This Land Is Our Land: A History of American Immigration

Osborne (Miles to Go for Freedom) examines immigration to the United States from the 19th century to the present, and the accompanying reactions from Americans already here—reactions she describes as “startlingly similar and consistent.” Opening as non-English Europeans traveled to U.S. shores in greater numbers, Osborne succinctly traces how various communities (Germans, Swedes, Italians, Chinese, and others) were alternately vilified, with xenophobia, nativism, and prejudice coming into play again and again. Numerous quotations from migrants (and, later, refugees) offer humanizing stories of struggle and striving, as if to offset the dehumanizing attitudes toward the groups at large. As Osborne moves into contemporary immigration, readers will have no trouble seeing the numerous parallels between the examples drawn from the nation’s history and ongoing conversations that sound very familiar. It’s a heartfelt plea to listen to and learn from our past. Ages 13–up. (Apr.)