I Pledge Allegiance

by Pat Mora, Libby Martinez, Patrice Barton (Illustrator)

Patriotism across the generations as a little girl and her great aunt learn the Pledge of Allegiance together.

Libby's great aunt, Lobo, is from Mexico, but the United States has been her home for many years, and she wants to become a U.S. citizen. At the end of the week, Lobo will say the Pledge of Allegiance at a special ceremony. Libby is also learning the Pledge this week, at school-at the end of the week, she will stand up in front of everyone and lead the class in the Pledge. Libby and Lobo practice together-asking questions and sharing stories and memories-until they both stand tall and proud, with their hands over their hearts.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Cultural, School, Immigration, American History

40 pages, Hardcover

First published April 22, 2014

About the author

Pat Mora (born 1942) is a female Mexican-American author and poet. Pat Mora was born in El Paso, Texas. She is married and has 3 grown children.

Reviews

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juvenile Fiction/People & Places
Ages 3-7, Grades P-2
Pages: 40 Hardcover 8.8x11"
Date Published: April 22, 2014
Publisher: Knopf Boos for Young Readers (Random House)

Tags: Independence Day, Season - Summer, American History, Mexico, Multicultural Diversity

What an absolutely incredible find this book is! Definitely one I will be adding to our shelves in celebrations of the American Pledge of Allegiance. It will work perfectly as an add-on for our school lessons right along when we study the Star-Spangled Banner, the Constitution and American history in brief. Of course this is also a great July read to reiterate one more time the importance of Independence Day and the celebration of citizenship. This group of Author(s)/illustrator(s) are new to me, however I am pleasantly pleased and delighted with this picture book. A great multicultural people and places educational story for next year. I cannot wait to get my hands on this one.

I read a digital advanced reader copy thanks to Random House.

[Sara Grochowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby's aunt, Lobo, came from Mexico as a young girl and now, many years later, is becoming an American citizen. At the end of the week, Lobo will say the pledge of allegiance with the other new citizens and Libby will lead her class in saying the pledge. On the days leading up to Libby & Lobo's big day, they practice the pledge together and Lobo tells Libby why it's important to her to become a citizen: "When I was a young girl, my father wanted a safer place for us to grow up, and we came to the United States. The American flag - red, white, and blue - wrapped itself around me to protect me." I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE is a touching, beautiful story about the Pledge of Allegiance and being proud to be an American citizen.

[Onesia Thompkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading I Pledge Alligiance by Pat Mora! It is a realistic fiction book based on Pat Mora's actual aunt Lobo and it tells the story of Libby's great aunt passing the citizenship test to become a US citizen. Her aunt Lobo will have a ceremony where she will say the Pledge of Allegiance and Libby is also learning the Pledge at school. The book highlights great character relationships with realistic and convincing characters. Libby's teacher is very supportive and asks about if Lobo passed and even gave her a big hug when she picked Libby up from school. Every night until the ceremony, Libby and Lob practice the pledge together which demonstrates a strong family bond and support system. It also gives great meaning and value to the pledge that promotes a patriotic mindset.

[Angela Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

(KidLit ED204 category: Social Studies)
As a very patriotic person, this book made me tear up just a little. :) With all the turmoil in this country, it is so important to remember why we should be proud to live here and be proud to stand up "very straight, like trees" to stand up and recite our Pledge of Allegiance. The story is loosely based on the authors' own aunt's journey to U.S. citizenship. It explains that someone can be proud of where they come from and their native language, and proud of where their new country and their new language. It a good book for introducing students to information about the Pledge and about citizenship. The illustrations are by Patrice Barton (the illustrator of The Invisible Boy!!)
Certainly a book I will want in my classroom.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Libby's great aunt is about to become a naturalized citizen of the United States. Libby and her great aunt practice reciting the pledge, talk about what it means and why her great aunt wants to be a citizen.

[Chrissie Baaklini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a poignant and thought-provoking picture book that delves into themes of identity, belonging, and cultural pride. The story follows a young girl named Libby, who is torn between her Mexican heritage and her new life in the United States. As she learns about the Pledge of Allegiance in school, she grapples with conflicting emotions about what it means to pledge allegiance to a country while honoring her cultural roots.

