My Two Border Towns
Written by David Bowles
Illustrated by Erika Meza
Published by Penguin Young Readers Group
Early one Saturday morning, a boy prepares for a trip to The Other Side/El Otro Lado. It’s close—just down the street from his school—and it’s a twin of where he lives. To get there, his father drives their truck along the Rio Grande and over a bridge, where they’re greeted by a giant statue of an eagle. Their outings always include a meal at their favorite restaurant, a visit with Tío Mateo at his jewelry store, a cold treat from the paletero, and a pharmacy pickup. On their final and most important stop, they check in with friends seeking asylum and drop off much-needed supplies.
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles, with illustrations by Erika Meza, is the loving story of a father and son’s weekend ritual, a demonstration of community care, and a tribute to the fluidity, complexity, and vibrancy of life on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Available in English and Spanish.
Primary ISBN: 9780593111048
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Mexican/Mexican American
Themes: Celebrations, Citizenship, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Refugee: Asylee, US/Mexican Border Crossing
Setting: Mexico, United States
Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: Unknown Arrival
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
Click here for details about how we define our titles.
Engagement Projects & Resources:
Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.