I Was Their American Dream: A Graphic Memoir

Malaka tries to come to terms with her varied ethnicity in this graphic novel that highlights the struggles of immigrant families. This lighthearted memoir addresses themes of family, immigration, and assimilation through the experiences of an introspective young woman who struggles to find her place growing up in America as a child of Egyptian and Filipino immigrants. Suitable for students across intermediate and secondary grade levels, Malaka’s quest to define her own identity may inspire an inquiry on the immigrant experience or writing activities that help students explore their personal stories in written form. Students may be encouraged to investigate how culture and place may influence one’s sense of self or to reflect on Malaka’s relationship with her parents and her family life.