Publishers Weekly
★ 06/26/2023
A Latinx child narrates their family’s lengthy morning commute, across hours and over a border, in Santamaria’s vividly rendered, memorable debut. Awakened at 4 a.m. by Mami’s voice, Yenebi prepares for the day ahead: “I pack my backpack. I pack my sister’s too.” Wrapped in blankets, the two snuggle into the backseat of Mami’s car. “When we get on the road, every morning, I confront my archenemy... La Linea”—cars waiting to cross the border from Mexico to the U.S. As Yenebi and Mami debate how long it will take, vendors walk between the cars selling goods, while roadside carts offer “anything from avena to tacos al vapor.” Digital illustrations mimic the bold texture of gouache, depicting the slow crawl of traffic, while the family’s bilingual conversations render a close-knit family’s everyday trip in this warm slice-of-life tale. A Spanish edition publishes simultaneously. Ages 3–5. (June)
School Library Journal
08/25/2023
K-Gr 2—A girl crosses the Mexico-United States border every day with her mother and sister to attend school in this sweet picture book. Waking up every day at 4 a.m., Yenebi and her younger sister practically sleepwalk through their daily routine. Bleary-eyed, they get dressed, get in the car, eat breakfast, and drive to the border, sometimes taking up to four hours to arrive at school. The family enjoys the commute, listening to banda music and eating yummy treats from the vendors selling their wares. Yenebi's narrative is matter-of-fact, while the cheerful illustrations denote the sense of warmth and connection she feels in her family. While the crossing itself doesn't include much angst, there are guards and dogs, hinting at the not-always-sunny experiences many people have migrating between the two countries. Careful readers might notice how the horizon becomes brighter as it grows later, from dark blues to pinks and turquoises. An author's note illuminates the inspiration behind the debut work, how the daily transit taught Santamaria patience, community, and perseverance. It also delves deeper into why the end papers feature pigeons with backpacks perched on fences—birds that traverse these artificial and unnatural divides with freedom. VERDICT A border story not often depicted in children's books, this is a strong choice for picture book shelves.—Shelley M. Diaz
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2023-04-12
A trip to school takes on new meaning with the addition of a border crossing.
Yenebi’s morning routine is similar to most other students’. Each day the young Latine child wakes up to the sound of Mami’s voice and helps little sister Melanie get ready for the day, packing their backpacks and preparing to head to class. For Yenebi and Melanie, however, their 5 a.m. departure from home marks the beginning of a daily journey that will take several hours and span two countries. Mami drives the kids across la linea, the border, every weekday from their home in Mexico to attend school in the United States. The trip is prolonged by slow-moving traffic through the international checkpoint. Mami’s love is palpable in her words of encouragement and the way she provides for the children along the way. Yenebi’s observations of the wares—tamales, wallets, cellphone charges—that vendors sell along the roadway to the passing cars bring the trip to vivid life. These youthful impressions contrast with Mami’s unspoken desire to provide the children with educational opportunities in the United States and the lengths to which she’ll go to make it happen. Softly rounded illustrations bring the vibrant border towns to life. Spanish phrases and vocabulary are mingled into the English text. Publishes simultaneously in Spanish. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A going-to-school story elevated by a mother’s devotion and a child’s dedication. (Picture book. 5-8)
