Light for All

by Margarita Engle, Raúl Colón (Illustrator)

A lyrical and unifying picture book that “will inspire young readers” and “magnificently showcases the immigrant experience” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) in America from Newbery Honoree Margarita Engle and award-winning illustrator Raúl Colón.Discover the myriad contributions that all immigrants have made as they come to join family or start their own lives together in a new country they call home. Coming with their hopes, dreams, and determination, generations of immigrants have made the fabric of this country diverse, vivid, and welcoming. This vibrant and timely celebration demonstrates the thousands of immigrants who built America and the importance of having acceptance and light for everyone.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, History, Social Justice, Nonfiction, Juvenile

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2021

About the author

Margarita Engle is a Cuban-American poet, novelist, and journalist whose work has been published in many countries. She lives with her husband in northern California.

Reviews

[Moonkiszt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Featured in a grandma reads session.

An all are welcome here pronouncement - country-wide! Celebrates all and everyone who gets themselves here. That is what this place started as, and even with all the troublesome considerations of how all communities start - imposing themselves somewhere - we need to to work with what we have now. My kiddos - all kiddos need to know we've got to work with US as we are and make good choices going forward, fixing what we can.

We loved how this book made us feel - as if we are bonded to all who from West to East and South to North and jumping to the far off parts of our country - we are fellow citizens, fellow countryfolk, brothers and sisters who need to look out for and respect each other. Where my liberty stops where yours starts. . . .this was roundly voted a 5 star read!

[Marissa Elera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautiful work from these two Latinx all-star creators!

[Abby Johnson]

In this poetic picture book, the Statue of Liberty shines her light to welcome all immigrants. I appreciate that there is a spread acknowledging the invasion of indigenous people's lands.

[Gustavo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVEEEEEE it!!!!! I will buy a physical copy for my niece.

[Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book goes harder than expected. Sneaks up on you, and I like it.

We met the Lady this year, so on the pile of books offered during the Meet the Teacher event, I demanded the child grab this one. And while the text was...oddly arranged, the art is beautiful, and the message is fantastic.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful illustrations (of course! They're by Raul Colon).

The text is formatted like it's poetry on some pages, but it doesn't read or feel like poetry to me.

I agree with what the picture book says, but it doesn't seem very coherent.

It's about immigrants arriving in the US and seeing the Statue of Liberty. And then the immigrants fighting for acceptance. They love their home and the US, even if they see some of the faults of the US.

[Serenity · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are lovely, and the poetry is well-written. However, it’s very heavy and will require a lot of unpacking with younger kids. Might be a good mentor text for poetry writing with middle schoolers.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, but they aren’t the style of today. And the text, while the message is god, is too wordy and isn’t kid-friendly.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Light For All, written by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Raúl Colón, look at the complicated ongoing history of US immigration.

For generations, United States immigrants have followed the beacon of Lady Liberty, coming from their homelands to seek their future here. Some came to join family who had come before, some fled war and poverty, and all were drawn to promise of the American dream. They and their descendants make up so much of our country, our society, our daily lives, even as so many are rejected for their language or the way they look. Many still love and take pride in their homelands, but they love their new homeland too, as they join the “nation of immigrants” and follow the promise of Lady Liberty’s light.

A refreshing mix of honesty and hope. While there are many picture books that talk about the United States’s complicated history with immigration, most like to focus solely on the positives of this national tradition. Engle’s free-form text takes a more balanced approach, both celebrating the promise of the immigrant experience while acknowledging the country’s history of slavery, occupation, land seizure, and prejudice towards immigrants. It’s a delicate line to walk, but Engle does it very well, leaving the reader with both a batter understanding of the struggles immigrants face and a belief that these issues can change for the better. Colòn’s rich and textured illustrations are filled with warm light and a beautifully diverse cast of children. The length is perfect for a storytime, and the content makes this best for elementary-aged readers; JJ especially enjoyed the engaging artwork. A look at a complicated US tradition that will educate and inspire, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved.

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked for young readers, it feels like every age will enjoy this beautifully inviting book by Margarita Engle with gorgeous illustrations by Raúl Colón. The story focuses on the varied immigrants, including the sad history of those who took land from Native Americans already here and those who came enslaved without choice. Many challenges faced immigrants in the past and do today. They often feel unequal and set apart from the rest of society but at the same time miss their former homes while needing to learn a new language and new ways in a new culture. However, Margarita also shares the love immigrants have for this new country. Surrounding the challenges and the good parts, the Statue of Liberty shines her light for all, the beacon of hope, being "part of the Statue of Liberty's promise." Conversation and questions can happen page by page. Included are the varied ways immigrants bring expertise to America, from doctors to artists, farmers to scientists. Reading the author's and illustrator's notes shows their own immigrant family history. It feels like another invitation to talk with students who can share theirs, too. I enjoyed every part!

