Coming to America

"At a time when many Muslim and Arab families in the United States feel subject to discriminatory governmental regulations and public attitudes, this book is especially welcome. A photo essay, it introduces a recently immigrated Egyptian family in a most natural, sympathetic way. These are real people, neighbors we'd like to know and have our kids play with. We observe their daily lives-school, home, work. religion. We enjoy their triumphs-the mother's English classes, the son's graduation. We share their difficulties-the father's long work hours, the cramped apartment. Wolf's photos are consistently informative and charming. . . Coming to America is highly recommended for children (ages seven and up) and adults."

"An experienced photo-essayist, Bernard Wolf often takes on difficult topics. . . The clear engaging photos capture the family at home, school and at the mosque. Wolf tackles some of the issues of immigration for adults and children, the hardships of learning a new language, the economic problems of finding an appropriate job, and homesickness."

"A particular strength of Wolf's consistent approach (e.g., Homeless, BCCB 3195) is examining the impact of a family situation on all its members, not just the photogenic kids. Hassan's long hours of night work clearly take a physical and emotional toll, as he is often absent or too tired to spend much time with his children; Soad's anxiety over her husband's exhaustion and her own minimal English language skills are also poignantly portrayed. . . this is a sensitive look at a family that struggles and largely succeeds, and the very ordinariness of their daily job of getting by will make them comfortable new acquaintances for middle-grade readers. An afterword on the basic beliefs of Islam is included."