rock in the water at sunset Some people describe the United States as a melting pot, in which people from all cultures blend to become American. Others prefer the image of the United States as a mosaic, in which people retain their original cultural heritage and pride while sharing the values and beliefs that unite all Americans. The selections in this unit explore what it means to live in this vast and diverse nation.

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Table of Contents
Carl Sandburg from The People, Yes Poem 342

John Steinbeck from Travels with Charley Autobio-graphy 350

Comparing Literary Works
Alice Walker Choice: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay 364
Joseph Bruchac Ellis Island Poem 368
Mario Cuomo Achieving the American Dream Essay 370
Emma Lazarus The New Colossus Poem 372

Comparing Literary Works
Jesse Stuart A Ribbon for Baldy Short Story 380
Gish Jen The White Umbrella Short Story 384

Comparing Literary Works
Evelyn Tooley Hunt Taught Me Purple Poem 398
Richard García The City Is So Big Poem 399
Robert Hayden Those Winter Sundays Poem 400