The best 20 Immigration books

Americanized by Sara Saedi is a memoir that chronicles the author's experience as an undocumented immigrant from Iran growing up in America. With humor and honesty, Saedi shares her journey of navigating the complexities of identity, family, and the immigration system, ultimately finding a sense of belonging in her adopted country.

Call Me American is a memoir by Abdi Nor Iftin that chronicles his incredible journey from war-torn Somalia to the United States. It offers a firsthand account of the hardships and dangers he faced in his homeland, his determination to pursue an education, and his ultimate escape to America. The book sheds light on the refugee experience and challenges stereotypes, while also celebrating the power of hope and the pursuit of a better life.

Dominicana by Angie Cruz is a powerful novel that follows the story of fifteen-year-old Ana, who is forced into an arranged marriage with a man twice her age and moves from the Dominican Republic to New York City. Set in the 1960s, the book explores themes of immigration, family, and the pursuit of the American Dream, as Ana navigates her new life while holding onto her own dreams and identity.

Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of a young Jewish girl named Rifka who flees Russia in 1919 in search of a better life in America. Through a series of letters to her cousin, Rifka describes the challenges and adventures she faces on her journey, offering a poignant and personal account of immigration and the pursuit of freedom.

Lucky Boy by Shanthi Sekaran tells the story of two women brought together by the love for a young boy. Soli, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, and Kavya, a wealthy Indian-American woman, both find their lives intertwined through their connection to Ignacio, a child caught in the complexities of international adoption. The novel explores themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of immigration, offering a poignant and thought-provoking read.

One Mighty and Irresistible Tide by Jia Lynn Yang examines the history of immigration in the United States, focusing on the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. Through compelling storytelling and in-depth research, Yang explores how this landmark legislation transformed the demographic landscape of America and shaped the country we know today. It offers a thought-provoking analysis of the complex issues surrounding immigration and its profound impact on society. 

Separated by Jacob Soboroff is a powerful and heartbreaking account of the Trump administration's family separation policy at the US-Mexico border. Through in-depth interviews and investigative reporting, Soboroff exposes the human cost of this cruel policy and sheds light on the experiences of the families affected. This book is a call to action, urging readers to confront the realities of immigration and advocate for change.

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See tells the captivating story of two sisters, Pearl and May, who leave their beloved Shanghai for Los Angeles in the 1930s. Faced with the harsh realities of their new lives as Chinese immigrants, they must navigate family secrets, betrayal, and the complexities of their relationship. Set against the backdrop of historical events, this novel explores themes of identity, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between sisters.

The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez is a poignant novel that tells the stories of several Latin American immigrants living in a run-down apartment building in Delaware. Through their narratives, the book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of the American dream, while shedding light on the challenges and discrimination faced by immigrants in the United States.

The Far Away Brothers by Lauren Markham is a gripping account of two teenage identical twins from El Salvador who flee gang violence and make the dangerous journey to the United States. Markham provides a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of the complex issues surrounding immigration and the pursuit of a better life.

The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea is a poignant and humorous novel that delves into the complexities of family and the immigrant experience. Set in San Diego, it follows the De La Cruz family as they come together to celebrate the final birthday of their patriarch, Big Angel. Filled with rich characters and beautiful prose, the book explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds that hold us together.

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco is a heartwarming children's book that tells the story of a quilt that has been passed down through four generations of a Jewish family. The quilt is made from the family's old clothes and holds special memories of their heritage and traditions. It beautifully illustrates the importance of family and the bonds that tie us together.

The Only Road by Alexandra Diaz tells the story of twelve-year-old Jaime and his cousin Angela as they embark on a dangerous journey from Guatemala to the United States in search of a better life. Fleeing violence and poverty, they face numerous challenges and heartbreaking choices along the way. This poignant and timely novel sheds light on the harsh realities faced by many young immigrants and the strength and resilience it takes to seek a new beginning.

This Land Is Our Land by Suketu Mehta explores the global phenomenon of migration and challenges the myths and misconceptions surrounding it. Through personal stories, research, and analysis, the book offers a thought-provoking perspective on immigration and its impact on both the countries people leave and the ones they seek to call home.

Unaccompanied is a powerful collection of poems that delves into the experience of immigration and the journey to a new home. Written by Javier Zamora, who himself migrated from El Salvador to the United States as a child, the book offers a poignant and personal exploration of identity, family, and the hardships faced by those seeking a better life. Through beautiful and evocative language, Zamora sheds light on the complexities of the immigrant experience and the longing for a sense of belonging.

This non-fiction book follows the true story of a Honduran boy named Enrique, who embarks on a dangerous and arduous journey to reunite with his mother in the United States. Through vivid storytelling and in-depth research, the author sheds light on the harsh realities faced by undocumented immigrants and the complex issues surrounding immigration. It is a compelling and eye-opening account of one boy's quest for a better life.

Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli is a powerful novel that delves into the complexities of family, immigration, and the American landscape. Through a blend of fiction and documentary, it follows a family on a road trip from New York to the US-Mexico border, while also exploring the stories of migrant children making the same journey. It is a thought-provoking and timely exploration of the refugee crisis and the impact it has on those involved.

The Devil's Highway is a gripping non-fiction book that tells the harrowing true story of a group of Mexican immigrants who attempt to cross the treacherous desert terrain known as "The Devil's Highway" in search of a better life in the United States. Through meticulous research and powerful storytelling, author Luis Alberto Urrea sheds light on the human cost of immigration and the complex issues surrounding the US-Mexico border. It is a compelling and thought-provoking read that challenges our perceptions and sparks important conversations about immigration policy and the plight of those seeking a better future.

They Came Before Columbus by Ivan Van Sertima challenges the traditional narrative of Christopher Columbus as the discoverer of America. Through extensive research and compelling evidence, the book argues that Africans and other ancient civilizations had already established contact with the Americas long before Columbus's arrival. It sheds light on the rich and complex history of pre-Columbian transatlantic exploration and trade.

Unaccustomed Earth is a collection of short stories by Jhumpa Lahiri that delves into the complexities of family, love, and cultural identity. Set in both India and the United States, the book explores the lives of characters who are navigating the challenges of assimilation, tradition, and the search for belonging. With beautiful prose and poignant storytelling, Lahiri offers a captivating glimpse into the human experience.