How Did We Get Here? : Exploring the Ancestry of Eastside Residents

For the first time, Anika, Benny, and Libby turn their inquisitive gazes on themselves, exploring the questions: Where are our families from? Why and how did they come to the United States? As they learn their families’ histories and receive upsetting news about Anika’s stay in the country, they vow to cherish what brings them together.

Sixth graders Anika Veerkar, Benicio “Benny” Flores, and Libby Abrams constantly study their surroundings, hoping to find the next feature story for their online neighborhood newsletter. But they’ve never turned their inquisitive gazes on themselves before. A chance question about Libby’s door decoration leads the friends to realize they’re all from immigrant families. This discovery prompts their next big questions: Where are our families from? Why and how did they come to the United States? As the friends learn their families’ histories and deal with upsetting news about Anika’s stay in the country, they vow to cherish what brings them together.Anika, Benny, and Libby are neighborhood friends—and known to be relentlessly curious. They’re always asking questions, and their interest in sharing the answers has led them to start an online newsletter. Encouraged by their parents, they venture out into the community to investigate the most engaging stories.