From North to South / Del Norte al Sur

By René Colato Laínez, Joe Cepeda
Paperback: $11.95

Bilingual English/Spanish. This nuanced picture book tackles the difficult and timely subject of family separation and deportation.

Description

Near the border, the cars began to move very slowly. “Papá, go fast. I want to see Mamá,” I said.

José loves helping Mamá in the garden outside their home in California. But when Mamá is sent back to Mexico for not having proper papers, José and his Papá face an uncertain future. What will it be like to visit Mamá in Tijuana? When will Mamá be able to come home?

Award-winning children’s book author René Colato Laínez tackles the difficult and timely subject of family separation with exquisite tenderness. René is donating a portion of his royalties to El Centro Madre Assunta, a refuge for women and children who are waiting to be reunited with their families up north. Joe Cepeda’s bright and engaging illustrations bring this story of hope to vivid life.

About the Creators

René Colato Laínez

René Colato Laínez was born in El Salvador. He is an award-winning author who holds an MFA in Writing for Children from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Críticas has called René's characters "immigrant heroes." He currently lives in Los Angeles, California.

Joe Cepeda

Joe Cepeda received his BFA in Illustration from California State University, Long Beach. A recipient of the Pura Belpré Honor Award, Joe has illustrated many books and book covers, and has also written for children. He lives in Southern California with his wife and son.

Awards

  • Tejas Star Reading List

    Texas Library Association (TLA)

  • Américas Award Commended Title

    Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs

  • International Latino Book Award

    Empowering Latino Futures

Reviews

  • "José lives with his mamá and papá in California, until Mamá is deported to Mexico for not having her citizenship papers. I love that this book takes a closer look at families struggling with legal status and helps children realize how much we have in common. It gives face and heart to people many kids might not know personally but whom they hear about in the media."

    - Parenting Magazine

Paperback

  • ISBN 9780892393046
  • Price $11.95
  • Publication Date May 01, 2014
  • Trim Size 10.5 × 8 × 1 in
  • Weight 0.375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Word Count 951
  • Interests

  • Imprint Children's Book Press
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Social Themes / Emigration & Immigration
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / People & Places / United States / Hispanic & Latino
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Family / Parents
  • Themes Bilingual, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Courage, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Fathers, Fiction, Geography, Home, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Kindness / Caring, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Mothers, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, People In Motion, Persistence / Grit, Realistic Fiction, Respect / Citizenship
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 5 - 8
  • Grade Range Grades K - 3
  • Guided Reading P
  • Spanish Guided Reading O
  • ATOS Book Level 3.3
  • DRA 30
  • Interest Level Grades K - 5
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 640
  • Reading Level Grades 3 - 4
  • SRC 2.7
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

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