Immigration Stories from Madison and Milwaukee High Schools - (Green Card Youth Voices) by Tea Rozman Clark (Paperback)

About the Book

The author presents a collection of digital narratives and personal essays written by 30 immigrant and refugee high school students from 22 countries who reside in Madison and Milwaukee.

Book Synopsis

"Green Card Youth Voices: Immigration Stories from Madison and Milwaukeee High Schools" is a collection of thirty personal essays, and accompanying video narratives, written by students attending James Madison Memorial and Pulaski High Schools. In their own voices, these students from twenty two countries describe their childhoods, reasons for leaving, first impressions of this land, and dreams of how they will contribute to it. These digital and written stories highlight the resilience and courage of these new Americans as they face tremendous adversity to be a part of this country. From classrooms to book clubs, from the individual interested in learning more about his immigrant neighbor to the business owner looking to understand her employees and business partners, this book is an important resource for all Americans. The included video links, glossary, maps, and study guide add a multimedia dimension to this already dynamic collection.

From the Back Cover

Green Card Youth Voices: Immigration Stories from Madison and Milwaukee High Schools is an honest and inspiring anthology of 30 personal essays written by Wisconsin immigrant high school students attending James Madison Memorial High School in Madison and Pulaski High School in Milwaukee. Each essay is accompanied by a full-color portrait of the author as well as a QR code that links to online video narratives demonstrating these students' wisdom and insights. Coming from 20 different countries across four continents, in their own words the young authors reveal the breadth and complexities of contemporary immigration. This collection highlights the broad range of experiences and hopes of young new Americans. Authors include Selma, who moved from Syria in 2015, Alirio, who moved from Venezuela in 2018, and Aziz and Nur Fatema, who were forced to flee the Rohingya persecution in Myanmar. These written and digital narratives are a unique and powerful resource for those seeking to gain a better understanding of the diverse journeys America's newest and youngest immigrants experienced en route to their new home. The student voices collected in this anthology build empathy and connection across communities, demonstrating the importance of building a country in which all voices are heard, amplified, and celebrated. This is the fifth anthology in the Green Card Youth Voices Series--previous collections include Minneapolis, Fargo, St. Paul, and Atlanta.

Review Quotes

"The power of every individual lies in their story and this rings especially true in Green Card Voices. I was moved and inspired by the stories of young immigrants who call Wisconsin home. Their narratives are a powerful example of what makes America a beacon of hope and opportunity for so many. Given the growing anti-immigrant climate, their stories serve as an important reminder of how much immigrants shape and strengthen America's identity. Their storytelling should deepen our empathy and understanding of the immigrant experience. I am proud of Milwaukee's rich history of creating diverse communities where immigrants prosper. Milwaukeeans and Madisonites know the unique individuals who enrich our communities, and Green Card allows others to see it." --Gwen S. Moore, Member of Congress