This book celebrates the nation's diversity by highlighting more than 100 cultural and ethnic groups in 51 communities, among them Clarksdale, MS; Portland, ME; Dearborn, MI; Tahlequah, OK; and Washington, DC. A spread is devoted to each one; all have several bright photos that show children engaged in a variety of activities and a box of basic facts (e.g., population, nickname, languages spoken). Unfortunately, the text and illustrations are not always well coordinated, and some captions are misleading by omission. For example, in discussing Macedonian culture, the text about Fort Wayne mentions the "gajda (bagpipe), the tapan (a traditional wooden drum), and other Balkan musical instruments," but the photo shows a girl playing the violin. Still, by sharing some of the history of Native peoples and immigrants who have formed this country, as well as customs and foods, the authors give children the opportunity to learn about tolerance and respect as they discover many common threads. The goal of this book is worthy, even though the format limits the amount of information given.

Celebrating connections and differences in America today, this photo-essay, published with the cooperations of the Global Fund for Children, combines lots of color photos of smiling young people with a clear, informative text, boxed quotes, and quick facts about American children in 51 communities across the country. Arranged alphabetically by state, the text and pictures show locals having fun eating, attending festivals, playing sports, and much more. The kids range from Inupiat living in Barrow, Alaska, and Irish, Italians, and Portugese in Boston, Massachusetts, to Muslims in Louisville, Kentucky, and Hmong in Providence, Rhode Island. The bibliography includes a list of Web sites and resources for both children and adults who want more. Kids may not be able to find their own community, but they'll discover plenty that seems familiar.
—Hazel Rochman

Engaging photographs from a variety of photographers highlight this photoessay which features one city or town in each of the fifty states. The narrative included with each state showcases the town\'s personality, emphasizing the multicultural aspects, however small, though sometimes it seems this may not be a fair characterization of the area. Not so savory past events are not shyed away from, especially if they deal with civil rights and unfair treatment of minorities. Overall, it is a worthwhile title that students will pour over and may even learn something new about their state! I would love to see the authors tackle other continents, such as Europe.

Published in conjunction with the Global Fund for Children, this book provides readers with a brief introduction to their peers around the United States. The authors chose one city in each of the states to write about. There is a two-page spread for each of the 50 cities and one for Washington, D.C. The authors did a good job of picking cities of varying sizes, and readers may even be introduced to cities they have never heard of. The text includes information on the climate and a bit about the different groups who live there. Each page has a Fact Box, which includes: date city was founded, population, youth population, city's nickname, languages spoken, and any sister cities. The book is illustrated with color photographs, some of which appear to be colorized and have unnatural colors. The photos do not always relate to the text, although all photos have captions. The book would be a great addition to a Read Around America program, as it introduces readers to peers throughout the nation. Recommended. Jane Mouttet, Instructor, Cono Ana Commmunity College, Las Cruces, New Mexico

“Children of the U.S.A.”, the latest book from the Global Fund for Children, celebrates the lives and rich culture of children across 51 cities including the nation’s capital and one city in each state. The book especially resonates in Dearborn, Michigan, showing members of the Maples Elementary School Arabic Ensemble evoking the sounds and rhythms of various Middle Eastern musical traditions. While in Wheeling, West Virginia, young members of the Our lady of Lebanon Church enjoy the dancing and tasty treats at the annual mahrajan. You can even find out how children in Clarksdale, Mississippi, came down with the blues, and learn how to knuckle-hop from kids in Barrow, Alaska.

Through vibrant photographs in hundreds of local communities, “Children of the U.S.A” showcases the kaleidoscope of ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds that shape the lives of kids in this country. The children of the United States have important insights to share. As a nine-year-old Arab American remarked, “My friend is African American and she likes me a lot! I taught her an Arabic word and she taught me how to braid her hair.”