Coming to America: A Muslim Family's Story

By Bernard Wolf

Book Overview

A photo-essay of a Muslim family from Egypt; their experiences living in America; and the sacrifices they make to have a better life.

Rowan Mahmoud's father arrived in the United States eight years ago from Alexandria, Egypt, in search of a better future for his family. After four years of hard work and frugal living, he could finally afford to bring his wife and children to live with him.

Young Rowan and her family are Muslims. They live in a multiethnic neighborhood in Queens, New York, and in many ways are just like other Americans. The children attend public schools and enjoy watching television and playing with their friends in their spare time. But the Mahmouds also live in a way that preserves their culture and religious identity. They shop in Middle Eastern markets, prepare traditional meals, and follow the teachings of Islam. The transition to American life has not been easy for the Mahmouds, but devotion to family and religion keep them strong.

With captivating photographs and engaging text, Bernard Wolf invites us into the life of this close-knit family - a family whose love and courage speak for all immigrants who work hard and make sacrifices in the pursuit of a better life.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1584301775
• ISBN13: 9781584301776
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 10.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 11 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 6

Customer Reviews

A brightly photographed realistic portrayal of a family's arrival in the United States from Egypt

The photo-essay Coming to America: A Muslim Family's Story is a brightly photographed realistic portrayal of a family's arrival in the United States from Alexandra, Egypt. The father arrives first, after winning a "green card lottery" offered to Egyptians who want to work in America. He worked long hours as a grocer in Queens, N.Y. until he was able to bring his family. Text and beautiful bright color photographs let the reader share the experiences of eight-year-old Rowan Mahmoud and her family once they all arrive. The photos capture the family at home, in school, and at the mosque. Their religion is an integral part of their life, but school, television, and playing with friends take up most of their time. We see the children in American schools with American teachers and schoolwork, but then return home to their Muslim and Egyptian traditions. Particularly useful in the classroom is the way Wolf tackles immigration issues for both adults and children; the hardships of learning a new language, the economic problems of finding an appropriate job, homesickness etc. At a time when many Muslim and Arab families in the U.S. feel subject to discriminatory governmental regulations and public attitudes, this book is especially welcome.