ONE WOMAN'S JOURNEY ...
Political activist, educator, feminist, and trailblazer -- this is the life of an extraordinary woman detailed in "American Immigrant" (published by iUniverse). Porter earned national prominence as an early and forceful promoter of the importance of English language for immigrant children, and as a leading reformer of bilingual education in the face of fierce opposition.
This book is a crossover between personal memoir and an account of professional leadership activities on a national scale, of fighting a politically correct establishment that diminishes children's opportunities, "a battle I continue to wage to this day with passion and conviction," Porter said.
Porter, who arrived in the U.S. at age six, knowing not one word of English, shares deeply personal stories not only of her successes but also her most difficult times.
On the personal side, readers will follow the hilarious assortment of jobs, love stories and travels, leading to a marriage and family life of full vitality today. On her public life, "American Immigrant" chronicles three decades of political advocacy and professional work, in the U.S. and other countries including Turkey, Italy, China, Bulgaria, Japan and Israel.
Porter has testified in U.S. court cases in California, Texas, and Arizona on the needs of non-English speaking children. One of the founders of The READ Institute in Washington, D.C., she edited the scholarly magazine READ Perspectives, reporting on school districts doing the best for immigrant students.
Readers of all ages and backgrounds interested in social issues, women's lives, ethnicity, English language in a multicultural society, "growing up immigrant" and overcoming obstacles will enjoy "American Immigrant."
Paula
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