Choices, Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC)
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, National Council for the Social Studies/ Children’s Book Council

A sympathetic tale of a mother-daughter bond and overcoming adversity, brought to life by the vivid illustrations of Felipe Davalos.

Ana Patino is adjusting well to her new life in the United States, but her mother is having a difficult time because she doesn’t speak English. When Ana’s baby brother falls ill, Mama tries to get help, but no one can understand her. Now convinced of the need to learn the native language, Mama agrees to take English lessons. As her knowledge of the English language grows, so does her sense of confidence and belonging.

Susan Middleton Elya’s sympathetic tale of a mother-daughter bond and overcoming adversity is brought to life by the vivid illustrations of Felipe Davalos.