While walking through my local library the other day with my kids, I came across a list of books about immigration. Vermont is a liberal state that welcomes immigrants with great grace and a good dose of affection, and this list includes books that have received honorary awards or the Pura Belpré Medal. The idea behind making a list of children’s books about immigration available is to provide insight into the real struggles and choices that immigrant families face every day. The list is also presented in solidarity with the “Dreamers” (children who were brought to the United States illegally by their parents and who consider themselves American – after all, they grew up here! – but who have no documentation), immigrants, and people without legal immigration documents.
– Agosín, Marjorie, illustrated by Lee White. “I Live on Butterfly Hill” (Atheneum/Simon & Schuster)
2015 Medal Winner for narrative
– Bernier-Grand, Carmen T., illustrated by David Diaz. “César: Si, se Puede! Yes, We Can!” (Marshall Cavendish)
2006 Honor Book for illustration
– Diaz, Alexandra. “The Only Road” (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman)
2017 Honor Book for narrative
– Flores-Galbis, Enrique. “90 Miles to Havana” (Roaring Brook)
2011 Honor Book for narrative
– Tonatiuh, Duncan. “Dear Primo: A Letter to my Cousin” (Abrams)
2011 Honor Book for illustration
– Tonatiuh, Duncan. “Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation” (Abrams)
2015 Honor Book for illustration
– Jimenez, Francisco. “Reaching Out” (Houghton Mifflin Company)
2009 Honor Book for narrative
– Krull, Kathleen, illustrated by Yuyi Morales. “Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez” (Harcourt, Inc.)
2004 Honor Book for illustration
– Pérez, Amada Irma. “My Diary from Here to There/Mi Diario de Aquí Hasta Allá” (Children’s Book Press)
2004 Honor Book for narrative
– Pérez, L. King, illustrated by Robert Casilla. “First Day in Grapes” (Lee & Low Books, Inc.)
2004 Honor Book for illustration
– Ryan, Pam Muñoz. “Esperanza Rising” (Scholastic Press)
2002 Medal Winner for narrative