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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Stars (Outstanding)
Setting: Washington, DC
Genre: Children’s Fiction

We Are American, Too is the kind of story that stays with you. Mei’s journey—curious, brave, and full of heart—beautifully honors both her Chinese heritage and her American identity. As someone who has taught in Beijing, this story hit home for me. It’s more than just a children’s book—it’s a reminder of the power of stories to build bridges between cultures and to teach our children about love, resilience, and belonging.

The moment Mei takes the mic at the rally gave me chills. Her voice, backed by generations of strength, becomes a powerful call to action: “We are American, too!” It’s exactly the kind of message we need in today’s world.

This book is a must-read—for classrooms, for families, and for anyone who believes in the beauty of cultural diversity and the strength found in American unity. #netgalley #weareamericantoo #booked_this_weekend

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This was a great children's book. In today's society we need a reminder we are all the same. Ever child should learn the every culture experiences life a little differently.

Read by the author, we learn the story of the author‘s grandfather, one of the first Chinese Americans born in Washington, D.C. I loved all the references to what makes Chinese American culture unique, including the red lanterns, the boa buns, and the friendship arch with Beijing.

I love the background music in the audio and the narrator was great too. I can not wait to read this to the children.

Thank you NetGallery and Macmillan Audio for the ARC.

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We Are American, Too (Hardcover)
by Kristen Mei Chase
The cultural story of the immigration of Chinese Americans. The second born citizen of Chinese birth in Washington D.C. left a heritage to be proud of. The book shows the family history, and cultural change the family played part in. The Family worked for Chinese American citizens and their cultural heritage that affected the city.

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A story of a young girl who learns about her family history and the roots of Chinese American history in Washington D.C. I appreciated that the story was inspired by the author's family history, and loved the details specific to her life, but I felt that some of the story was difficult to follow without the illustrations.

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This is a very short audiobook but I really enjoyed it. The narrator and sound effects were excellent and there was new information to learn but it was such a hopeful story.

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I love that this book is fiction with some history. The storytelling includes aspects of Asian American culture, and I think the history incuded in the book connects the reader to the story.

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*We Are American, Too* by Kristen Mei Chase, narrated by the author herself, tells the heartfelt story of a young girl exploring her family’s heritage as Chinese immigrants in the United States. She shares how her great-grandparents met and how her grandfather was the first child born to Chinese immigrants in Washington DC. The story celebrates the beauty of cultural customs while embracing the message that her family is just as much American as anyone else.

This book offers a lovely message of inclusion and acceptance, encouraging children to appreciate diverse backgrounds while feeling united as Americans. The narrator does a fine job, though the text is straightforward and doesn’t offer many moments for vocal flair. I would rate this 5 out of 5 stars and think it would be a wonderful listen for any child, no matter where their ancestors come from. I received an advanced listener copy from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.

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We are American, too
Kristen Mei Chase
Macmillan Audio Arc
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Quote: “And had lots of babies!” Ha!

Review: This is a timely story for people of all ages. I love that there are audio files for children’s books now. I hope someday that it is added to each physical book as a companion for accessibility.
I think if my child was still little that this would have been one of his favorite stories. This story brought this community and humanity to life, as well made me hungry. Haha!
While this is labeled as children’s fiction (on my NetGalley arc) it is clearly about the author’s family based on the author’s note at the end of the story. The explanation of each family member and how their ancestors came to the US was brilliant; from the many generations that have now been here, to how that is just like the rest of the “Americans” and their ancestry, chef’s kiss!

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This was a semi autobiographical story inspired by the author's grandparents. An inspiring story of recognizing your heritage and the accomplishments of immigrants. We are a better country for having a melting pot of citizens. I really liked hearing the author's words at the end of the narration.

I highly recommend this audiobook for schools and libraries.

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Thank you, McMillian Audio, once again, for the opportunity to listen to this one early.

Wow, what a stunning and relevant children’s book. At a time when our leaders have forgotten America's true history, it is more important than ever that children learn about those who may look and experience life differently from them.

Read by the author, we learn the story of the author‘s grandfather, one of the first Chinese Americans born in Washington, D.C. I loved all the references to what makes Chinese American culture unique, including the red lanterns, the boa buns, and the friendship arch with Beijing.

The audio production was perfect, and I loved the background music and how the narration truly brought the story to life. This is an absolutely special book that I cannot wait to read again with my children.

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