Forced to flee their home due to unrest and devastation, a parent and child venture out into the unknown, beginning their journey by holding hands. Thus begins the story of The Book of Hands. The parent and child set out on a journey into the unknown after their town, the only home they've ever known, becomes embroiled in unrest and ultimately, devastation. They begin their quest for a new life by holding hands and walking away, never looking back. Holding hands keeps the two united in their journey, but other hands they encounter along the way signify different experiences. Author Fatima Fernandez Mendez tells of the hands that shelter the parent and child through inclement weather, the hands that provide food and medicine, and the hands that create their future home. Illustrator Violeta Cano vividly illustrates the struggles and ultimate success the parent and child experience throughout their journey. As the journey comes to an end for the parent and child in their new home, readers are reminded that they are not the only ones that experienced these struggles. The parent and child become the hands that saved them, and they now embrace and guide future refugees to a better life. The Book of Hands is an important picture book for all young readers, as immigration and refugee stories are relevant not only in the United States, but around the world. This story unlocks a multitude of questions for discussion, including: Why do people leave their homes? Many children in the United States and around the world are afforded the opportunity to grow up in stable environments and experience a relatively normal life that doesn't include uncertainty and fear. They oftentimes encounter families that arrive in their communities that have had to flee their homes for several reasons, including war and poverty. This story provides parents and educators with a basis of understanding of what a refugee family experiences and can open discussion as to how their own lives are different from others. What are the different ways to help migrants and refugees? Usually what follows the question of why people leave their homes is the question, "How can I help?" After a read-aloud in class, educators can have an open discussion with students to identify the ways the parent and child in this story were helped and how they, in turn, helped others in this difficult journey. Where do migrants and refugees go? After they have made the journey from their former home, how do migrants and refugees settle in their new home? The story depicts the parent and child building a home and offering other migrants and refugees a place to rest and recuperate after a long journey. The hands that helped along the journey embrace and guide the newcomers and ultimately make them a part of their community. The Book of Hands is the centerpiece of any community event to teach readers young and old the importance of helping others in need and how to be proactive in small and big ways.
