Elem./MG – The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness from the Border

Briseñ, Stephen. The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness from the Border. Illustrated by Magdalena Mora. Random House Studio, 2022. 978-0-593-30705-2. $17.99. 41 p. Grades 2-8.

One morning Mamá tells Noemí they are going on a long walk. Their home in Mexico is no longer safe. Noemí may only bring the things she can carry. When the two arrive at the border, they are told they must find the notebook keeper and get their names into the book before they can be selected to petition for asylum in the United States. Belinda, the notebook keeper, is a volunteer. She too is an asylum seeker. Belinda assures Noemí that everything will be alright, and gives Noemí and her mother the number 653. Noemí and her mother try to wait patiently as days turn into weeks, and their number is not called. Noemí notices that Belinda is always positive and kind to the many people she encounters waiting to cross the border. Belinda tells Noemí that when her own number is called she will pick a new notebook keeper who is kind and generous. Noemí makes a decision to try to be like Belinda, performing small acts of kindness for others waiting to cross at the San Ysidro Border Checkpoint in Tijuana. When Belinda’s number is called she passes the position of notebook keeper on to Noemí and Mamá who promise to encourage and care for all of the asylum seekers on the list. The author’s note explains that this book is based on true events that occurred at the San Ysidro Border Checkpoint for many years. The notebook keeper system ended when the border was closed in 2020 at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

THOUGHTS: Illustrated by Magdalena Mora, this is a well-written book depicting some of the challenges faced by young asylum seekers. Waiting is hard for small children and adults alike. It can be difficult to remain hopeful, kind, and generous in the face of fear and anger, but there are always good people who are willing to help others. A gentle introduction to the issues faced by asylum seekers at the southern US border. 

Picture Book          Anne McKernan, Council Rock SD

Elem. – My Two Border Towns

Bowles, David and Erik Meza. My Two Border Towns. Illustrated by Erika Meza. Kokila, 2021. 978-0-593-11104-8. Unpaged. $17.99. Grades K-2.

Life along the U.S. – Mexico border can be more similar than different, especially for a small Hispanic boy who makes weekend trips back and forth with his father. “Vamos a la otra lado.” (Let’s go to the other side.) Once they pass through customs into the Mexican town, they run chores, visit family, and eat at their favorite places. The boy is proud of the gifts and supplies that they are collecting along the way. Erik Maza illustrates the town with friendly people, peaceful streets, and colorful tones. David Bowles brings in Spanish terms and phrases with mostly English narrative to tell their routine journey. The trip ends with an important and realistic stop near the border bridge, where a large group of refugees are camped out and waiting. “The US says there’s no room, and Mexico says it can barely look after it’s own gente.” The boy seeks out his friend who is waiting, and hands over the collected toys, comics, medicine and supplies to the grateful family. The dilemma of crossing the border freely as citizens leaves the boy, and perhaps the readers, wishing for a future of compassion and friendship.

THOUGHTS: Making a complex and never ending issue such as immigration and border control work through the eyes of a child is always a lesson in empathy. In this case, the author chooses to show the connections rather than the divisions between the two countries with a stunning effect. Discussions comparing similarities and differences between students’ towns and the story may continue the conversation. Recommended.

Picture Book          Dustin Brackbill, State College Area SD

Elem./MG – Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna

Dobbs, Alda P. Barefoot Creams of Petra Luna. Sourcebooks Young Readers, 2021. 978-1-728-23465-6. $17.99. 288 p. Grades 4-7.

Set in 1913 during the time of the Mexican Revolution, twelve-year-old Petra’s father is captured by soldiers. She promises him that she will help take care of her grandmother and two younger siblings. When it is no longer safe for them to stay in their village, they decide to flee north through the Mexican desert to safety, and America. Petra’s dreams of finding a safe haven for her family and learning to read burn within her. Her dreams persist through her abuelita’s negative talk of Petra’s “barefoot dreams” of freedom and education. Petra’s persistence keeps her family going and leads them to safety and realized dreams in America. This is based on a true story and includes a timeline of the Mexican Revolution.

THOUGHTS: I read this story after reading the “grown up” book American Dirt. Even though that story is set in present day, Barefoot Dreams would be an excellent companion read for upper elementary students who are looking for a story about immigration and the reasons behind why people leave their war torn countries.  

Historical Fiction          Krista Fitzpatrick, Wissahickon Charter School