America's Dreaming

by Bob McKinnon, Thai My Phuong (Illustrator)

Overview

From New York Times bestselling author Bob McKinnon comes a story about seeking inspiration from our past to become our best selves in the future.

Have you ever felt alone? Have you ever desperately wanted to fit in? America understands how you feel.

America dreams of adventures, making new friends, and being strong. But America’s first day at a new school turns out to be a nightmare.

Fortunately, America’s new teacher introduces the Welcome Wagon—a cart filled with books about real-life historical figures who also had trouble feeling accepted. When America falls asleep that night, Amelia Earhart, Sojourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr., and Emma Lazarus jump off the pages to share their stories—inspiring America to return to school the next day and make their dreams come true.

While we never see America, Bob McKinnon’s lyrical writing and Thai My Phuong’s unique, sweeping art helps readers see the world through America’s eyes and encourages us all to be as kind as we are brave, because everyone always deserves to feel welcome.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593658796
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	06/04/2024
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	10.38(w) x 10.32(h) x 0.39(d)
Lexile:	AD670L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Bob McKinnon (he/him) is a writer, podcast host, children’s author, and teacher. What unites all of his work is the desire to help people move up in life—just as others have helped him. Learn more about his work and his own American dream story at movingupusa.com.

Thai My Phuong is a Vietnamese illustrator who graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. She has a deep passion for visual storytelling and teaching for international publishers, magazines, brands, and universities. Phuong currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband.

Editorial Reviews

05/13/2024

Casting America as both the new kid at school and this story’s narrator, McKinnon and Phuong roll out a historical welcome wagon. The narrator’s anxiety is palpable on the initial day of class: “My hands are shaking so bad, I drop my backpack and trip over it.” When the teacher asks students to introduce themselves and “share something you love to dream about,” America freezes and the others laugh. Asked by the teacher if they like to read, America nods and responds that “opening a book is like someone opening their door for you. Letting you in to see what their life was like and how it might help you with yours.” Soon, the classroom Welcome Wagon, filled with books whose “pages turn like the hands of old friends waving hello,” helps the new student consider how the words of four historical figures—Amelia Earhart, Martin Luther King Jr., Emma Lazarus, and Sojourner Truth—might inspire their dreams. In Phuong’s cool-hued, portrait-forward images, characters emerge from books to encourage the protagonist. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (June)

Publishers Weekly

A 2025 Notable Social Studies Trade Book For Young People

"This needed story celebrates individuality and is a ­reminder that every child moves at their own their own pace, and that it’s okay to find happiness in solitude. Heartwarming and thought-­provoking, this book encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities and appreciate the diversity of the world around them. VERDICT A valuable addition to any library or classroom collection." —School Library Journal

"Casting America as both the new kid at school and this story’s narrator, McKinnon and Phuong roll out a historical welcome wagon. In Phuong’s cool-hued, portrait-forward images, characters emerge from books to encourage the protagonist." —Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

08/01/2024

Gr 1–5—On the first day of school, America looks for a solo seat in the classroom. During introductions, America freezes up and isn't able to share something they love to dream about. At recess, America stays inside with a book. The teacher shows America the Welcome Wagon, laden "with books to remind us that all kinds of people had trouble being accepted." America borrows books about Amelia Earhart, Sojourner Truth, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Reading their stories that night gives America the courage to share their dreams with the class the next day. Through America's journey, readers are reminded of the importance of understanding and respecting different preferences in social interaction. The narrative skillfully explores America's gradual comfort, from choosing to stay inside to read to eventually raising their hand in class. The book portrays a diverse classroom environment, and Phuong captures small details, like the Welcome Wagon sign on the cart of books, that add depth and authenticity to the setting. This attention to detail enhances the overall reading experience and invites readers to appreciate the beauty of inclusivity. This needed story celebrates individuality and is a reminder that every child moves at their own their own pace, and that it's okay to find happiness in solitude. Heartwarming and thought-provoking, this book encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities and appreciate the diversity of the world around them. Back matter includes an author's note, short bibliographies of the famous individuals mentioned in the story, and suggestions of titles for those wanting to create their own book collection. VERDICT A valuable addition to any library or classroom collection.—Peggy Henderson Murphy

School Library Journal

2024-03-23
A child named America feels out of place at a new school.

America is clearly nervous. Though the child isn’t visually depicted (each scene is viewed from the young narrator’s perspective), America confesses, “My hands are shaking so bad, I drop my backpack.” As class begins, the teacher, Mr. Downs, invites the students to introduce themselves and share their dreams, which include scoring the winning World Cup goal and singing on Broadway. But when it’s America’s turn, the child freezes up, and the other students giggle and sneer. During recess, America stays inside, buried in a biography of Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Downs offers America books about historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Sojourner Truth, people who sometimes felt they didn’t belong. That night, these larger-than-life people visit America in a dream and share words of wisdom. The next day goes better: America speaks up, and the other students welcome America into the fold. McKinnon tells a heartfelt yet didactic story, accompanied by Phuong’s earth-toned illustrations. The legendary figures America meets are reduced to flattened, simplistic depictions. McKinnon offers a one-sided view of friendship and acceptance; while America does plenty of soul-searching, the other students don’t reflect on their unkindness—which may inadvertently leave readers believing that the onus is on bullied children to work harder to fit in. The other kids’ ultimate willingness to embrace America also seems unrealistically rushed. The class is diverse; Mr. Downs is light-skinned.

An earnest but less-than-convincing attempt at fostering inclusion. (author’s note, information on historical figures) (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews