American Too

Just after World War I, Rosina and her family leave Italy and sail to America, land of opportunity. But when they settle in New York, American girls make fun of Rosie's dress, her foreign accent, and her ethnic food. How can she prove to the world that she is an American, too? As the feast of San Gennaro approaches, banners, piles of cheeses, and special pastries fill shop windows. Rosie, chosen to be queen of the celebration, is torn between excitement and her desire to be a modern girl. So when she appears in the parade, the band suddenly stops, and everyone stares, for Rosie has a surprise for them all. Elisa Bartone, a teacher in the New York City Public Schools, based American Too on an old family story told to her by a great-uncle. There was a real Rosie who led the feast day parade. Bartone has molded this account into a tale that shines with all the enthusiasm and optimism of those who immigrated to America, the great melting pot.