The primary genre of this book is realistic fiction, as it explores real-life issues faced by many immigrant families and children navigating dual cultural identities. The authors' use of vivid imagery and emotive language helps readers empathize with Libby's internal struggle, making the story relatable and engaging.

One key reflection from this book is the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating cultural heritage. Through Libby's journey, readers learn about the richness of Mexican traditions and the challenges of adjusting to a new culture. This book can be used instructively with children to promote discussions about cultural identity, empathy, and inclusion.

Another lesson from "I Pledge Allegiance" is the power of empathy and understanding. Libby's classmates and teacher demonstrate compassion and acceptance, showing that kindness and respect can bridge cultural divides. This message is particularly relevant in today's multicultural society, where mutual understanding is essential for fostering harmony and unity.

As a WOW book, "I Pledge Allegiance" impressed me with its nuanced portrayal of complex themes. The authors' attention to detail and sensitivity to cultural nuances enhance the story's authenticity and resonance. The use of literary devices such as imagery and metaphor adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the characters' experiences.

In terms of bias, "I Pledge Allegiance" strives to present a balanced perspective by depicting both the challenges and joys of cultural diversity. The authors avoid stereotypes and instead focus on individual experiences, promoting a message of acceptance and respect for differences. The social, political, historical, and cultural contexts in which the book is produced contribute to its relevance and impact, highlighting the importance of cultural understanding in a globalized world.

Overall, "I Pledge Allegiance" is a compelling and insightful book that encourages readers to explore themes of identity, empathy, and unity. Through its engaging narrative and meaningful messages, this book leaves a lasting impression and serves as a valuable resource for fostering cultural awareness and inclusivity.

[Katalina Townsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby's great aunt, Lobo, is from Mexico, but the United States has been her home for many years, and she wants to become a U.S. citizen. At the end of the week, Lobo will say the Pledge of Allegiance at a special ceremony. Libby is also learning the Pledge this week, at school—at the end of the week, she will stand up in front of everyone and lead the class in the Pledge. Libby and Lobo practice together—asking questions and sharing stories and memories—until they both stand tall and proud, with their hands over their hearts

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nonfiction picture book based on memories of the authors' aunt who came to the United States from Mexico and became a citizen when she was in her 80's . In the story the aunt tells her grand niece that she loves the words in "The Pledge of Allegiance" that say, "liberty and justice for all" because when we say those words we are "promising to be fair to everyone. This country is like one big family, una familia, that works together to take care of people who need our help."

A lovely picture book for children who are learning the meaning of the pledge.

[Rebeca Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Diverse Literature
Awards: N/A
Audience: 1st through 6th grade

A. Mexico/America is in this story. It is a Mexican grandmother getting her US citizenship.
B. The event of immigrating to America from Mexico, and going through the process of getting the citizenship.
C. The culture was portrayed neutrally, just as something that was a part of the family and their history.
D. EVALUATE: Support why you think it was significant that the girl was learning the pledge of allegiance with her grandmother. I think that this shows the bond they have together and as a family, and also represents how the grandmother will be a part of the United States with her granddaughter after Friday.

[Kim Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1.)Reflection on ONE: Text to text, text to self, or text to world connection for each book
I specifically picked this book because it had a connection to my students and my classroom. I noticed that my students were half-heartedly saying the pledge and that many days there was at least one student who I had to remind to stand up and face the flag for the pledge. I wanted to use this book to show my students why it is so important to say the pledge and do so with the utmost respect for the flag and what it stands for. I felt that this book showed the importance because it showed how hard some people work to become citizens and it shows what the flag and the pledge represents for those people.

2.)Rationale and evidence proving why each book is culturally specific
This book specifically focuses on the Mexican culture. It shares the story of how some people come to the US from Mexico for the opportunities for a better life. It also showed how these people maintain their culture once they are here. The family continued to use the Spanish language within their household and they ate Mexican food in their house. The way the author sprinkled in the Spanish was nice because it displayed some of the culture while still sharing what the family and the grandmother were working for. The book was also culturally specific in it’s portrayal of the importance of family to people of a Mexican background.

3.)Six discussion questions for each book using all six levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy
a. Remembering - Why did Libby’s grandma have to say the Pledge of Allegiance?
b. Understanding - Explain what the author means when they say that America is like one big family.
c. Applying - What questions would you ask if you could talk to Libby’s grandma?
d. Analyzing - What is the relationship between saying the pledge of allegiance and being a citizen?
e. Evaluating - Do you agree that it is important to say the pledge of allegiance? Why or why not?
f. Creating - How would you rewrite the story from Libby’s grandma’s point-of-view?

