his identity amidst his family's high expectations. Neil's life changes when he discovers that his neighbor and childhood crush, Anita Dayal, and her family have a potion made from stolen gold. This magical elixir, often made from jewelry stolen from other Indian-American families, enhances ambition and focus. The potion helps Anita secure a place at an Ivy League school, while Neil grapples with the ethical dilemmas of their secret. The story takes a tragic turn when a fatal accident, indirectly caused by the potion, leaves Anita’s brother, Raj, in a coma, casting a long shadow over their lives. Years later, Neil and Anita reconnect in Silicon Valley, haunted by their past actions and attempting to reconcile their ambitions with their moral compass. Neil becomes involved in a scheme to steal more gold, hoping for clarity and redemption.

Through Neil and Anita’s story, "Gold Diggers" explores growing up between two cultures, addressing the complexities of identity and assimilation. Despite serious themes, Sanjena Sathian infuses the narrative with humor and wit, making the characters' struggles and triumphs relatable. The blend of magical realism adds a fantastical layer, enhancing the story's depth and richness. The use of magical realism not only adds a unique twist but also emphasizes the transformative power of ambition and the moral consequences of their choices. It illuminates the often surreal experience of straddling two worlds, capturing the intricate dance between cultural heritage and the pursuit of the American Dream. This novel is a richly layered exploration of the immigrant experience, ambition, and the intricate web of familial expectations.

"American Street" by Ibi Zoboi is a powerful novel that explores themes of immigration, identity, and belonging through Fabiola Toussaint, a Haitian teenager. The story begins with Fabiola and her mother arriving in the U.S., but her mother is detained by immigration authorities. Alone, Fabiola goes to Detroit to live with her aunt and cousins. Her new life in Detroit is far from her expectations. Her Aunt Jo has her own secrets, and her cousins—Chantal, Donna, and Pri—each have distinct personalities and coping mechanisms. Fabiola clings to her Haitian roots and Vodou beliefs, which become a source of strength as she navigates the dangerous world of urban Detroit. Fabiola falls in love with Kasim, adding complexity and danger to her life due to his connection to Donna’s abusive boyfriend and local drug dealer, Dray. To reunite with her mother, Fabiola cooperates with the police to bring down Dray, placing her family in danger. This leads to a dramatic and tragic confrontation, forcing Fabiola to confront the harsh realities of her new life.

"American Street" portrays the immigrant experience, capturing cultural clashes and the search for identity. Ibi Zoboi’s depiction of Detroit is raw, highlighting the struggles and resilience of a young girl. The infusion of Vodou elements adds a mystical layer, reflecting Fabiola’s inner strength and connection to her roots. Like “Gold Diggers” the supernatural elements are appealing to young readers. Zoboi weaves these elements into the fabric of Fabiola's personal and cultural identity, demonstrating how her heritage provides her with the strength to face the challenges of her new environment. The novel also delves deeply into the complexities of family dynamics and loyalty. Fabiola's interactions with her cousins illustrate the different ways individuals cope with hardship and the importance of family solidarity. Her relationship with her mother, strained by separation, underscores the emotional toll of immigration policies. Zoboi's narrative also confronts issues of systemic racism, poverty, and violence, making "American Street" a poignant exploration of the modern immigrant experience.

The Fourth of July is a day of celebration for our country, yet the experience of being an American is multifaceted and complex. Many of us, myself included, may take for granted the country we were born into. Even more troubling, some may demonize those new to our country and have misguided beliefs about immigration. As JFK stated so clearly, we are a nation of immigrants. However, that is a bit of a misnomer as our indigenous citizens are indeed not immigrants. Reading their stories, along with the stories of those who are first generation, or new citizens are significant and important for our young citizens. These books serve as wonderful windows and sliding doors to the stories of those who are often mischaracterized in our society. They provide captivating stories, but more importantly, conversation starters for our young adults. Engaging with these stories helps foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse experiences that shape our nation.