Ortiz, Lars. Walls and Welcome Mats: Immigration and the American Dream. Twenty-first Century, 02/2023. 120pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES 7 – 12. PLB $37.32. 978-1-7284-2399-9. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
The history of immigration to the United States is the focus of this compelling, timely book, because it is arranged chronologically and spotlights specific ethnic groups and countries of origin, and explains issues such as DACA. The lively text is concise and clear, examining the ways in which different groups were (and still are) treated when they arrived in the U.S., the influence of racism on immigration, and the involuntary immigration that took place during slavery. There are color and b&w photos on every other page, sidebars, charts, graphs, and profiles of history-making immigrants. This works as narrative nonfiction for those interested in the topic, as well as for report writers. The book concludes with an index, a glossary, a bibliography, and source notes.
Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool