Their Great Gift is a beautiful book about the American immigrant experience. A simple narrative shares the often difficult struggle of families as they tried to establish new lives in America and the legacy that they created for their children. The text is accompanied by stirring photographs of families from all over the world, illustrating joys and the pain, successes and the setbacks. The book is intended for ages five to nine but it is a thoughtful, meaningful reminder for everyone of the amazing diversity that built the United States.

Coy (Hoop Genius) and photographer Huie (Looking for Asian America), in his first book for children, deliver a visual smorgasbord that informs young readers—and reminds older ones—how the United States was and continues to be made. Color and b&w photographs of modern-day immigrants appear alongside a spare, poetic text describing their collective experience in a new country. "They made mistakes and people laughed. Others didn't understand how much they'd sacrificed. They worked long, hard hours, at difficult jobs....They saved and did without/ and sent money back." The newcomers (mostly Asian, African, and Hispanic) cover a broad range of ages and appear in everyday scenes: children at a school lunch table or Scout meeting; adults learning a new language or working at night. Some stare with expressive eyes, while others mingle and laugh with family and friends. The message is clear: they are us, as they always have been. The final line, "What will we do with their great gift?" poses a seminal question for citizens already here. Both author and illustrator detail their own ancestors' arrival stories in endnotes. Ages 5–9. (Mar.)

In less than 150 words this author makes a compelling case for family and the importance of origin. With nearly 100 photographs, the artist tells just as beautiful a tale. In truth, it would be difficult to decide which medium is more effective, though why bother when both work so well throughout this lavish and impressive book. Students will identify themselves and their relatives in many of these pictures and, as such, this title would provide a simple and quite effective addition to any lesson on topics related to immigration or ancestry. The author and illustrator finish by telling their own arrival stories, complete with family photos, which prove equally fascinating.

K-Gr 4—An attractive and inspiring look at immigration to the United States, sure to spark discussions at home or in the classroom. Coy takes a simple approach with the text, employing only a few words per page, while Huie uses his mostly black-and-white photographs to illuminate the experience of coming to a new country, working hard, making mistakes, and building a new home. The images carry this volume, featuring people of various ages, occupations, and cultural backgrounds. Lacking captions or explanations, the visuals will lead readers to wonder about cultural differences and notice similarities. Coy and Huie describe their ancestors' paths to America in appended notes, and both explain the process of creating this book. Comparable in format to titles such as Global Babies (2007), Maya Ajmera's Our Grandparents: A Global Album (2010, both Charlesbridge), and Rosemary McCarney's The Way to School (Second Story, 2015), this offering puts a human face on a serious issue. VERDICT An ideal jumping-off place for teachers and parents interested in starting a conversation about a timely topic.—Jennifer Wolf, Beaverton City Library, OR

K-Gr 4—An attractive and inspiring look at immigration to the United States, sure to spark discussions at home or in the classroom. Coy takes a simple approach with the text, employing only a few words per page, while Huie uses his mostly black-and-white photographs to illuminate the experience of coming to a new country, working hard, making mistakes, and building a new home. The images carry this volume, featuring people of various ages, occupations, and cultural backgrounds. Lacking captions or explanations, the visuals will lead readers to wonder about cultural differences and notice similarities. Coy and Huie describe their ancestors' paths to America in appended notes, and both explain the process of creating this book. Comparable in format to titles such as Global Babies (2007), Maya Ajmera's Our Grandparents: A Global Album (2010, both Charlesbridge), and Rosemary McCarney's The Way to School (Second Story, 2015), this offering puts a human face on a serious issue. VERDICT An ideal jumping-off place for teachers and parents interested in starting a conversation about a timely topic.—Jennifer Wolf, Beaverton City Library, OR