Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring bio of man who helped define U.S. citizenship.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
I AM AN AMERICAN: THE WONG KIM ARK STORY begins with his birth in 1873 San Francisco to Chinese-born parents. He lived in Chinatown and always knew "I am an American." But when his ship returned to San Francisco after visiting China in 1894, he was not allowed to come onshore because the authorities didn't believe his official papers stating that he was an American. He was jailed on the ship for four months. Lawyers took on his case and earned his release in a San Francisco court, and then took his case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he won. The Supreme Court took almost a year to ponder the question "What makes someone American?" Finally, in March 1898, it ruled that according to the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, anyone born in America or any of its territories is an American citizen. And that's been the law of the land ever since.
Is It Any Good?
This beautifully illustrated biography shows how one man stood up for his rights as an American citizen and paved the way for others to have those rights guaranteed. I Am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story offers an important history lesson and an example of how one person can make a difference. As the text says, "His victory changed a nation."
This is a relevant story at a time when what's called "birthright citizenship" has been called into question. It's a reminder that the U.S. Supreme Court already ruled on this, and it remains a right, guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution, that belongs to everyone born in the United States and its territories. The book covers some painful history, but Julia Kuo's bold, sometimes graphic novel-like art will help young readers follow Kim Ark's challenging path as well as his changing emotions.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Chinese people in late-1800s San Francisco are depicted in I Am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story. Why did they wear different clothes than other San Franciscans? Why did they live in Chinatown?
Kim Ark always knew he was an American, even when laws were passed to exclude him. How did he have the courage and perseverance to not give up?
What do you know about the U.S. Supreme Court and how it works? Where could you find out more?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Julia Kuo
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : November 23, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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