The Perfect Place
Written by Matt de la Peña
Illustrated by Paola Escobar
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Lucas goes to the perfect school in the perfect neighborhood. And when he gets perfect grades, he feels like he fits right in.
But life at home is not so perfect. His dad’s old work truck keeps breaking down. His mom works long hours at her job at the diner. And Lucas has to share his small room with his baby sister.
One night, Lucas is awakened by a strange light, which he follows all the way to the place where the perfect people live. Everything there is more beautiful than he could have imagined. But the longer Lucas stays, the more he wonders what it really means to be perfect. Does it mean never making mistakes? Does it mean rejecting his bustling neighborhood and his loving family? And what’s so great about being perfect, anyway?
From award-winning talents Matt de la Peña and Paola Escobar comes this heartwarming, uplifting picture book about a boy, at home in two worlds, discovering what it means to be at home with himself.
Look for the Spanish version, El Lugar Perfecto.
Primary ISBN: 9780593325636
Publication Date: May 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Unspecified (Hispanic/Latinx/Latine)
Themes: Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Family Relationship: Parents, Format: Audiobook, Immigrant: Economic, Own Voices/Lived Experience
Setting: Unspecified
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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