🟢 Book Review: La Frontera by Deborah Mills, Alfredo Alva, et al.
- Paola Lopez Ortiz
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
RATING: 🟢 Recommended
REVIEWER: Paola Lopez Ortiz
REVIEW METHODOLOGY: Louise Derman-Spark's Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Children's Books from the Social Justice Books Project, Teaching for Change
La Frontera tells the emotional story of Alfredo Alva and his family's journey across the US border anddraws readers into a narrative that feels both universal and personal by capturing the fear, uncertainty, and resilience of the migrant experience. This book is essential reading for anybody trying to understand the human aspect of border crossings because the writers successfully strike a balance between their own experiences and the broader context of migration.
The realities of crossing the desert, such as physical fatigue, dehydration, and a persistent worry of being caught by border police, are described in significant detail in the book. These difficulties are not only barriers; they also represent the more general difficulties that migrants encounter across the globe. The desert represents the uncertainties and dangers that come with the pursuit of a better life, as well as a barrier that is both physical and emotional.
Another major issue the book tackles is the psychological effects of the journey. As Alfredo and his family make their way through an unfamiliar and dangerous environment, they are overcome with immense fear and worry. The uncertainty of their future, not knowing if they will be successful in crossing the border or what lies beyond, complicates this worry even further. The writers effectively capture this emotional cost, allowing the reader to sympathize with the family's situation and fate.
The journey's thorough description in the book serves as an important reminder of the human cost of migration. It highlights the significance of addressing the deeper causes of migration as well as the necessity of having compassion and understanding for individuals who go on these dangerous journeys. La Frontera deepens the discussion about immigration by highlighting the unique difficulties that Alfredo and his family encountered and by showcasing the tenacity of people who are often mistreated and misunderstood.
La Frontera illuminates the migratory experience in a way that is both understandable and profoundly touching. It's a must-read for anyone hoping to learn more about the struggles experienced by those who cross borders in search of a better life because it combines a personal story with more general immigration and resilience themes.
Because La Frontera humanizes the experience of migration and vividly captures the courage and determination needed to go on such a journey, I strongly suggest it. The book's strong points include its imaginative narrative, well-drawn pictures, and capacity to make the universal relatable
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
REVIEWER BIO: Paola Lopez Ortiz was a student at Portland State University and took Zapoura Newton-Calvert's Social Justice in K12 Curriculum course. Their volunteer work was a partnership with Reading Is Resistance and the Social Justice Books Project from Teaching for Change.
Comments