[Mdkim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Libby and her great-aunt(Lobo) who immigrant to the United States from Mexico. In order for Libby’s aunt to become a U.S citizenship, she had to pass her test which she did and now she will be going to a special place to say I Pledge Allegiance and get her certificate. As Libby goes to school, she would practice how to say I Pledge Allegiance because she loves helping her great-aunt and could not wait to say I Pledge Allegiance along with her aunt Lobo. Libby only had one week to practice how to say I Pledge Allegiance as well as how to present appropriately. Libby and Loco were able to say I Pledge Allegiance without making any mistakes and enjoy their Friday.

The overall theme is immigration and becoming American citizenship. Also, how many people are coming to the United States to receive a sense of protection from the county.

I enjoy reading I Pledge Allegiance because my family and I immigrated to the United States seven years ago. This story reminded me of the time when I became a U.S citizenship with my family. It was an amazing feeling and I understand how Libby’s aunt would feel at that moment.

I would recommend this book to the kids because they will learn the importance of how to become a better citizenship by knowing I Pledge Allegiance by heart. Not only that, the kids will learn how to stand appropriately in front of the American flag. Lastly, the kids here in the United States will learn how blessed they are and the opportunity that they are having within the country.

[Katherine Dove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby's grandmother is trying to become an American Citizen. She talks to her granddaughter about having to learn and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and after this conversation, the young girl tells her teacher. Unknowing to her that the class was about to learn the Pledge of Allegiance, her teacher asks if later that week she would be willing to lead the class since she would be helping her grandmother practice. After a week of practicing her grandmother and her must put their skills to the test!

Libby is a hardworking, kind girl who is willing to put herself on the line in front of her class. This is great to teach kids self-confidence and that hard work is important. This is a great book for teaching young children the Pledge. Pat Mora uses repetition throughout the story to lock the Pledge of Allegiance into children's minds. The young girl is very determined to learn and help her family which are admirable traits to see in characters as well as people, especially children.

The illustrations in this book are beautifully done and help depicts the story in a great way. Mora includes both text and illustrations on almost every page, keeping the story flowing and easy as well as enjoyable to follow along to. I think by using a white background he is able to attract the reader's attention to the words and pictures much easier.

This book is perfect for a young class trying to learn the Pledge of Allegiance.

[Courtney Hartwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: In this book, a girl named Libby has a great aunt named Lobo. Her aunt passed her US citizenship test and has to recite the pledge of Allegiance. Libby also has to say the pledge of Allegiance in front of her whole class. They both practice throughout the week and readers learn about Lobo’s childhood in Mexico. In the end, Libby and Lobo get to proudly say the Pledge of Allegiance together

Theme: Possible themes of this book are immigration and pride for your country

Personal Response to the Text: As a kid, I remember having to say the Pledge of Allegiance before class every day. I don’t think I fully understood what I was doing by holding my hand over my heart and saying the words. Looking back, I think it would be meaningful and important to have read this book to go into depth about why we say the Pledge of Allegiance.

Why I Recommend this Book: I think that is important for children to understand the meaning and significance of the Pledge of Allegiance. This book does a great job of defining words in the Pledge of Allegiance to make it easy for children to understand. In addition, this book is a way for students to learn about becoming a citizen of the United States. It can educate kids about the process and bring awareness to the fact that many individuals immigrate to the US.

[Carley]

1. Text to self connection: In this book, Libby's Great Aunt receiving her citizenship to the United States of America. Libby is so proud her Aunt and practices saying the Pledge of Allegiance with her throughout the week. I connected to this book because of my heritage. Just like Libby's Great Aunt, Lobo, my ancestors also came from Mexico to America. They had to work really hard and learn about the U.S. in order to gain their citizenship. They were proud of their heritage and where they came from, but they were grateful to be in America and have endless opportunities.

2. Why is Libby so excited for her Aunt?
Who can tell me, in your own words, what the words "liberty and justice for all" mean?
Why is it important for everyone to be treated fairly in America?
Does anyone know where your ancestors came from, and why they came to the United States?
Just like Lobo said, in America we take care of each other like a family. Can you think of a time that you can help take. care of someone when they need help?
How are the people who live inAmerica different than people who live in other countries?


