When Libby’s great-aunt was a little girl, she and her family emigrated from Mexico to the United States. Many years later, Libby’s great-aunt has passed her citizenship test and is ready to become a citizen of the United States. At the naturalization ceremony, she’ll say the Pledge of Allegiance. Libby and her great-aunt practice the pledge all week to get ready for the big day and Libby and her classmates learn more about the pledge during school. Younger readers will gain a new appreciation for the Pledge of Allegiance after reading about Libby and her great-aunt.

Cute picture book. I really wish it went more into the meaning of the pledge. However, I feel it was a good choice for B.O.B.

A wonderful book teaching how special the pledge of allegience is, and how much more special it is to someone who becomes a citizen of the US. Even includes repetition to help you learn along!

I liked this view of how someone in the family becomes a citizen. There aren't a ton of children's books about that topic.

I really enjoyed this book. It addressed so many topics in so little time such as: immigration, gaining citizenship, patriotism, and family values. This book would be a good one to read at the beginning of the year so students know the importance of the Pledge of Allegiance and why we do it everyday.
2014
Realistic Fiction

Lovely description of a positive immigration experience, in this case, for a family from Mexico. The exploration of the pledge is spotty; I didn't like the implication that the current pledge is the same one that Bellamy wrote in 1892. The tiny footnote to the author's note saying it had been changed four times since he wrote it seemed inadequate. However, the repetition helps children learn the pledge, and the content gives a good springboard for discussing the ideals of the US.

This will work in every early elementary classroom where kids say the pledge every morning. The story of Libby's great-aunt becoming a citizen gives a meaningful framework for the bit of history about the pledge and what different parts of it mean (like indivisible, liberty and justice for all, etc.) The entire pledge is in the text several times, so kids will be able to recite along. The soft art that celebrates our diversity and the sprinkling of Spanish words (Libby's great-aunt is from Mexico) are wonderful touches. Well done!

I liked this view of how someone in the family becomes a citizen. There aren't a ton of children's books about that topic.

An amazing book to have in the classroom. It shows the trials of trying to become a U.S. citizen and what it takes. Kids need to learn about this, so that they know what happens.

A good story and I very much enjoyed the illustrations. Ms. Mora and Ms. Martinez collaborate on this story based on their great-aunt, who they called Lobo, who became an American citizen in her late 70s. It's also a story about memorizing The Pledge of Allegiance - both remembering the words and thinking about what they mean. Very much recommended.