About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels like a 'perpetual newcomer' or struggles to find their footing in a new environment. This verse novel captures the bittersweet reality of a young boy named Juanito moving across 1950s California with his migrant farmworker parents. It is a poignant exploration of what 'home' truly means when your surroundings are constantly changing. Through sparse but powerful poetry, Herrera highlights themes of family loyalty, cultural identity, and the resilience required to face financial hardship. The book is developmentally perfect for 8 to 12 year olds, offering a mirror for children in transition and a window into the Mexican American experience for others. It validates the anxiety of being the 'new kid' while celebrating the enduring strength of the family unit.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with poverty, housing instability, and the challenges of the migrant experience. The approach is secular and highly realistic. While there is no 'happily ever after' in terms of permanent housing, the resolution is hopeful because it emphasizes the emotional security found in family bonds.
