We Came to America by Faith Ringgold


Poetic, bold, and visually striking, We Came to America celebrates the rich diversity of people who have made the United States their home. In just a few lyrical verses, Faith Ringgold reminds readers that America’s story is a story of immigration, resilience, and cultural contributions. With evocative art and powerful repetition, this picture book affirms that while we came for different reasons and from different places, we all belong here. This book is a powerful entry point for older students to engage in deep, reflective conversations about identity, history, and belonging.


Curriculum Connections

Social Studies (Middle & High School)

  • Immigration History: Use the book to launch discussions about waves of immigration, reasons people migrate, and the impact of immigration on U.S. history.

  • Primary Source Comparison: Pair the book with historical documents, immigration interviews, or Ellis Island records for analysis and critical thinking.

  • Contemporary Issues: Facilitate student inquiry into modern immigration policy and human rights, comparing historical experiences with current events.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

  • Invite students to research and share stories from their own heritage or community.

  • Examine the book through the lens of intersectionality, highlighting how race, religion, nationality, and language impact the immigrant experience.

  • Use it to challenge stereotypes and assumptions about who “belongs” in America.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

  • Promote empathy by exploring how it feels to leave one's home and start over.

  • Discuss identity formation and how cultural heritage contributes to self-esteem and community.

  • Create classroom activities that celebrate each student’s background and contributions.

Discussion Questions

Social Studies

  1. How has immigration shaped American history and identity?

  2. What were the reasons people came to America in different eras?

  3. How do different immigrant stories challenge or confirm what we learn in textbooks?

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

  1. What message is the author trying to send about belonging and inclusion?

  2. How does your family's story or that of someone you know connect to the themes in this book?

  3. In what ways can we make our communities more inclusive and welcoming today?

SEL

  1. How might it feel to move to a new country with a different culture and language?

  2. Why is it important to listen to and learn from each other’s stories?

  3. How does this book help you think differently about your classmates or neighbors?

We Came to America is more than a celebration of immigration it’s a call to remember, respect, and uplift the many stories that make up the American experience. With its poetic text and expressive art, this book gives middle and high school students an accessible way to explore complex themes like displacement, identity, equity, and history. Use it as a starting point for rich conversations, interdisciplinary projects, and inclusive storytelling.


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