[LaVonne Hanlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gr. K-3. Linked to Lady Liberty’s eternal flame, this sensitive picture book shines a light on immigrants’ dreams and desires for better lives as they arrive in America. Whether their families fled economic hardships or danger in former homelands, arrived unwillingly on slave ships, or been raised as Native peoples on stolen lands, Americans share rich back stories and hope for better futures, all “part of the Statue of Liberty’s promise.” Radiant illustrations of children by award-winning artist Raul Colon complement Margarita Engle’s inspiring text, which is well suited to primary grades’ social studies curriculum. Notes at the end of the book describe the author’s and illustrator’s own family origins and encourage citizens to keep welcoming others. Download Simon & Schuster’s Common Core Curriculum guide, which includes discussion questions and related activities, at https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net... Learn more about Margarita Engle at http://margaritaengle.com/ or watch a National Council of Teachers of English interview with the author at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Yod4...

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful reminder of what the Statue of Liberty can and should represent and how immigrants and refugees enrich our country. It is also a reminder that almost all Americans were once immigrants or refugees.

It shows how some flee from their countries because of disaster or war, it conveys that those who come can adopt new elements of culture while still holding onto their heritage, and can love their homeland while also learning to love this land.

The text on two pages says, "The promise of jobs brings talented doctors, scientists, artists, singers, students, cooks, and farmers who know how to plant and harvest delicious food for everyone" and this makes me sad because though I know some receive opportunities to fill those roles once they get here, I also know that, because of various barriers, there are also those who are brilliant, who were professors and doctors in their homeland but have to take labor/basic jobs here. I think all work is valuable and all work done well, no matter its type, is honorable but I think it's sad that so much talent and education sometimes goes to waste.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books is about immigrants and the liberty they hope to find, when venturing to the US.
The author takes a peek at various immigrants from around the world, the different reasons why they might have left their countries, and different problems they face, while trying to resettle in the US. These do hit everything from the more difficult parts of US history to all of the other reasons immigrants have had and continue to have to make the move. The problems such as learning the language, finding acceptance and missing their homes are also mentioned.

The illustrations are well done and bring the topic across clearly. The wording is appropriate for the intended audience and makes a great read-aloud as well as a self-read for those, who are pretty sure of their words. It definitely opens up to discussions and works well in the theme of immigration. The entire atmosphere of this books promotes hope and the knowledge, that while there are challenges and darker moments, there's still the shared dream of liberty. I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed the poetic feel

[Mavis’s Dad · Rating 1 out of 5]

Light for All is a book about immigrants, describing the push and pull factors that have brought so many different people to America. It also makes the distinction between new arrivals and older arrivals and how much better immigrants are today because they’re not bringing any flaws - like you know, the rest of American history - with them.

Moral: Immigrants are people and the flame of liberty burns on their love for America.

Length: For as preachy as it is, it’s a short sermon.

Favorite Line: “A radiant flame glows for all.”

Overall Impression: This is definitely not on Trump’s shelf, even though it’s at his reading level. But in this instance, I don’t blame him because even I couldn’t handle its tone. I found it to be especially judgy toward the end. You can stand with immigrants, recognize their worth and value as humans and still think this book isn’t very good. In fact, the 1st Amendment may be the best part of our country. So trust me when I tell you this: There are much better children’s books about immigrants and immigration.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thought provoking book. I have visited the Statue of Liberty, climbed her stairs, gazed out of her crown. And I have visited Ellis Island and read about immigrant experiences there. But I had never thought how an indigenous person would look at the Statue. They were already here; the land was there's and someone took it from them. And then there are the slaves that were brought to America by force. There was no welcoming light when they arrived, bound in chains. Even today, many immigrants to not see the light from the Lady's torch - they are given ahostile reception and a message that they are not wanted. Engle manages to convey the tragedy of those situations while still retaining balance by focusing on the encouraging message of light and hope conveyed by Lady Liberty and the amazing contributions made by immigrants . The book serves as a reminder of the importance of looking at the whole story, not just the parts we fancy. As always, Raúl Colón's illustrations are illuminating.

[The Book Maven · Rating 4 out of 5]

An optimistic, but gently honest, explanation of emigration to the US, and the Statue of Liberty that welcomes immigrants and refugees. This book touches on, very briefly, some of the uglier aspects of American history--land theft from Native people (without referencing genocide), the African slave trade, the seizure of Mexican lands, and as well acknowledges the existence of intolerance and inequity perpetuated by some contemporary Americans. It's at its core a picture book, so one cannot expect it to thoroughly deconstruct these ugly bits for children, but caregivers may use this as a good jumping off points for more in-depth explanations, as well as weaving in the need for all to be welcomed with tolerance, equity, and kindness. Because, as the book kindly hints at, we were all immigrants, or came from immigrants, once.

[Crystal ✬ Lost in Storyland · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Light for All, Margarita Engle shares the different reasons immigrants come, from all over the world, to the United States. And she touches upon the struggles they face—lack of acceptance, learning a new language, keeping in touch with their roots—as well as some of the bitter history of the United States. But always, her focus is on our shared dreams of liberty and the hope that we can do better.

