DAISY MOVES TO AMERICA

A girl learns to embrace her accent in Trust’s debut picture book.

Daisy and her family move from England to the U.S. At her new school, kids tease her about her English accent. Although hurt, she tries to stay strong but often holds back tears. She also struggles to adjust to calling things by different names: “What I call trousers, they call pants.” After Daisy’s brother, Billy, sees her reading How To Sound American, he informs their parents. Daisy cries and tells them about her struggles. Mum and Dad give their daughter a pep talk, saying she should be proud of where she comes from and embrace who she is. The next day at school, Daisy ignores the taunts. She says, “What makes us different, makes us great” and offers her classmates friendship. Now, they think her accent is “cool.” Daisy decides, “Though I say mate, and they say friend, it doesn’t matter in the end.” The book offers empathetic insight into what it’s like being a new student and includes a glossary featuring variations between British and American English, like mom and mum. Adhi’s cartoonish illustrations are bright and engaging. They also show details like thought bubbles and backdrops, such as a charming cityscape of Daisy in London. Daisy presents White; her schoolmates are Black, Asian, and White.

A thoughtful story that emphasizes kindness and self-esteem.