In this unconventional abecedary for young adult readers, photographer Wendy Ewald (This Is Where I Live) joins forces with 18 teen immigrants to create an alphabet reflecting their experiences.
For each letter, a group of the teens chose a word and wrote their definition for it, then illustrated it with original art and photos conceived by the groups and taken by Ewald. Most of the photos feature the teens themselves, a diverse bunch from countries including Sudan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. In between the photos, the teens tell their stories.
This eye-opening collaboration explains that a border (Vietnamese: biên giới) is "an imaginary line," and that "[e]very immigrant starts their journey from zero." America Border Culture Dreamer will make the perfect gift for the young artist or activist, or any young teen interested in expanding their horizons. --Jaclyn Fulwood, youth services division manager at main branch, Dayton Metro Library