Why?

About the Book

One lovely day, a young girl takes a walk in the park with her grandma and hears people speaking in different languages. She wonders why she speaks English, so Nana tells the story of how the Silk Road led their ancestors to America.
The Silk Road was an ancient trade route that linked Europe to Asia. It brought treasures pouring in from far away—things like spices and tea. The British king’s greed, however, eventually forced people to leave their homes and seek a better life across the sea. The hunger for exploration, discovery, and freedom brought many citizens to the United States. We now stand as one, unified and strong.
Why? takes young readers on a journey through history to discover how the Silk Road spurred events that led to the exploration of America. Told in rhyming couplets—with added footnotes to give further historical detail—this story delivers a deeper understanding of not only the race to explore but also the many twists and turns this historical journey took.

About the Author

Dee De Long taught first through seventh grade. While teaching at the Yokohama International School, she saw the powerful impact learning about the Silk Road had on equipping students with a global perspective. She has always been passionate about teaching history and its relevance to children, who are citizens of not just a country but of the world.