Join a young boy and his father on a daring journey from Mexico to Texas to find a new life.
La Frontera
immigration and emigration
The Sky At Our Feet
Jason has just learned that his Afghan mother has been living illegally in the United States since his father was killed in Afghanistan. Although Jason was born in the US, it’s hard to feel American now when he’s terrified that his mother will be discovered — and that they will be separated. When he sees his mother being escorted from her workplace by two officers, Jason feels completely alone. He boards a train with the hope of finding his aunt in New York City, but as soon as he arrives in Penn Station, the bustling city makes him wonder if he’s overestimated what he can do. After an accident lands him in the hospital, Jason finds an unlikely ally in a fellow patient. Max, a whip-smart girl who wants nothing more than to explore the world on her own terms, joins Jason in planning a daring escape out of the hospital and into the skyscraper jungle — even though they both know that no matter how big New York City is, they won’t be able to run forever.
A Land Of Permanent Goodbyes
After their home in Syria is bombed, Tareq, his father, and his younger sister seek refuge, first with extended family in Raqqa, a stronghold for the militant group, Daesh, and then abroad.
Featured in WOW Review Volume X, Issue 4.
Stella Diaz Has Something To Say
Stella Díaz Has Something to Say introduces an infectiously charming new character with relatable writing and adorable black-and-white art throughout. Simple Spanish vocabulary is also integrated within the text, providing a bilingual element.
Greetings, Leroy
The first day at a new school is nerve-wracking enough, never mind when it’s in a new country! In this picturebook from award-winning storyteller Itah Sadu, Roy realizes he may come to love his new home as much as he loves his old home.
Somos Como las Nubes We are like the Clouds
A refugee from El Salvador’s war in the eighties, Argueta was born to explain the tragic choice confronting young Central Americans today who are saying goodbye to everything they know because they fear for their lives.
Featured in WOW Review Volume IX, Issue 4.
The Only Road
Twelve-year-old Jaime makes the treacherous and life-changing journey from his home in Guatemala to live with his older brother in the United States.
This book was reviewed in Volume XI, Issue 1 of WOW Review: Reading Across Cultures.
A Charmed Life
While her mother cleans a grand house a young girl meets the homeowner who, recalling her own family’s immigration, gives her a charm bracelet and promises that she, too, can have a charmed life.
Until I Find Julian
Mateo’s big brother Julian works in the United States. When the family doesn’t hear from Julian for a few weeks, Mateo sneaks out and journeys north to find him, crossing the border with the help of a new friend, Angel. With only his old notebook and a backpack, Mateo heads for the border, where dangers await: robbers, and the border police, who will send him back home or perhaps even put him in prison. On his journey, Mateo meets Angel, a smart, mysterious girl who can guide his crossing. Angel is tough; so is Mateo, and his memories of his loving family sustain him.
Two White Rabbits
They travel mostly on the roof of a train known as The Beast, but the little girl doesn’t know where they are going. She counts the animals by the road, the clouds in the sky, the stars. Sometimes she sees soldiers. She sleeps, dreaming that she is always on the move, although sometimes they are forced to stop and her father has to earn more money before they can continue their journey.
See the review at WOW Review, Volume 8, Issue 3