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“Writer Gloria Anzaldúa is a major Mexican American literary voice. Illustrator Consuelo Méndez is a noted Latin American artist. Both grew up in South Texas. In this, their first collaboration, they have captured not only the hardship of daily life on the border, but also the beauty of the landscape and the dignity and generosity of spirit that the Mexican Americans and the Mexican immigrants share.”

—Publisher

Friends from the Other Side / Amigos del Otro Lado

Written by Gloria Anzaldúa
Illustrated by Consuelo Mendez
Published by Children's Book Press

“Did you come from the other side? You know, from Mexico?” So begins the friendship between Prietita and Joaquín, the young boy who, with his mother, has crossed the Rio Grande River to Texas in search of a new life.

Prietita, a brave young Mexican American girl, defends Joaquín from the neighborhood kids who taunt him with shouts of “mojado” or “wetback.” But what can she do to protect Joaquín and his mother from the Border Patrol as the van cruises slowly up the street toward their hiding place?

Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: June 1997
Available As: Paperback
Picture Book, Age 05 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Texas)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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