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sunflowerjess's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I'm so glad this book exists and would love to see more books like it.
jabulani's review
5.0
A gem of a book. Extra special if you also speak/read Spanish, and a learning opportunity if you don’t.
My volunteer background is in refugee resettlement and more recently advocating for and aiding migrants with donations as they wait in long lines with little to no shelter. This book brings those images to life in a real but child-level understanding, with an even, factual tone. To an outsider like me (A Spanish-ish speaking Vietnamese-American), the book seemed muy auténtico, with terms of endearment, and shop names that bring life to the town illustrated on the page. Mostly it highlighted the love the people have for their own.
The journey through the story is adventurous and exciting from the child’s view, even before the reader understands the full meaning of their trip. The story goes through each process of crossing boarders, increasing understanding for young readers of the challenges without creating fear, and showing support and aid to those who need it without creating pity. It sang, this book. Right into my soft spot. That made this book magical for me. I hope it does for others too and encourages others to join in volunteerism and advocacy as well. Highly recommend.
My volunteer background is in refugee resettlement and more recently advocating for and aiding migrants with donations as they wait in long lines with little to no shelter. This book brings those images to life in a real but child-level understanding, with an even, factual tone. To an outsider like me (A Spanish-ish speaking Vietnamese-American), the book seemed muy auténtico, with terms of endearment, and shop names that bring life to the town illustrated on the page. Mostly it highlighted the love the people have for their own.
The journey through the story is adventurous and exciting from the child’s view, even before the reader understands the full meaning of their trip. The story goes through each process of crossing boarders, increasing understanding for young readers of the challenges without creating fear, and showing support and aid to those who need it without creating pity. It sang, this book. Right into my soft spot. That made this book magical for me. I hope it does for others too and encourages others to join in volunteerism and advocacy as well. Highly recommend.
skellybones's review
5.0
The amount of love and care put into this picture book is palpable. I absolutely loved it.
kirstens987's review
4.0
The illustrations are soooo pretty!! I love it so much. I would struggle with the spanish but I am sure if I worked on it before story time it should be fine. I am debating on this one.
bookbatz's review
I loved the visual details in this, including the fact one of the comics the kids are reading together is a Miles Morales Spider-man!
mlhahn's review
4.0
Pairs well with VAMOS! LET'S CROSS THE BRIDGE and BRIGHT STAR for compare/contrast. This one has social action and empathy mixed in.
meaghunt's review
4.0
A really important picture book giving representation to children who live along the US/Mexico border. Also an age-appropriate and gentle opportunity to discuss the immigration crisis there.
jcbowr's review
4.0
My review may seem harsh, and maybe my lack of time with elementary aged youth leaves me no room to talk, but this seems to be a bit lacking. Details didn’t unwind until nearly then end, and when they do I felt like there were holes. Details still missing.
laurakath's review
4.0
A boy who goes with his father on their bi-weekly visit to the town across the border. Here they meet family and also provide support to those waiting in limbo between USA and Mexico. An interesting perspective from the author, who in essence, gave illustrations to his memories of doing the same thing with his father.
It made me think about the rituals our parents adopt as we grow which later, become tradition for us as we grow older. In this case I loved that the tradition is not only connecting with the other side, but using your privilege to create community and support those who have been denied of the freedom to live a life with dignity and are now at the mercy of heartless governments.
The illustrations are beautiful, definitely take the time to explore them. You'll find a mix between pencil, color pencil and watercolor (not sure if interlay digital or not). Throughout the story you see this mix of media support the emotions and narrative of what the other side looks like. You will also find Mexican pop culture references, a nice touch.
It made me think about the rituals our parents adopt as we grow which later, become tradition for us as we grow older. In this case I loved that the tradition is not only connecting with the other side, but using your privilege to create community and support those who have been denied of the freedom to live a life with dignity and are now at the mercy of heartless governments.
The illustrations are beautiful, definitely take the time to explore them. You'll find a mix between pencil, color pencil and watercolor (not sure if interlay digital or not). Throughout the story you see this mix of media support the emotions and narrative of what the other side looks like. You will also find Mexican pop culture references, a nice touch.
charlotteccassidy's review
5.0
A book about a boy who crosses the us-mexico border with his father to visit family and buy supplies. The book shows the refugees waiting at the border to be let in, and shares the boys hope for them to be able to cross like he can