Description:
This is the gentle 'growing pains' story of a Chinese-American girl who wants so much to fit in with her peers that: she's a little embarrassed to be Chinese-American on America's birthday. Her parents, who are shopkeepers, and immigrants from China, are simply too...Chinese.

As the holiday progresses, she discovers that fireworks began in China, and Chinese food is as welcome and wonderful at a picnic as hot dogs and potato salad. She finds that being a nation of many cultures and traditions is part of what makes America so Beautiful.

The illustrations are bold, and the fireworks finale is a fitting conclusion.

Other comments or suggestions:
Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet S. Wong, illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine