Areli Is a Dreamer

Reach for this book when your child is processing a major transition, feeling like an outsider at school, or asking questions about what it means to be an immigrant. Areli Is a Dreamer is a poignant, true story that follows a young girl's journey from her beloved grandmother's house in Mexico to a new life with her parents and brother in New York City. It captures the complex blend of excitement and longing that comes with finding a new home while missing an old one. While the book touches on the uncertainty of DACA status and the fear of being undocumented, it remains deeply accessible for children ages 4 to 8. It uses Areli's personal experience to normalize the feelings of being 'different' and provides a beautiful bridge for families to discuss bravery, heritage, and the many definitions of belonging. Parents will appreciate how it honors a child's roots while celebrating their potential for a bright future.