We Are American, Too

by Kristen Mei Chase, Jieting Chen (Illustrator)

Overview

An exquisitely illustrated and beautifully penned picture book about Asian American history, identity, and pride.

Mei is a young Chinese American girl filled with curiosity about her family’s history in Washington, D.C. Delving into their tales of courage, hope, and resilience, Mei explores the strength and spirit that unites her Chinese heritage with her American identity.

Then Mei finds herself at a rally against Asian hate and she realizes that it is her time to make a difference. Armed with the inspiring stories of her ancestors and backed by the unconditional support of her family, Mei takes center stage to start an empowering chant, “We are American, too!”

We Are American, Too takes young readers on a stirring journey with Mei, confronting anti-Asian hate, and igniting unity with a rousing call to celebrate our shared American identity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780374390211
Publisher:	Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication date:	06/10/2025
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 6 Years

About the Author

Kristen Mei Chase is an author and essayist known for her writing about family life, relationships, and the complex realities of modern motherhood. Her books include her debut novel, A Thousand Miles to Graceland, her debut children’s picture book We Are American, Too, and her debut children’s chapter book series, Gracie Wei. Kristen’s work balances humor with emotional depth, bringing cultural nuance to her storytelling that is inspired by her own experiences as a multiracial Asian American woman.Along with writing, Kristen can be found driving around her four kids, and taking care of two dogs, one lizard, and a very loud bird in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

Jieting Chen is a New York based illustrator and animator. With years of experience, she produced and directed several award-winning short animations. Her illustrations are strongly influenced by oriental paintings; the points of view are delicate and sensitive. When not illustrating, she enjoys watching films with her wife and cat, listening to soundtracks of rain, or simply letting her mind go blank so inspiration can strike organically.

Editorial Reviews

2025-03-22
A Chinese American child finds power in family history.

As Mei’s family strolls through Washington, D.C., to the city’s Chinatown, Mom and the youngster recount the story of Mei’s great-great-grandfather Samuel Moy Gong, the second American-born Chinese person in D.C. Each year, they stop by important sites as they remember him—the bench commemorating Samuel, the house where he was born. But this time, when they arrive at the Friendship Archway to take their customary photo, a huge crowd has gathered for a rally against Asian hate. Taking the stage, Mom invites Mei to share their family’s story. Although Mei’s voice is shaky at first, it grows with encouragement from Mom, Dad, and even Mei’s baby brother. As Mei concludes, “We are American, too,” the crowd heartily echoes those moving words. Drawing from her own family history, Chase deftly tells a story about community, protest, and the importance of speaking up. Chen’s softly impressionistic digital illustrations alternate gray and sepia tones with more vibrant splashes of color, blurring the lines between past and present and making it clear that history is always with us. The closing spread pairs Mei’s final potent words (“This is our home. My great-great-grandfather. My family. And me”) with a warm depiction of the family and their ancestors sharing a bench. Mei’s father presents white, suggesting that Mei is biracial.

A rousing affirmation of Chinese American history, identity, and voice. (author’s note, family tree)(Picture book. 4-8.)

Kirkus Reviews