I Am American
Book Summary:
I Am American tells the true story of Wong Kim Ark, a Chinese American man born in San Francisco who was denied reentry into the United States despite being born on American soil. At a time when anti-Chinese discrimination was widespread, Wong challenged the government's decision, leading to a landmark United States v. Wong Kim Ark Supreme Court ruling that affirmed birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment. The book highlights immigration, citizenship, civil rights, and the ongoing struggle to ensure that constitutional rights apply equally to all people.
Recommended Questions:
Why do you think some people referred to California as "Gold Mountain"? What opportunities did Chinese immigrants hope to find there?
In what ways did the Chinese Exclusion Act force Chinese immigrants to experience a different version of the "American Dream" than immigrants arriving from Europe?
The book describes many ways Chinese immigrants contributed to their communities and the American economy. What are three contributions mentioned in the text, and what evidence supports your answers?
Why did the U.S. government argue that Wong Kim Ark was not a citizen even though he was born in San Francisco? How did the Fourteenth Amendment ultimately protect his right to be called an American?
The Supreme Court had to answer an important question: "What makes someone American?" How would you answer that question? What evidence from the book, the Constitution, or your own experiences supports your thinking?
Why is it important that citizens have ways to challenge government decisions they believe are unfair or unconstitutional?
Wong Kim Ark did not fight this case alone; he had the support of his community and the Chinese Benevolent Association. Why is collective action often more effective than trying to create change alone?
How did Wong Kim Ark's actions affect people beyond himself? Why is his case still important today?
Research the Chinese Exclusion Act and then reread portions of the book. How does this additional historical context deepen your understanding of the challenges faced by Wong Kim Ark and the broader Chinese American community?
Why do authors include timelines, photographs, court documents, and other primary sources in historical nonfiction? How do these sources strengthen the reader's understanding of the story?
NCSS Theme 10: Civic Ideals and Practices
I Am American: The Wong Kim Ark Story explores the meaning of citizenship and the civic ideals of equality, justice, and constitutional rights. Through Wong Kim Ark's fight to be recognized as an American citizen, students examine how individuals can use democratic institutions and the legal system to defend their rights and challenge unfair government actions. The book highlights the core definition of citizenship and demonstrates the civic responsibility of standing up for constitutional principles when they are threatened, helping to ensure that the rights guaranteed by the Constitution apply to all people.
Social Justice Anchor Standard 12: Understanding Bias
The story helps students examine how laws and government policies can create systemic barriers and unequal treatment. Wong Kim Ark faced discrimination because of his Chinese heritage, even though he was born in the United States. His case encourages students to explore how individuals can challenge unfair systems and work toward a more just society.
WA Civics 2: Understands the function of government
This book illustrates how the U.S. judicial system interprets and applies the 14th Amendment to protect individual liberties. The narrative provides a concrete example of the Supreme Court's power to clarify constitutional principles, showing students how the landmark ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark established the permanent legal precedent for birthright citizenship. This story highlights the essential role of the courts in ensuring that the government’s power is checked by the promises of the Constitution.
