From Far and Wide: A Canadian Citizenship Scrapbook

Sylvia Pantaleo is an assistant professor of education specializing in
children’s literature at Queen’s University. She is the co-author of
Learning with Literature in the Canadian Elementary Classroom.

On a snowy day in February, Xiao Ling Li becomes a Canadian citizen. The
citizenship ceremony is held at Xiao’s school and her Grade 6
classmates are involved in the program. Xiao identifies some of the
other individuals who are also becoming Canadian citizens. During the
ceremony, Dr. Williamson, the officiator, explains how he became a
Canadian citizen over 20 years ago. He tells those becoming Canadian
citizens that their most important job is to be a good neighbor.

Once the people take the Oath of Canada, they are given their
citizenship certificates. All those attending sing “O Canada” and
then proceed to the library for a reception. There is another
celebration at Xiao’s home that night, and friends and neighbors come
to share this special day with her family.

The book, which is narrated by Xiao, is a scrapbook of the memorable
moments of her citizenship day. A double-page spread at the end of the
book explains the history of the Canadian Citizenship Act, the
requirements for Canadian citizenship, and the rights and
responsibilities of Canadian citizens. Song Nan Zhang’s realistic and
detailed art work enhances this enjoyable and informative picture book.
Recommended.