Between Arizona’s immigration crackdown earlier this year, the defeat of the DREAM Act in the Senate this month, and an impending challenge to U.S. birthright citizenship expected in 2011, immigration and the status of the children of immigrants is one of the most intensely debated topics in U.S. politics. The issues involved transcend party lines and raise the fundamental question of what it truly means to be American. These issues are central to Helen Thorpe’s debut, Just Like Us. In this true story, Helen—an immigrant herself—chronicles the lives of four Mexican girls coming of age and striving for the American dream in West Denver.
Focused on four best friends—two U.S. citizens (Clara and Elissa) and two living in the country illegally (Marisela and Yadira)—the book details how citizenship, immigration reform, and inequality influence their identities, friendships, and futures. Named one of the best books of 2009 by The Washington Post, Just Like Us has received praise for its fast-paced narrative and in-depth journalism as well as for taking readers beyond the political rhetoric and humanizing an argument that often lacks middle ground.
Join Helen at ALA Midwinter, January 10th at 10:30 AM for a reading and discussion of Just Like Us. No matter your stance on immigration, this event will offer fascinating insight into one of the most complicated social issues today and challenge the audience with such probing questions as who is an American? Who gets to live in America? And what happens when we don’t agree?
The Human Face of Immigration
A Reading and Discussion of Just Like Us with Author Helen Thorpe
January 10, 2011 • 10:30 AM–11:30 AM
Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Room Indigo D
Following the presentation, join Helen at Booth #1311 at 1:30 PM for signing of free copies of Just Like Us on MP3. And be sure to stay tuned to News & Views after ALA as we’ll post the recording of the presentation here.
A Reading and Discussion of Just Like Us with Author Helen Thorpe
January 10, 2011 • 10:30 AM–11:30 AM
Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Room Indigo D
Following the presentation, join Helen at Booth #1311 at 1:30 PM for signing of free copies of Just Like Us on MP3. And be sure to stay tuned to News & Views after ALA as we’ll post the recording of the presentation here.
About Helen Thorpe & Just Like Us
Helen Thorpe was born in London, England, and grew up in Medford, New Jersey. A freelance journalist, Helen’s stories have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, New York, and George. Her radio stories have aired on This American Life and Soundprint. She now lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, Governor of Colorado John Hickenlooper, and their son.
Just Like Us is Helen’s first book. It releases on audiobook from Dreamscape on January 11, 2011 and is available for purchase through Midwest Tape. Learn more about Helen Thorpe and her book.
Praise for Just Like Us
“An excellent, in-depth study of immigration policies gone amok.” —Library Journal
“Helen Thorpe has taken policy and turned it into literature.” —Malcom Gladwell, author of The Tipping Point, Blink, and Outliers
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