Ana and her family moved to the U.S. from Mexico when Ana was eight. Ana was excited, but Mama missed home. While Ana learns English in school, Mama feels more and more isolated and alienated. One day Ana’s baby brother gets very sick and Mama is unable to ask for help. This convinces her to learn English even though she is afraid she can’t do it [oh, yes, I can relate!], and she starts evening school. When Mama is successful in communicating, she finally feels that she is “home.” This is a wonderful book for families who are new in the United States or who have had trouble adjusting. The illustrations, done by Felipe Davalos, are colorful and attractive.
Rating: 4/5
Published by Lee & Low Books, 2006
Product Details
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Paperback: 32 pages
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1584302720
ISBN-13: 978-1584302728
For more multicultural picture books, check out all the resources at The Birthday Party Pledge, a new website dedicated to promoting gifts of multicultural books to the children in our lives.
***
For more reviews of books for children and teens, go to Booking Mama’s feature, Kid Konnection, posted on Saturdays. If you’d like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children’s books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, leave a comment as well as a link on her site.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: | Book Review
From having lived in France, I can totally relate to that scenario! I took French classes but never could speak it well.
I imagine that this would appeal to more than just the kids.
YAY for this book! I love its message.. both for kids and parents!
I love this! I’m going to see if my library has this.
My parents were Italian immigrants and I can recall as a child as they struggled to adapt to life in North America. They did a wonderful job! I can relate to this book and think it a wonderful book to share with kids.
What a great message and not just for kids!