Green Card Youth Voices: Immigration Stories from an Atlanta High School

by Tea Rozman Clark (Editor), Green Card Voices (editor), Atlanta High School Students

“Green Card Youth Immigration Stories from an Atlanta High School” is a collection of twenty-one personal essays written by refugee and immigrant students, and one current teacher, from Cross Keys High School, Clarkston High School, and DeKalb International Student Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Each personal essay is accompanied by a full-color portrait and a QR code that links to individual online video narratives that contain deep, personal insight. The young people in this book--including six DACA recipients--come from thirteen different countries and, in their own words, reveal the complexity and humanity of the immigration experience that is too often obscured in current conversations. Within these pages, these brave youth share reflections on their past, describe challenges from their immigration journeys, and illustrate the many ways that they contribute to their new home. These written and digital narratives--as well as the included study guide, glossary, and links to video narratives--are a unique resources for anyone looking to expand their understanding of the tapestry of different cultures that make up the United States. By seeing ourselves reflected in the bravery and honesty with which these stories are shared, we start to build the necessary bridges of understanding between us all.

Genres: Young Adult, Essays, Anthologies

176 pages, Paperback

Published May 13, 2018

Reviews

[Leslie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and am really interested in the series now! It’s such a great tool to use with students in both high school and college level. I love being able to read and listen to each character’s story. The representation of countries and experiences is incredible. A few things I noted were: 1. There is a universal connection to soccer, which I found beautiful. It was like the one constant in many of these students’ lives. 2. Not all students/immigrants are excited to come here. The US may be their only option for increased opportunities or fleeing a harrowing situation in their home country. So many citizens of the US need to change their mindset that everyone who comes here WANTS to be here. And 3. The level of knowledge, both academic and experience-based, that these students posses, is astounding. Some have lived far beyond their years. Some were the top of their class before coming. There is nothing more insulting than treating someone who does not know the language as if they don’t know anything. This is something our education system struggles with.