We Are American, Too

by Kristen Mei Chase Narrated by Kristen Mei Chase

Overview

An exquisite audiobook about Asian American history, identity, and pride. We Are American, Too features sound design and special effects to enhance your listening enjoyment. Listen out for the cheers of the crowd and the sounds of my families past!

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 listeners on a stirring journey with Mei, confronting anti-Asian hate, and igniting unity with a rousing call to celebrate our shared American identity.

A Macmillan Audio production from Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"A stunning story of family history and heritage, identity, and the power of protest, this is highly recommended purchase for all collections." –School LIbrary Journal

"A rousing affirmation of Chinese American history, identity, and voice." –Kirkus

Kirkus 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.)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940192185674
Publisher:	Macmillan Audio
Publication date:	06/10/2025
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	Up to 4 Years

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