3. (2014, January 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts with Libby being proud of her great-aunt Lobo passing her citizenship test. This sets up the close relationship between these two characters. Lobo tells her story of why she wanted to become a citizen and why saying the Pledge of Allegiance at her citizenship ceremony means so much to her. Lobo and Libby practice the Pledge so Libby can lead her class in the Pledge and Lobo can recite it at the ceremony. The author's note at the end describes one author's real great aunt Lobo that inspired the story and how her actual words describing her feelings at coming from Mexico to the US as a young girl were used in the book. I think this adds so much to the story and made me love it more. I think by taking the angle of the Pledge to describe Lobo's citizenship journey is unique. The illustrations are watercolor fuzzy and adds to the "warm fuzzy" family feeling of Libby and Lobo's relationship, and even the loving relationship between Libby and her teacher. The book would certainly be appropriate for younger students to get an idea of what the Pledge means to others and why they might say it in school. It could be a great kick off to a lesson on immigration and help them develop a more empathetic perspective on those issues.

3/3
annotate

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

With expressive illustrations created in pencil sketches and then digitally painted, this picture book celebrates our nation's Pledge of Allegiance. While Libby's class is studying the Pledge, she also gets a real-world lesson from her great-aunt Lobo's preparation for the citizenship test and memorization of the pledge. Although the book idealizes our nation and its foundations--Lobo describes how the flag "wrapped itself around me to protect me" (unpaged)--this new citizen is clearly just as proud of her adopted country as her country of origin. I liked how learning about the Pledge becomes a family affair and how supportive the family members are of each other. The end papers contain the words of the Pledge, and back matter includes a note from the authors about the story's inspiration. This title would be perfect for sharing with a class and discussing citizenship and what the words actually mean.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What better way to celebrate Flag Day than by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. In her book, I Pledge Allegiance, Pat Mora tells the beautiful story of Libby and her great Aunt Lobo. Aunt Lobo has passed her citizenship test and will participate in a special ceremony, where she will recite the Pledge of Allegiance. In her class, Libby is also learning the Pledge of Allegiance. Her teacher invites her to lead the class in saying the Pledge. Together, Libby and Lobo practice saying the Pledge of Allegiance until they both are confident in its recitation. Illustrations were drawn in pencil and painted digitally by Patrice Barton. Barton’s artwork is done in a softer color palette and brings the characters and story to life. I Pledge of Allegiance is a sweet and heartfelt story. It includes a special author’s note as well as the Pledge of Allegiance for readers to practice and learn.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pat Mora and her daughter Libby Martinez have crafted a meaningful story inspired by her much loved Mexican aunt, who became a U.S. citizen in her late seventies. Using a young child whose teacher is explaining the history and the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance in the classroom, teamed with the child's aunt who is preparing to become a U.S. citizen, brings significance and meaning to the Pledge of Allegiance that millions of children say every school day. True to Pat Mora's belief in the power of books and reading, she explains in her "Author's Note" that her aunt liked books and poured over encyclopedias, newspapers and prayer books in Spanish and English. This will be an ideal book for teachers to read to their class to reinforce what the words of the Pledge of Allegiance really mean, while they're thinking about being good citizens.

[Cheryl Belt-Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a contemporary realistic fiction story for elementary students of all ages and ESOL families that are trying to obtain citizenship.
This is a delightful story of a little girl who is learning the Pledge of Allegiance in her class while her elder aunt who is seventy years old, is also studying the Pledge of Allegiance in order to obtain her citizenship.
I love this book. It is in a child's first person perspective that is based on true events for herself and her great-aunt. The story incoorporates spanish words with the meanings that do not distract from the story. This book is for elementary students including pre-kindergarten students. This book would also assit Esol students that should enjoy seeing their language in a story. The book states the pledge so many times, it would be easy for students to learn it.

[Kiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love this book! As my husband prepares to become a bilingual elementary school teacher on the border of Mexico and Texas, we have been thinking a lot about immigration and what it means. This book does an absolutely beautiful job at introducing what it means to become a citizen. To both the new citizen and the family, and even the country as a whole. I loved it!

