About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing headlines about immigration or when they are struggling to reconcile their personal values with the complicated laws of the world. It is an essential choice for middle grade readers who are ready to explore themes of social justice, legal complexity, and the human faces behind political debates. The story follows Tyler, a Vermont farm boy, and Mari, the daughter of undocumented Mexican workers hired to save Tyler's family farm. Through their dual perspectives, the book explores the fear of deportation, the weight of family secrets, and the power of cross-cultural friendship. It is deeply empathetic and realistic, providing a safe space for children ages 9 to 12 to process big questions about what it means to be a good neighbor and a true patriot in a divided world.
