The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness from the Border
Written by Stephen Briseño
Illustrated by Magdalena Mora
Published by Random House Children's Books
Based on true events, this inspiring story follows a mama and her daughter who are denied entry at the U.S. border, and must find the refugee in charge of “the notebook,” an unofficial ledger of those waiting to cross into the U.S.
Before, the sun drenched the yard. Our neighbor’s laughter danced in the streets. Now, the streets are quiet. Papa is gone, and we are no longer safe here. We are leaving, too.
In this moving and stunningly-illustrated picture book, Noemi and Mama flee their home in Mexico, and head for the US border. There, they look for “The Notebook Keeper”— the person in charge of a ledger for those waiting to cross, and they add their names to the book. As the days turn into weeks, and hope dwindles, the little girl looks for kindness around her— and inside herself. One day, when the Notebook Keeper’s own name is called to cross, Noemi and her Mama are chosen—for the generosity in their hearts— to take her place.
Look for the Spanish version, La Guardiana de la Libreta: Una Historia de Bondad Desde la Frontera.
Primary ISBN: 9780593307052
Publication Date: June 2022
Available As: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Picture Book, Age 06 or older
Community Represented: Mexican/Mexican American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Accolades & Awards: Youth Media Awards, Discrimination: Immigration Status, Family Separation: Different Immigration Status, Immigrant: Reunion of Family, Loss of Childhood, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Setting: US/Mexican Border Crossing, Welcoming by Individual
Setting: US/Mexican Border
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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