The art work is brilliant as well. So bright, welcoming, and cheery. Patrice Barton did a phenomenal job!

This whole book, combined with the art work, theme, and story line almost brought me to tears. It's so simple, yet so powerful.

I can't wait to arrive on the border and live hand in hand with more citizens like Lobo and Libby.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby and her Great Aunt Lobo are learning the Pledge of Allegiance at the same time—but for different reasons. Lobo, who came to U.S. from Mexico as a young girl, is practicing it in order to become a citizen of the United States. A warm, gentle intergenerational story that offers perspectives on patriotism from a child and a new citizen. Cheerful watercolor illustrations by Patrice Barton. The authors note that the Pledge written by Francis Bellamy and first published in 1892 has been modified four times, most notably with the phrase "under God." The authors should have explained that and what the other changes were.

[Angelita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it has the great optimism that children's books should have. Although, in real life when it comes to immigration and such there isn't always nice things to say to the people who want to become citizens of the United States. But Libby's great aunt makes an incredible statement about why she wanted to be a citizen. It also shows the hard work she puts into becoming a citizen by practicing the Pledge of Allegiance or studying for the test. One of my favorite parts is that she doesn't completely denounce that she is from Mexico, she is still proud of where she came and such, but she will also be proud to be a U.S Citizen.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It brings a new perspective to the Pledge of Allegiance. It resonated with me as Libby and her great aunt Lobo learned and practiced the Pledge together. I was most drawn into the story when Libby's great aunt Lobo said the American flag made her feel safe and warm. My transaction with the text was the most powerful during the conversation between Libby and Lobo as they discussed Lobo's move to the United States. I will carry with me a renewed appreciation for the Pledge. I would definitely recommend this book to others. It is a great book to read in a classroom as students learn to say the Pledge.

[Violeta Tistova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Multicultral Picture Book

Copyright Date: 2014

Thoughts: I love this book so much. I can relate to both Libby and her great aunt. I learned the pledge of allegiance when I was younger in school like Libby and then I had to recite it at my citizenship ceremony last year like her great aunt. It was so touching and I will definitley purchase this for my own classroom.

Classroom Use: This could be read to students K-2 to show the importance of the pledge of allegiance and how immigrants don't take it for granted.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic book introducing the Pledge of Allegiance to younger children as well as the idea of becoming a citizen of the United States.

I liked the font style and size chosen - making it easy to read aloud - and the illustrations are perfect. The family looks friendly and welcoming. The inclusion by the author of information regarding her real aunt was also nice to read aloud to my children.

I would recommend this book to families studying America, the flag, citizenship, immigration, and patriotism.

[Lizeth Matzir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for young children that helps explain the citizenship process in the US for immigrants. Libbie's Aunt Lobo passed the test for her citizenship and gets to attend a cermony where she gets to recite the Pledge of Allegiance as she officially becomes a citizen. Aunt Lobo provides background information of her family migrating to the US for a better life for themselves. Even though she is now a citizen of the US, Aunt Lobo continues to take pride in her home country, Mexico.

[BiblioBickie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lovely description of a positive immigration experience, in this case, for a family from Mexico. The exploration of the pledge is spotty; I didn't like the implication that the current pledge is the same one that Bellamy wrote in 1892. The tiny footnote to the author's note saying it had been changed four times since he wrote it seemed inadequate. However, the repetition helps children learn the pledge, and the content gives a good springboard for discussing the ideals of the US.

[Julia Myklebust · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Libby’s grandmother who she calls Lobo is about to take her citizenship test. When she passes (!!!) she must perform The Pledge Of Allegiance. When Libby’s teacher learns the exciting news, she asks Libby to lead the Pledge in class one day. We learn about the Pledge and a glimpse of what it means to be a U.S. citizen. Multicultural.

[Bayne Marrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It addressed so many topics in so little time such as: immigration, gaining citizenship, patriotism, and family values. This book would be a good one to read at the beginning of the year so students know the importance of the Pledge of Allegiance and why we do it everyday.
2014
Realistic Fiction

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story and I very much enjoyed the illustrations. Ms. Mora and Ms. Martinez collaborate on this story based on their great-aunt, who they called Lobo, who became an American citizen in her late 70s. It's also a story about memorizing The Pledge of Allegiance - both remembering the words and thinking about what they mean. Very much recommended.