Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States

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Some of Us looks at the many different paths that individuals take in coming to the United States and becoming naturalized citizens. Have students explore some well-known immigrants who became U.S. citizens and learn more about immigration journeys and the naturalization process by creating a classroom “Stories of Us Quilt.”

After a read-aloud of Some of Us, share information that highlights the stories of well-known naturalized citizens—such as those included in Some of Us (Albert Einstein, Flossie Wong-Staal, I.M. Pei, Jesús Ferreira) —or about other naturalized citizens who can help students understand the richness and diversity of immigrant experiences and their contributions.

Then have students choose and further research the story of a well-known immigrant or an immigrant they know and make a paper quilt square representing that person. On the square, students draw a portrait and include a few facts about the person’s journey: where they came from, why they immigrated, how they became a citizen, and one way they’ve contributed to their community or country.

Once all the squares are complete, display them in the manner of a patchwork quilt. Have students reflect on the personal experiences of the immigrants featured on the squares and the many different journeys they followed to become U.S. citizens. When the quilt squares are stitched together, they create a powerful classroom display ideal for celebrating Read Across America and the many voices, backgrounds, and stories that contribute to the shared fabric of the nation.

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

1. What are some reasons that people might choose to leave their home to build a new life in another country?
2. Why do you think it’s important that people who want to become U.S. citizens learn about and demonstrate understanding of democracy? How do people who already have citizenship learn about democracy? What do you know about democracy? Where and how could you learn more?
3. How do new citizens benefit communities and the country?
4. What are some of the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen? What happens when citizens don’t meet their responsibilities? How are rights and responsibilities connected? Do rights ever change? How?
5. How are human rights different from the rights people have as citizens? Why do you think that human rights exist?

Related Resources

Rajani LaRocca's picture book ‘Some of Us’ is her personal tribute to American democracy from All Things Considered
Immigration Nation from iCivics
Our Democracy: A Book-Based Exploration of Civics toolkit from Start with a Book
Citizenship & Participation from iCivics