
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing social divisions or asks why some people are treated differently because of where they come from. It is a vital tool for fostering deep empathy and civic courage in children who are beginning to navigate the complexities of community and social justice. Through the eyes of Prietita, a young girl living on the Texas-Mexico border, the story follows her budding friendship with Joaquin, a boy who has just arrived from the other side. As Prietita protects Joaquin from neighborhood bullies and the looming threat of the border patrol, she models what it means to be a true ally. This bilingual narrative handles the heavy reality of immigration with a gentle, realistic touch, focusing on the human connection that transcends legal borders. It is a beautiful choice for parents wanting to raise socially conscious, compassionate children who understand that kindness is often an act of bravery.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewNeighborhood children use slurs and exclude Joaquin for being an immigrant.
Themes of poverty and the precarious nature of living without documentation.
The book deals directly with illegal immigration and the fear of deportation. The approach is realistic and secular, grounded in the lived experience of border communities. While the threat of the border patrol is tense, the resolution is hopeful and focuses on community solidarity rather than policy.
An 8-year-old who has seen news stories about borders or refugees and is feeling anxious or confused about why people are being 'sent away.' It is also perfect for a child who is naturally protective of others and needs to see that impulse validated.
Parents should be prepared to explain what the border patrol is. The term 'mojado' is used by bullies in the book; it is important to provide context that this is a slur and explain why the characters are using it to be hurtful. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child repeat a stereotype about immigrants, or if their child mentions a classmate who suddenly moved away or is 'hiding.'
Younger children (6-7) will focus on the friendship and the 'hide and seek' tension of the climax. Older children (9-10) will grasp the systemic injustice and the socio-economic differences between Prietita and Joaquin.
Unlike many immigration stories that focus on the journey, this one focuses on the immediate aftermath and the role of the 'settled' community in providing sanctuary. Gloria Anzaldua’s use of Chicano Spanish and the inclusion of a herbology/curandera element adds a unique cultural depth.
Prietita is a young Mexican-American girl living in a border town. She meets Joaquin, a boy who has recently crossed into the U.S. with his mother. While other children in the neighborhood tease Joaquin for being an outsider, Prietita defends him. When the border patrol (la migra) arrives, she uses her local knowledge and the help of a community healer, Tía Monica, to hide Joaquin and his mother, ensuring their safety.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.