Opinion

Children's Books Teach Us About Immigration

The Penn Yan Action Coalition, a local group dedicated to advocating for immigration justice, chooses great books each year to help inform people as part of our annual community reads. Those selections have always been complex books intended for adults. Today, though, we would like to encourage readers to pick up children's books instead.
Why would we want to pick up a children's book? Because they have a lot to teach us about any topic, including immigration. They are often clearer than adult books and the artwork is often award winning. Our maxim is, "A good children's book is a good book for adults." Simone, written by Viet Thanh Nguyen and illustrated by Minnie Phan, tells the story of a young girl whose life is forever changed by a California wildfire, an event which also triggers her Vietnamese mother's memory of a horrific flooding in Vietnam when she was a young girl. With a new friend, the protagonist is able to use the two experiences to create art and set into motion a collaboration for a healthier future.
We Came to America, written and illustrated by Faith Ringgold, shares its compelling message with succinct text and vivid illustrations of the songs, stories, dance, food, fashion, and art that 'came to America' and made this country rich in diversity.
In Dreamers, the author and illustrator Yuyi Morales uses poetic text and bold illustrations to share her story. Yuyi, an immigrant from Mexico, and her infant son, bring their hopes and dreams to America. They use their own special gifts to build a better future for all of us.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World, by Elena Favilli, includes the stories of women like Belgian-born Liz Claiborne, a woman who wanted to dress busy women who aren't "perfect," and Madeleine Albright, a Czechoslovakian immigrant who became the first woman to serve as United States Secretary of State. She became a staunch advocate for democracy and worldwide human rights. Jamaican-American Nadine Burke Harris became California's first surgeon general. She researched and treated toxic stress in children. In the book, she said, "I was inspired to make sure that every child has an equal opportunity to grow up healthy." Mexican immigrant and climate activist, 22-year-old Xiye Bastida Patrick, a senior in college, is leading a youth movement to address climate justice. In her words, "Earth is our home. It gives you air, water, and shelter, everything we need. All it asks is that we protect it."
And to think, we can meet all of these fascinating people in the Youth Department of our local library. Our lives can become richer as our stories intertwine.

Cindy Gorham-Crevelling,
for the Penn Yan Action Coalition

Read MoreChildren's Books Teach Us About Immigration

Editor's Response

John Christensen, Editor The Chronicle-Express Ms. Wuytowicz, While I appreciate the fervency of your political beliefs, I believe you may be mistaken in the purpose… Login to continue reading Login…

Read MoreEditor's Response

AFTER THOUGHTS Let's change 'nervous' to 'excited' for all athletes

It's been fun to see the growth in each of the 2023-24 high school athletes who have discovered talents they didn't realize they had and honed more sharply the skills they were already confident in.
In a couple of months, we will cheer about the victories and achievements of Olympic athletes who push their bodies to new heights, speeds, and strength to be able to stand on the podium. Only one competitor can reach that gold medal podium, but they never make it there alone. The achievements of youth and scholastic level athletes are the stepping stones to the podium at the ultimate level of a sport.
Each athlete deserves credit for the progress they made through the seasons, but I'm sure they will each say they share the credit with others.The stars of the games get the recognition on the sports pages, but they wouldn't achieve their victories without layers of support, some more obvious than others.
It's time to give those supporters and advocates some recognition too. Let's start with coaches.
Coaches, especially those who coach youth level sports, teach fundamentals and rules. The coaches I respect most mix their knowledge with generous helpings of fun and respect. Helping youngsters feel joy in even small successes is important, but so is demonstrating respect for teammates, opponents, and officials. Coaches who teach an athlete that mental skills and emotional resilience are just as important as physical talents and skills are coaches who set youngsters on the path to success. Thank you to all the coaches who have devoted themselves to the development of these athletes, who will use the lessons of teamwork, determination, persistence, and discipline as they become community leaders.
Have you ever thought about the officials?
Why would anyone voluntarily stand between two opponents to make decisions that will be questioned by impassioned spectators? Most likely it's because they love a particular sport and want to share it with the next generation by helping them learn the best way to play the game.
No one makes perfect decisions, especially when most of those decisions are based on a judgement from individual human observation determined in seconds. There may be video replays in professional level sports, but the brave men and women who have the physical stamina, emotional control, and keen concentration to officiate youth and scholastic sports don't have that luxury.
It's time to give thanks for the officials who also share their skills and knowledge with young athletes, and think about joining their ranks if you think you have what it takes (otherwise, be quiet and watch the game!).
Of course, the parents, grandparents, and other adults who make sure the players have the nutrition, equipment, transportation, encouragement and other support to participate in events deserve recognition too. Often these individuals are also the coaches, which means they balance the two roles, ensuring fair play and fair playtime for all team members.
But those aren't the only people who make it possible for our kids to participate and excel in sports. How about the crews who maintain the facilities and fields, and the equipment managers who take care of the pads, sticks, bats, balls, etc. And don't forget the athletic trainers who have a better understanding of the physical demands each sport makes on the human body.
Finally, there are the faithful spectators and members of the media who help memorialize the efforts, in pictures and words, on paper and in the digital world.
A team is much larger than what you see on the bench. Everyone has a role, but no one's role is to ridicule, complain, harass, or belittle. It takes the efforts of many to help athletes succeed.
I am a fan of ice hockey, especially the NHL's Boston Bruins. While I'm sad the Bruins were defeated in the quarterfinal round of post-season play this year, I'm encouraged by the progress of the younger players, in particular John Beecher of Elmira, who was brought up to Boston just a few weeks ago, and goalie Jeremy Swayman, who was outstanding all season and through the series.
After the Bruins won a critical game five to keep them in the play-off series before being eliminated by the Florida Panthers, Swayman, well-known for his composure said, "I just can't thank my mentors enough for showing me the way and replacing that word 'nervous' with 'excited' and just being me and embracing moments. That's when I find the most enjoyment, truly living it to the absolute fullest. And I couldn't be happier."
Let's do our part to help all athletes feel excited.

Do you have feedback on this or a suggestion for a future column? Feel free to email me at gchamberlain27@gmail.com.

Read MoreAFTER THOUGHTS Let's change 'nervous' to 'excited' for all athletes