Using Books About Immigration in the Classroom

Books can be a powerful doorway into a topic that is complex and highly personal, such as immigration. They can serve as mirrors for students who see their experiences reflected and validated; they can also serve as windows for other students (and adults) who gain a new perspective, some background knowledge, and perhaps a new level of empathy as well.

Here are some ideas for using books related to immigration in the classroom, as well as recommended booklists for children's and young adults.

Note: Educators and school staff should never ask students about their immigration status. All students have a right to a K-12 public education regardless of immigration status.

Tips for Getting Started

The following tips can help guide your selection of books related to immigration:

• As you get to know your students, look for books related to your students’ experiences and cultures (without asking your students direct questions about their immigration experiences).
• Ask colleagues for their input on cultural authenticity.
• Include the books you find in classroom libraries, school libraries, reading rooms, parent resource rooms, or other places where families will be able to share them.
• Look for ways to include these books as a part of a class unit or classroom read-aloud.
• Keep in mind that picture books can be great resources for older students and adults as well.

Note: Many immigrant and refugees have experienced trauma. Educators are encouraged to seek guidance in trauma-informed practices and should use care and sensitivity in discussing topics that may be traumatic. Learn more from the Dearborn video below as well as the from the following articles:

• Using a Strengths-Based Approach with ELs: Supporting Students Living with Trauma, Violence and Chronic Stress
• Addressing Student Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression

Tips for talking about big topics

When talking about a big topic like immigration, it's helpful to know some strategies for navigating those classroom discussions. Here are some resources to support that work:

• Building Community with Student-Driven Discussions (Edutopia)
• Creating a Safe Space for Students to Discuss Current Events (Edutopia)
• Making Space: Teaching After Trauma (Edutopia)
• Building Perspective Through Meaningful Discussion (Edutopia)
• Current Events in Your Classroom: Ideas for Middle and High School (Facing History)
• The best way to teach current events? Let students lead (KQED)
• What are good strategies teachers can use to explore "controversial" topics? (Ed Week)
• Fostering Civil Discourse: How do we talk about topics that matter? (Facing History)

Booklists

ELL, Immigrant, and Refugee Stories: Books for Children and Teens

Books for young children

• Immigration Stories: Books for Young Children

Books for older children

• Afghan Voices: Books for Children and Young Adults
• Back-to-School Stories
• ELL Stories
• Family Separation: Stories and More
• Immigrant Stories: Angel Island
• Immigrant Stories: Ellis Island
• Immigrant Stories: Family Keepsakes
• Immigrant Stories: Home at Last
• Immigrant Stories: Life Along the Border
• Immigration Stories: Hispanic Heritage
• Irish Stories: Immigration and More
• Migrant Farmworker Families: Books for Kids
• Syrian Stories: Books for Children
• The Refugee Experience: Books for Children

You Are Welcome Here: Supporting the Social and Emotional Health of Newcomer Immigrant Students

In this excerpt from Colorín Colorado's award-winning film You Are Welcome Here, middle school teacher Anna Centi in Dearborn, MI talks about connections her refugee students from Yemen made to Linda Sue Park's book A Long Walk to Water, observing that she has been able to push her students with more rigorous text when they make those kinds of connections.