Hasta que alguien me escuche (Until Someone Listens)

Starred review from July 22, 2022

K-Gr 2-Estela's home is full of joy and love. Estela's mom came to the United States from Mexico when she was 18 years old, but because she entered without proper documentation, she is given a notice that she will have to return to Mexico. No matter what they do, no one is able to help Estela's mom stay in the country, and one terrible day, when Estela is eight years old, her mother is sent back. The girl begins to read books about others who inspire her, and she decides to write herself. Her letters and videos soon gain attention, and Estela vows to keep writing until someone helps her family. When the day comes, and Estela's mom is allowed to return temporarily, the family is overjoyed. Estela promises to continue her fight until she is able to stay permanently. Warm, comforting illustrations welcome readers to Estela's family and give way to dark shades and shadows that express the fear and uncertainty during their separation. Short, concise sentences convey the heartache, fear, love, and hope in Spanish, with even the shortest phrases depicting Estela's strength and action: "Al principio le�. Luego escrib�. Y escrib�." Although the picture book ends in uncertainty, there is still hope, and an author's note provides additional updates. VERDICT Based on true events, this impactful picture book provides an inside look at one young girl's courage to help her mother and inspire other immigrants like her. An excellent addition to Spanish picture book collections for children.-Selenia Paz

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2022
Grades 1-3 Accompanied by vibrant and uplifting illustrations from Martinez, this emotional, autobiographical account follows four-year-old Juarez as her mother is unexpectedly deported and the girl consequently takes action, writing to Congress and to the president, and eventually speaking in public forums to bring attention to the injustice of her family's plight. Throughout the book, Juarez's love and admiration for her mother shines through, as well as her respect for her mother's role as a hard-working immigrant who moved to America in search of hope, success, and family. As the author's note explains, her family's separation threatened to tear them apart, and now that she has been temporarily reunited with her mother, her family and their support system continue to work tirelessly to bring their loved one home for good. The writing here is direct and unafraid to hold back, while still remaining gentle to young readers, and the illustrations capture the roller coaster of overwhelming emotions that affects families in this type of situation.

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