To celebrate Italian-American Heritage Month, we have put together a list of great reads by Italian-American authors and celebrating their heritage.
Italian Louisiana
By Alan G. Gauthreaux
Though the Italian contribution to Louisiana’s culture is palpable and celebrated, at one time ethnic Italians were constantly embroiled in scandal, sometimes deserved and sometimes as scapegoats. The new immigrants hoped that they would be welcomed and see for themselves the “streets paved with gold.” Their new lives, however, were difficult. Author and historian Alan Gauthreaux” “documents the experience of those Italians who arrived in Louisiana over one hundred years ago.
Strega Nona
By Tomie dePaola
In his Caldecott Honor book, dePaolo tells the story of Strega Nona, who is the source for potions, cures, magic, and comfort in her Calabrian town. When Strega Nona leaves him alone with her magic pasta pot, Big Anthony is determined to show the townspeople how it works.
The Shoemaker’s Wife
By Adriana Trigiani
Beloved “New York Times “bestselling author Adriana Trigiani returns with the most epic and ambitious novel of her career–a breathtaking multigenerational love story that spans two continents, two World Wars, and the quest of two star-crossed lovers to find each other again.
All the Way to America
By Dan Yaccarino
This is the story of four generations of an Italian American family. It begins with an immigrant who came through Ellis Island with big dreams, a small shovel, and his parents’ good advice: “Work hard, but remember to enjoy life, and never forget your family.”
Big Flavors from Italian America: Family-Style Favorites from Coast to Coast
By Cook’s Country
Travel with Cook’s Country and savor the homey comforts of Little Italy, an array of neighborhoods throughout the nation where Italian immigrants set down roots, and from those roots produced some of the best eating you’ll find anywhere.
