In the Spirit of a Dream

In the Spirit of a Dream is a collection of poems celebrating thirteen immigrant Americans who pursued their dreams in the United States. Each biographical poem shares the journey of figures like Olympic athlete Yusra Mardini, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and actor Harris Glenn Milstead. The poems are accompanied by illustrations from multiple award-winning artists who are themselves immigrants or children of immigrants. The artwork ranges from digital compositions to traditional painting techniques, creating distinct visual interpretations for each subject's story. Author Aida Salazar presents these stories in verse form, following each figure's path from their homeland to America. The collection includes both historical and contemporary immigrants, highlighting experiences across different time periods and cultures. The book explores themes of perseverance, hope, and the universal desire to build a better life. Through its combination of poetry and art, it presents immigration as a foundation of American identity and achievement.

Readers appreciate the book's focus on immigrant stories and dreams told through lyrical text and vibrant illustrations. Parents and educators note its value in teaching children about determination and perseverance through real people's experiences. Positives: - Diverse representation of immigrants from different backgrounds - Alicia Alonso's and Helen Keller's stories resonated with many readers - Artwork received praise for its bold colors and engaging style - Teachers report it works well for classroom discussions Negatives: - Some found the verse format challenging to follow - A few readers wanted more historical context - Several mentioned the text might be too complex for younger children Ratings: Goodreads: 4.32/5 (184 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (47 reviews) Notable reader comment: "Each story is beautifully crafted with just enough detail to capture the essence of these remarkable individuals' journeys." - Goodreads reviewer

We Are the Dream by Elizabeth Warren Chronicles the stories of young immigrants who come to America pursuing dreams of freedom and opportunity.

Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow A celebration of names from different cultures and backgrounds highlights the power of identity and heritage.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo A Dominican teen in Harlem discovers her voice through poetry while navigating cultural expectations and personal dreams.

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales The journey of a mother and child who immigrate to the United States unfolds through their discoveries in a public library.

Call Me American by Abdi Nor Iftin A Somali refugee's path from war-torn Mogadishu to American citizenship reveals the determination required to pursue a better life.

🌟 Aida Salazar crafts this story through lyrical verse, using poetry to tell the immigration tales of 13 diverse dreamers throughout American history ✨ The book celebrates both well-known figures like musician Carlos Santana and lesser-known dreamers like Jean-Michel Basquiat's Haitian father, Gerard 🌟 Each story in the book is paired with vibrant illustrations by Latinx artist Alina Chau, who herself is an immigrant from Hong Kong ✨ The author immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico as a baby and draws from her personal experiences to connect with the stories she shares 🌟 The book spans multiple time periods and continents, featuring dreamers from places including Vietnam, Nigeria, Syria, and Mexico