Throughout this book, Engel repeats the symbolic image of the Statue of Liberty, unifying diverse groups of immigrants who come to the United States for different motivations, yet the same purpose: hope for a better future. Her language is sparse, yet poetic as I’ve come to expect from her work. And in the end, she reveals that we are more alike than we are different.

[Ellie Speed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light for All is a beautiful and hopeful book that talks about how everyone should feel welcome and free. The words are like a poem, and they help us think about fairness and kindness. The pictures are bright and colorful, showing people from many different places and cultures. This book is a great way to help kids understand that no matter where we come from, we all deserve to shine. It’s a great read for learning about diversity and being proud of who you are. I also liked how it touched on the fact that the US isn't all bright and colorful and that we don't have the best history. However, despite that we have an opportunity for freedom on our land.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

the Statue of Liberty remains such an icon for immigrant families. my prof twice played Schoolhouse Rock's song about the Great American Melting Pot and everyone in the classes took turns to piss on it and out-woke each other. fair enough, there is a lot missing in that song, but even today, the US remains a country of promise and refuge from persecution for those who seek to leave the countries they would call home. this book written for children beautifully captures both that sense of hope and the pain that different groups of people experienced in their journey to the US.

[Caitlin]

Light for All is luminous, the sort of book that carries hope like a flag. It reminds me, at times, of a keynote speech I once heard Roger Reeves give, when he spoke of the power of joy. For the joy and the hope and the certainty Engle and Colón convey here is intoxicating and beautiful, a reminder to people like me that we cannot give up in this quest to push our country toward truly embracing its ideals.

My full review: https://essentiallyanerd.wordpress.co...

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many people fled their home countries for the promise of a better life here in the US. Many were brought to the US against their will. Many were already living on this land before it was called the US. The Statue of Liberty has become a symbol that welcomes all and still gives people hope to all, despite the rough reality of this country. Gives a brief overview of what the Statue of Liberty has stood for. This would be a great jumping off book for introducing a lesson on immigration.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book touching on myriad reasons why families leave their homelands to come to the US.

I think my favorite passage from the book is this:
"The promise of jobs brings talented doctors, scientists, artists, singers, students, cooks, and farmers who know how to plant and harvest delicious food for everyone."

This statement helps dispel the myth that immigrants are poor, uneducated people who come here for government aid.

Highly recommended.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Message driven and therefore not overly engaging. This seems like it's a poem with illustrations, which is fine. It would work well being read aloud to a class. The illustrations, which are current and representative of the many people who continue to immigrate to this country, make the book shine. I like that it doesn't gloss over or romanticize American history. The "American Dream" is so fraught, because it has been as equally nightmarish for as many people as it is has been ideal.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raúl Colón's illustrations are the star here. (Of course.)

I don't think everything is fully coherent here. I appreciate the acknowledgement in the book that Native Americans and enslaved people weren't immigrants, but immediately after that the book paints a pretty rosy picture of how immigrants have been treated that doesn't seem accurate. (And is a bit contradicted by an earlier part of the book!)

[Cara Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Celebrating US immigration in a picture book is a complex task, especially how unwelcoming and unjust the US has treated many groups of people. This book acknowledges that this new homeland has a "long, bitter story of the US, a history that began with cruel invasions, stealing land from Native people, bringing enslaved captives all the way from Africa, and then seizing a huge part of Mexico," but also ends with a strong message of hope.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

The colored pencil illustrations for this book are pretty incredible. I'm always impressed by what artists can do with colored pencils, as they are my chosen medium for art as well. I love the message in this book and the emphasis not only on immigrants but the Indigenous people who lived here well before America became a country, and the Black people on whose enslaved backs this country is built.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author and illustration team created a beautiful book that focuses on the Statue of Liberty and immigration. I like how the author includes that not all individuals had the opportunity to immigrate--some were forced to move here or were already here. Wonderful illustrations! Heart-warming theme! I am looking forward to adding this book to our Hispanic Heritage Month book display and recommending it to my students.

[Angie Counsell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked the book, for the most part, but I am really tired of the agenda of showing how horrible and awful all early americans were - stealing land from the american indians, forcing african americans to come here. I get that all of that happened and do not condon any of it, but everyone together is wrong too and I am tired of it. I really enjoyed the beautiful pictures in this book, but the text was not my favorite.

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margarita Engle and Raul Colon respectfully, beautifully, artistically, honestly depict the immigrant experience for all, acknowledging that for Native Americans and Blacks, this was not an immigration experience at all. The underlying theme of equality is a message that is stressed again and again. The artwork and the beauty of the words make this book a treasure.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immigrants to the United States look towards the light of hope from Lady Liberty’s torch. Engle doesn’t shy away from the poor treatment some immigrants received in the past but she focuses on the dreams and wishes of the newest Americans. Strong illustrations, creator notes tell their immigrant stories.