Crossing Borders
Nonfiction About the Immigrant Experience
These thought-provoking nonfiction accounts detail the challenges immigrants face as they leave their countries in search of safety, freedom, or a better life. Pair your reading with our vocabulary lists for an even deeper understanding of these true stories of survival, grit, and new beginnings.
AmericanizedRebel Without a Green CardIn this memoir, Sara Saedi describes her shocking discovery as a young teen that she was an undocumented immigrant and her journey to getting a green card.
How Dare the Sun RiseAfter surviving a massacre in her home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ten-year-old Sandra Uwiringiyimana came to the United States to start a new life. In this harrowing and affecting memoir, she recounts her childhood, her experiences as an immigrant in America, and her humanitarian work.
They Called Us EnemyIn this graphic memoir, actor and activist George Takei recounts the internment of his Japanese-American family during World War II. The book was cowritten by Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott, with art by Harmony Becker.
Outcasts UnitedThe Story of a Refugee Soccer Team That Changed a TownThis book tells the inspiring true story of Luma Mufleh, a Jordanian woman who quit her job in order to coach the Fugees, a soccer team of refugee boys.
I Was Their American DreamIn this graphic memoir, Malaka Gharib recounts growing up in America while navigating her Filipino and Egyptian heritage.
The Distance Between UsA MemoirIn this memoir, the author documents how her childhood was torn apart by her parents' decision to emigrate to America to earn enough money for a house in Mexico.
Enrique's JourneyEnrique's mother left Honduras to find work in the United States; eleven years later, Enrique embarked on a dangerous journey to reunite with her. In this powerful nonfiction account, journalist Sonia Nazario recounts his experiences.
Taking FlightFrom War Orphan to Star BallerinaIn this memoir, ballet dancer Michaela DePrince recounts her difficult childhood in Sierra Leone, her adoption by an American family, and her success as a ballerina.
The Other SideStories of Central American Teen Refugees Who Dream of Crossing the BorderIn this collection of essays translated by Rosalind Harvey, Juan Pablo Villalobos records the true stories of Latin American teens attempting to immigrate to the United States.
The UnwantedStories of the Syrian RefugeesThis powerful, award-winning graphic novel brings the Syrian refugee crisis to life.
The Woman WarriorKingston integrates mythology into this memoir about growing up as a Chinese immigrant in California.
Lost Boy, Lost GirlIn this memoir, Jon Bul Dau and Martha Arual Akech describe growing up during the civil war in Sudan and their eventual journey to America.
Angela's AshesA MemoirAfter the death of their daughter, Frank McCourt's impoverished immigrant parents decide to return to Ireland. With humor and tenderness, this Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir tells the story of his early life there.
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