American Too

From Publishers Weekly Set in the Little Italy of post-WWI Manhattan, this uplifting companion to the Caldecott Honor book Peppe the Lamplighter introduces a feisty girl who emigrates from Italy with her family. As their ship arrives in New York, Rosina spies the Statue of Liberty and announces that she wants to wear a dress and crown and carry a torch, just like that grand lady. Determined to be "a modern American girl," she changes her name to Rosie, refuses to eat the eggplant her mother packs in her school lunch and tells her parents she will not play the queen in the annual feast of San Gennaro. But as she watches the preparations for the Italian feast day, Rosie hatches a plan that lets her participate in the celebration yet prove her allegiance to her new country. The likable heroine and judicious details about the setting help distill the experience of new Americans caught between two cultures. Lewin's stunning paintings, often so clearly focused and lifelike as to resemble photographs, convey the flavor of the period?in clothing, decor, architecture?as well as Rosie's highly charged emotions. Ages 5-up. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 3-Rosina, an Italian immigrant, wants to be a modern American girl. Questioning the characteristics and traditions of her family, she reacts with anger instead of pride when told she will be the queen of the San Gennaro feast. The Statue of Liberty provides inspiration and when the festival procession begins, Rosina appears, not in the white taffeta dress made by her mother, but dressed as Lady Liberty. Her costume is a success and she is glad the feast is a part of her new life in America. Lewin is a skilled watercolorist. His familiar, realistic illustrations capture the expressions and emotions of the characters. Set in New York City shortly after World War I, the pictures give a general feel for the interiors and dress of the time. Simple and patriotic, the story demonstrates a child's desire to fit into new surroundings. The difficulties of balancing a strong ethnic background with America's melting-pot mentality are neither addressed in depth nor resolved, but the basic idea that the two can coexist and perhaps enhance one another comes through.