I Pledge Allegiance

AUTHOR: Pat Mora, Libby Martinez
ILLUSTRATOR: Patrice Barton

From the Publisher:

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.

Leah’s Thoughts:

This is such a sweet, multigenerational story. It’s based on the real experience of the authors’ great-aunt becoming a U.S. citizen, and it weaves together her journey with a young girl learning to say the Pledge at school. I love that it offers a more personal, family-centered perspective on patriotism—one that highlights gratitude, sacrifice, and a sense of belonging.