by Anzia Yezierska 1923

Welcome to the parent guide for this text! Read below to find out about what your child is reading in class and how you can support him/her at home.

This week in class, we’re reading "America and I" by Anzia Yezierska.

Anzia Yezierska (1880-1970) was a Jewish-American immigrant and novelist known for her writing on immigration, assimilation, and Jewish-American lives. "America and I" is Yezierska's short essay about her struggles adapting to her new country.

As we read, we will be discussing the theme of America as it relates to the text. We are trying to answer this big question :

"How has America changed over time?"

Ways to support your child:

  • Ask your child about this memoir at home:
    • What was "America and I" about?
    • What did you learn about America?
  • Watch Ellis Island Facts at home with your child.