By Luis Onofre Valencia
Published by Norton Young Readers
Mom's Review
I, Witness: Journey is an eye-opening, compelling nonfiction narrative by Luis Onofre Valencia about his childhood immigration from Mexico to the United States. Readers learn about his social, emotional, and mental health struggles, his relationships, and his successes as a new American. Written candidly for young readers, Journey invites the audience to an intimate look at one child's experience. The aim of the I, Witness series is to introduce diverse perspectives to a young readership, and I think they do one hell of a job. Journey is the book we need right now as so much anti-immigrant sentiment - especially directed at undocumented immigrants - is present in our country. Readers can easily see how Luis's experiences led him to where he is today: a crisis-intervention therapist who works to de-escalate situations with police before they can use excessive force on people in crisis. Back matter offers further insight into Luis's experience and addresses questions children may have, like, "Why would people cross the border illegally?" While Journey is an early chapter book, there is immense value in in for older children too.
Comments
Post a Comment