The U.S./Mexico border has millions of crossings each year, this is just one of those stories. This book is a great way to introduce the concept of immigration to children, empowering them to make their own opinion on the topic. It is a story of hope, determination and finding your place in the world. Told through the eyes of a young boy determined to make it to the United States, Luz must navigate through daily obstacles on his journey. He encounters weather, environments, and animals he’s never seen before. At night he misses his family, wonders if he’ll be accepted, and questions if he should turn back.
Why this book?
The goal of this book is to inform the reader about global issues, mainly immigration. To create empathy with words and artwork while teaching Latin culture. When creating this book I wanted to create a sense of hope, no matter what your situation is. And lastly, to inform children that they can make their own decisions on topics like immigration.
What they are saying about the book
Edward James Olmos
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Actor
Selena, Stand and Deliver, American Me, Coco.
"The Boy From Mexico is a wonderful book for
adolescents of all cultures."
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Julissa Natzely Arce Raya
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Author
Someone Like Me.
"The Boy from Mexico is a heartfelt story and
beautifully illustrated. It's a book I would read to
my children to help them feel seen in this world."
Sarahi Espinoza Salamanca
Speaker, Founder & CEO Dreamers Roadmap
Forbes 30 under 30
" The boy from Mexico is a beautiful illustration of why people choose to leave their homeland and how challening that decision is. We leave with a lot of pain but also hope that we can help our families thrive."
Photo: Jesse Urrutia
Ray A. Ybarra Maldonado
Attorney At Law
Ybarra Maldonado Law Group
"As an immigration lawyer who has assisted thousands of families dealing with the hardships that are a part of migrating, it is great to finally see a book where children can begin a discussion about one of the most important issues facing our society. The Boy From Mexico will allow teachers and families to begin to talk about immigration through the experience of a child. Now more than ever it is important that we center the experiences of children when we talk about immigration."
Angeles Maldonado, Ph.D.
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Founder & Executive Director at The Institute for Border Crit Theory: Social Justice Education and Research
CEO Ybarra Maldonado Law Group
This book is truly beautiful, powerful, and needed in these tiring times even more than ever. As America continues to grapple with its identity, creating a contentious political landscape that disregards the lives of migrant children and their families, there is an increasing need to share our stories and reclaim our space in literature and culture. Edward Dennis is a visionary whose incredible work exhibits pride for his heritage and his identity.
Vanessa Delgado, Ph.D.
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Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Sociology
Stony Brook University
“The Boy From Mexico is a book that needed to be written. Edward provides a timely and crucial perspective of youth’s migration to the US. This beautiful story captures the fears, aspirations, and determination of young people who cross borders in search of a better future. This book is ideal for educators and parents who are interested in sparking conversations about immigration with children.”
Carolina M. Veira
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Finance & ESG/DEI ExecutiveDepartment of Sociology
Hispanic Star Miami Hub Leader
The story of Luz is the story of many who leave it all behind to make their dreams for prosperity and opportunities, a reality. We do not talk enough of the inherent challenges that migration bring to those brave humans who risk it all for a chance of happiness and meaning.
Maria Espinola, Psy.D.
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CEO, Institute for Health Equity and Innovation
"As a psychologist who works with Latin American families who have been impacted by trauma before, during and after immigrating to the United States, I'm delighted to see a children's book that brings awareness to their experiences. I highly recommend this book to educators and families who want to start a conversation with children about one of the most important topics of our time."