Families who loved The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness from the Border by Stephen Briseño often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is facing a season of waiting or when you want to nurture their capacity for empathy during difficult transitions. This moving story follows Noemi and her Mama as they wait at the US-Mexico border, seeking their names in the 'Notebook' that tracks their turn to cross. Rather than focusing on politics, the story centers on the emotional landscape of patience and the power of small acts of service. Appropriate for children ages 4 to 8, this book is an excellent choice for parents who want to model resilience and agency. It shows that even when we feel powerless in a large system, we can still choose to lead with kindness. It is a gentle yet honest introduction to the migrant experience, emphasizing the shared humanity and hope that connects families everywhere.
