To the Other Side

Author-illustrator Erika Meza delivers a stunning and emotionally rich book from the viewpoint of those most impacted by border walls: young refugee children. This powerfully told tale highlights the spirit and strength of those embarking on a dangerous trek, and what awaits them on the other side. Yoto Carnegie Medal Shortlist * New York Public Library Best Book of the Year * Kirkus Best Book of the Year * School Library Journal Best Book of the Year * My sister tells me the rules of the game are simple. Avoid the monsters. Don’t get caught. And keep moving. If the monsters catch you, you’re out. A young boy and his older sister have left home to play a game. To win, they must travel across endless lands together and make it to the finish line. Each child imagines what might be waiting for them across the border: A spotted dog? Ice cream! Or maybe a new school. But the journey is difficult, and the monsters are realer than they imagined. And when it no longer feels like a game, the two children must still find a way to forge ahead. ★ "The story is ultimately hopeful, gently providing probing insight into the lives of the youngest migrants." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ★ "Beautiful, timely, and poignant. Recommended for all collections." — School Library Journal Online (starred review) ★ "Powerful. It’s a realistic but hopeful look at two children’s emigration."— Publishers Weekly (starred review)