American Like Me

Pick three essays from the collection and compare the authors’ approach to what it means to be both American and an immigrant.

Frank Waln uses the term “alchemist” to explain his experience with the US. Provide a summary of Waln’s essay. Why does Waln use this term, and how are he and his grandmother alchemists?

Though many essays in the collection focus on adversity, there are several writers who mention how idyllic their childhoods/and or hometowns were. Pick two or three essays, such as Martin Sensmeier’s, and explain why these author’s childhoods were idyllic.

Entertainment media plays a large role in many of these essays. Using examples, explain how movies and TV affected authors—or the people stereotyping them—while growing up. How have these authors challenged those media portrayals since?

Liza Koshy mentions the terms “melting pot,” “mosaic,” and “salad bowl.” Explain what she means by these terms and be sure to provide examples. What term do you prefer and why?

Explain Linda Sarsour’s idea of love versus hope. Give examples of each in action, and mention where these concepts arise in the works of others in this collection.

What irony does Joaquin Castro mention? Explain why he’s so concerned with immigration legislation, and explain what his fears might mean for immigrants who want to come to America.

Joaquin Castro discusses his family tree. As an activity, trace your family tree, if possible, and write a story about your parents, your grandparents, or your caretakers. If this isn’t possible, research a hero or role model (or even a fictional character) and write a story about them.