This is a story that explores the harbor of safety family can be, regardless of wealth or documentation. But when this family is suddenly ripped apart, the strength of familial roots translates into maturity as a son assumes the role of sibling caretaker, family comforter, and eventually, determined class leader. A well-written, relevant story that instructs with heart and intelligence.

SEWING! NO ONE could hate it more than Dina Kirk. Endless tiny stitches, button holes, darts. Since she was tiny, she's worked in her family's dressmaking business, where the sewing machine is a cranky member of the family. When 13-year-old Dina leaves her small town in Germany to join her uncle's family in Brooklyn, she turns her back on sewing. Never again! But looking for a job leads her right ...

A migrating swallow and a migrant girl cross paths while looking for a place to call home. A bird so small that it fits in your hand flies halfway around the world looking for a place to nest, while a young girl from northern Africa flees halfway around the world looking for safety. This is the story of Bird. This is the story of Leila. This is the story of a chance encounter and a long journey ho ...

Homeless immigrant Mia goes with her Mom and Dad to run the Calivista, a low-budget motel in southern California. Although they now have a roof over their heads, it takes “all hands on deck” to run the motel, and ten-year-old Mia becomes the front-desk manager. Mr. Yao, the owner, is a cruel skin-flint making the family’s life miserable, and Mia cannot escape him even at school because his s ...

In 1938, Lisa Platt and her family know something dangerous is happening in Germany. Lately, there have been more and more restrictions for Jews: yellow stars they have to wear, schools they cannot attend, things they are forbidden to do. When their neighbors are arrested for petty reasons, the Platts realize they have to escape. Forbidden to bring money or possessions out of the country, Lisa's f ...

The author shares the story of the quilt that her great-great-grandmother and her immigrant neighbors created in long-ago New York, which has been passed down through four generations of the author's family. Full-color illustrations.

In his first year of school, Francisco understands little of what his teacher says. But he is drawn to the silent, slow-moving caterpillar in the jar next to his desk. He knows caterpillars turn into butterflies, but just how do they do it? To find out, he studies the words in a butterfly book so many times that he can close his eyes and see the black letters, but he still can't understand their m ...

From Newbery media winner Karen Hesse comes an unforgettable story of an immigrant family's journey to America. America, the girl repeated. What will you do there?I was silent for a little time.I will do everything there, I answered. Rifka knows nothing about America when she flees from Russia with her family in 1919. But she dreams that in the new country she will at last be safe from the Russia ...

When a language barrier makes their mouths "as empty as our breadbaskets," this determined granddaughter begins bridging the gap just like her teacher showed her in class. Soon, she and her Abuela share words, Spanish and English, back and forth. A beautiful example of how creative problem solving and patience overcomes obstacles.

A beautiful and lushly illustrated story of family, remembrance, and resiliency told entirely in dialogue between a grandfather and he is granddaughter. Unforgettable!

Who is a pilgrim? The question at the center of this story culminates in a breakthrough for Molly as she seeks to fit into her new country and new school, and a deeper appreciation of Thanksgiving for her classmates and new friends. A beautiful and memorable story!

How can you make friends when your name is unpronounceable? Maybe choosing an easier name will help, at least that's what Unhei thinks. Suggestions from classmates pour in until a chance encounter outside of school upends the entire plan. A gentle and beautiful story of self-discovery and friendship.

A tender rendering of how a grandchild learns to value the life and experiences her grandmothers share with her, though they differ widely. Cross-cultural expectations may vary in practice, but so many aspects of life they share in common and young Nina adapts quickly. A strong comparison book with a similarly strong theme of love woven throughout.

Poignant account of the moment in history when in 1947 India and Pakistan divide not only their land but also their Muslim and Hindi citizens. Nisha, the daughter of a Muslim mother and a Hindu father, must now leave the land of her birth forever as she crosses the new nation of Pakistan to reach a new home in India. She describes this move in an honest, emotional journal addressed to her deceased ...

Bell Kirby is an expert at systems, whether he’s designing the world’s most elaborate habitat for his pet chinchilla, re-creating Leonardo da Vinci’s greatest inventions in his garage, or avoiding Parker Hellickson, the most diabolical bully Village Green Elementary has ever seen. Since third grade, Parker has tormented Bell, who’s spent two long years devising a finely tuned system that k ...

True events at the US border become the basis for this thoughtfully told narrative. Readers grow in understand with the young protagonist who doesn't fully comprehend the situation, yet the kindness of a stranger speaks clearer than all else. So much so that young Naomi learns the beauty of kindness and wears it herself. A poignant telling of a border crossing that is no longer open.

One day, on a class trip to Ellis Island, Dominic Cantori faces his worst fantsty--a tour guide asks the children about their families. Filled with shame, Dominic flees from his class and hides until the museum is dark and deserted. Now, his only solace is the recorded voices on the display telephones of the immigrants who came to Ellis Island so long ago. But to Dominic's surprise, the voice of t ...

What does it take to think a little more broadly, a little different from an ordinary pattern of thinking? Especially when it comes to community? Gentle, cute characters deliver a powerful message when perspectives are challenged and changing beliefs embolden meaningful action.

Kanella, a scrawny, fearful mongrel does not fare well among her fellow canine and feline city dwellers. So, when boatloads of strangers begin filling the streets, she follows them to a makeshift camp where she experiences kindness, a full belly, and purpose. Told from Kanella's perspective, her story parallels the painful existence and longing over a million migrants and refugees experienced whil ...

IT'S NOT EASY MOVING TIME AND AGAIN, but Tomas and his family are migrant workers who travel from state to state, helping farmers harvest their crops. When they arrive in Iowa for the summer, Tomas finds an escape from the scorching heat at the town library. And once inside, he also discovers a surprising world filled with dinosaurs, tigers, and a great new friend.