Apple Pie 4th of July

Wong, J. (2006). Apple Pie 4th of July. Orlando: Voyager Books.
The main character in this story is a Chinese-American girl. She is sure no one will buy Chinese food from her parents store on such an American holiday as the Fourth of July. Her father reminds her that fireworks are Chinese. All day long there are no costumers buying food. She thinks that her parents don't understand what it is to be American. But, at the end of the day a bunch of people come in for the food. The family ends their night watching fireworks and eating apple pie.
This book explores what it is that makes one American. Is it where you were born? Is it tradition? What are American values? This book can be used to generate discussion about multi-culturalism and diversity in America. Isn't that what America is all about? I think older children in second through forth grades would enjoy it. I love how the story ends with the family watching "Chinese" fireworks and eating "American" apple pie.