Starred review from November 25, 2024
Incorporating facets of Mesoamerican mythology, Mansour (El Enmascarado De Lata/The Man With the Tin Mask) and Valtierra, making a picture book debut, chronicle the Vargas Ramírez family’s arduous journey from a place north of Tenochtitlán—“Iztapalapa, Land of Clay upon Water”—to the U.S. Digitized illustrations that draw on the Boturini Codex and Mixtec Codices mix present-day images (streetlights, a taxi) with bright-hued iconography and reiterative motifs. The small group of friends and family “walked and took bus after bus after bus,” and travel by van, working to avoid gunmen, coyotes, snakes, and more. An unnamed boy narrates in extensive prose, chronicling the brutal trip, the struggles of fellow travelers, the group’s reliance on each other and their faith, and his own questions about their destination (“What do burgers taste like over there? Does every house have a pool?”). Together, word and image work richly together to describe a suspenseful journey of “many things, terrible and magnificent,” that ends with “eyes thirst for tomorrows.” Publishes simultaneously in Spanish. An author’s note and glossary conclude. Ages 3–8.
Starred review from December 15, 2024
The Vargas Ram�rez family braves the journey north to the other side in this tale translated from Spanish. Told from the perspective of an unnamed child, the voyage commences with a bird's song--"Tihui, tihui, tihui: let's go, let's go, let's go." Departing from Iztapalapa, Mexico, Land of Clay Upon Water, a group of seven family members and friends--soon joined by another pair in Coyoac�n--take "bus after bus after bus." On their path to the land where a feathered man is said to fly over metallic trees, the Migrant Warriors evade the Tiras--slang for law enforcement--and squeeze into a van that moves like "an enraged jaguar." They eventually end up wading through darkness "as dense as an obsidian forest." Others, including a stray dog, join them on their seemingly never-ending march, led by a sly coyote. The Migrant Warriors cross the R�o Bravo; then it's time to walk once more, thirsty, exhausted, and indebted to the Virgen de Guadalupe's protection. Mansour's vivid portrait of a migrant family's travails blends motifs and imagery from Mesoamerican mythology, with dazzling, affecting results. Influenced by the Boturini and Mixtec Codices, Valtierra's artwork boasts bold lines, strong color use, and salient iconography, beautifully complementing the text's mythical tone. Grounded in compassion, this is a richly layered tale that will linger with readers. A gripping, thought-provoking migration saga. (author's note, glossary)(Picture book. 4-8)
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Starred review from January 1, 2025
Grades 1-4 *Starred Review* This is a story about a family leaving Mexico to come to the U.S., told like never before. The ""pilgrims"" here are travelers, people looking for a sacred place to call home. A codex is an ancient type of book, and Valtierra's illustrations specifically reference fifteenth- and sixteenth-century codices that detail Aztec history and a 1530-1541 migration of Aztec people. As an unnamed boy describes his family's journey, his authentic voice comes through. He knows there is danger, but he still gets thirsty and tired like any kid. His dad gets mad at him, then helps him, presenting a realistic portrayal of a loving father under pressure. The boy talks about the things that matter to him and hints at things that scare him, like animals howling in the dark forest or armed men chasing them. The text is not graphic, but the threat of violence is implied. Older readers may be more patient with the illustrations, which include story details about characters and events in a creatively conceived visual style. Influenced by the old codices, Valtierra uses a flat layout and traditional color palette to evoke both ancient and modern sensibilities. The translated text includes phrases and references that may be unfamiliar to readers, but a descriptive glossary provides context. Unique in its cadence, representation, and execution, this book deserves careful attention and contemplation.
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