Some of Us - by Rajani Larocca (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Equal parts emotional and informative, here is a worthy picture book about citizenship and naturalization. This thoughtfully crafted text precisely breaks down the process by which new residents apply for and acquire US citizenship"--

Book Synopsis

Discover what it means to become a US citizen and how the process unfolds in this "inspiring picture book" (The Washington Post) about immigration and naturalization.

What does US citizenship look like? Some of us are citizens by birth. Some of us are born beyond the United States and gain citizenship through immigration and naturalization. With lyrical prose and luminous mixed-media artwork, this nonfiction book outlines the process by which some of us--spanning every age and background--travel to the United States to live, work, study, and contribute to the fabric of our new communities. After years, without relinquishing who we are or where we came from, if we are fortunate, we can choose to become naturalized citizens. We can become American.

This insightful story honors the many different paths to citizenship and celebrates all people who enrich our country by striving to participate in our democracy. This book belongs with classrooms and parents who love: Grace for President, Areli Is a Dreamer, and What Can A Citizen Do?

May/June Kids' Indie Next List 2025
★Kirkus starred review
★Publishers Weekly starred review
★School Library Journal starred review

Review Quotes

★ "Artful and versatile image compositions integrate American symbols, making for an accessible work that's nevertheless imbued with a sense of grandeur. This is a remarkably nuanced ode to immigrants and to citizenship, capped by thoughtful backmatter that balances patriotism with critique about historical immigration laws rooted in prejudice. A moving and captivating civics lesson."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Some of us are born American. Some choose," begins Newbery Honoree LaRocca in this elegantly limned work about U.S. citizenship. . . .Using a red, white, and blue palette, Lee's digital imagery emphasizes lively group scenes. . . An affirming reminder that "we all deserve safety, respect, opportunity."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Poignant text marries nuanced illustration to gracefully introduce young readers to immigration, naturalization, and citizenship....Informational, inspirational, and celebratory, this picture book belongs on the shelf of every library and demands to be read again and again."--School Library Journal, starred review

"Celebrates immigrants to the U.S. warmly and thoughtfully. These scenes provide windows and mirrors for young readers and subtly reinforce the text's message that immigrants enrich the cultural fabric of the nation. All of this leads to a description of the naturalization process and the rights that come with citizenship."--Booklist

About the Author

Rajani LaRocca is a physician and an author of books for young readers, such as Midsummer's Mayhem and Summer Is for Cousins. She received a Newbery Honor for her novel Red, White, and Whole. Rajani was born in Bangalore, India, immigrated to the United States when she was very young, and became a naturalized citizen of the United States at the age of fifteen. She now lives in eastern Massachusetts with her family. She invites you to visit her online at rajanilarocca.com.

Huy Voun Lee arrived in New York City as a Cambodian refugee at the age of six. She quickly developed a lifelong love for art and origami, both of which influence her colorful cut-paper style. Huy has written and illustrated many books for children, including Like a Dandelion, which was a Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year, a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, and a CCBC Choice. She lives in New York City with her family.