This author is a historian focused on writing history "from the bottom up," centering everyday people and their role in American life. Their work explores themes of immigrants, Asian Americans, and race to understand America in both the past and present. They champion the power of fact-based, accessible history and journalism to comprehend contemporary societal issues. Their approach blends old-fashioned archival research with a 21st-century engagement as a "#twitterhistorian."
The book explores the significant contributions of Asian Americans to American society, crafted by a leading expert in the field. It provides a comprehensive historical overview, highlighting the challenges and achievements of this diverse community. The new afterword addresses the alarming rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans, offering a contemporary perspective on ongoing issues of racism and identity.
An award-winning historian reframes our continuing debate over immigration with a compelling history of xenophobia in the United States and its devastating impact The United States is known as a nation of immigrants. But it is also a nation of xenophobia. In America for Americans, Erika Lee shows that an irrational fear, hatred, and hostility toward immigrants has been a defining feature of our nation from the colonial era to the Trump era. Benjamin Franklin ridiculed Germans for their "strange and foreign ways." Americans' anxiety over Irish Catholics turned xenophobia into a national political movement. Chinese immigrants were excluded, Japanese incarcerated, and Mexicans deported. Today, Americans fear Muslims, Latinos, and the so-called browning of America. Forcing us to confront this history, America for Americans explains how xenophobia works, why it has endured, and how it threatens America. It is a necessary corrective and spur to action for any concerned citizen.
Highlighting the contributions of Asian Americans, this middle-grade nonfiction explores their transformative impact on the United States across generations. Authored by Christina Soontornvat and Erika Lee, the book delves into the diverse experiences and cultural influences that have shaped American identity, offering young readers a deeper understanding of this vital aspect of history. Through engaging narratives, it emphasizes the ongoing role of Asian Americans in defining what it means to be American today.
The story explores Destiny Jones's journey of self-discovery as she grapples with self-doubt despite her early successes. Spanning 25 years, the narrative unfolds through letters from her boyfriend Matthew during their separation in 1994 and Destiny's diary entries reflecting on their relationship's aftermath. Their dual perspectives highlight the challenges of young love and personal growth, making it a poignant exploration of heartbreak and resilience.