BOOK REVIEW: Hannah is my Name by Belle Yang

This story is inspired by author Belle Yang’s first few years in America.  

This immigration story describes the anxiety and fear undergone by people from different countries during their wait for their license to live in America - a country of immigrants.

Little Na-Li of Taiwan has moved into a new country and has a new name – Hannah!  She and her family want to become Americans because being American means ‘to be free’.  But before that they must fill out some paperwork to get their green cards that would allow them to stay on in America.

The wait for the green cards is a long one.  And without the cards, her parents are not permitted to work.  But to survive and earn their living, her parents must work secretly.  If they are caught, they will be sent back to their country.

The story describes Hannah’s life in America as she settles down in a new country, learns a new language and what it means to be ‘free’.  There are days when her parents must go into hiding to avoid getting caught.

How long will they have to wait to gain their life of living freely without fear and anxiety? Read the story to find out.

Illustrated by Belle Yang herself, the pictures are a delight and flow well with the story.

Appropriate for ages 6+ years.