Apple Pie 4th of July

Wong, Janet S., Apple Pie 4th of July, 2002, Harcourt, INC.

Keywords:

-Chinese American Fiction

-Independence Day

-American Traditions

-Chinese Traditions

-Cultural Diversities

Annotations:

A Chinese American daughter of Chinese immigrants worries that no one will eat the Chinese food her parents are preparing on th 4th of July. She observes everyone outside eating American type foods and wonders why her parents even bothered to keep the family store open on this particular holiday. After guests walk in to eat Chinese food on the 4th of July, she realizes that Americans do eat Chinese food.

Grade Levels:

-Kindergarten -3rd Grade

Teaching Suggestions:
-Lesson on Independence Day?
-What American Immigrants do to celebrate Independence Day?
-Independence Day traditions and how they came to be?
-How does Independence Day compare to other Chinese Holidays?

Misconceptions:
-This book is particular to Chinese Americans alone, so address other cultures (including Americans) that may feel worried that no one else will notice them or like them. Address ways on how an American student can make an "outsider" feel noticed and comfortable.

Overall, this book has a positive story that relates to cultural diversity in America. It is a neat book to share with students when introducing American traditions vs. "other" traditions and how to incorporate lessons to bond cultures together. What a great, positive story.