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A Journey Toward Hope

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Written by Victor Hinojosa and Coert Voorhees, 
Illustrated by Susan Guevara
Houston : Six Foot Press, 2020. Informational.

10-year old Alessandra is on her way to the United States from Guatemala in hopes of finding her mother, who migrated 4 years earlier. Laura, 13, and her little brother Nando, 7, are being sent from El Salvador to live with their aunt and uncle in the United States. Fleeing gang life, 14-year old Rodrigo leaves behind his little sister as he heads to the United States to join his parents in Nebraska. The four young kids find each other along the way and face terrifying obstacles and impossible trials as they become a unique family of sorts searching for hope in America.

Although it provides a limited glimpse into the lives, dreams, and hopes of thousands of refugees that come to the Mexico-US border, it is a great entry point for real discussion. Back matter illuminates the ongoing efforts of Baylor University to help with the crisis that many like the children in the book are facing. There are also suggestions on what we can all do to help these brave children. I feel this is a must read for every family!

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