Dreamers (children's book) facts for kids
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| Author | Yuyi Morales |
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| Illustrator | Yuyi Morales |
| Country | United States |
| Genre | Children's Non-Fiction |
| Published | 2018 |
| Awards | Kirkus Prize for Young Children's Literature, California Reading Association Eureka! Silver Honor Book 2018, Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book Award 2018, Pura Belpre Illustrator Award 2019 |
Dreamers is a special non-fiction book for kids. It was written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales. The book came out on September 4, 2018. It tells the true story of Yuyi Morales' journey. She traveled from Mexico to the United States with her young son, Kelly. The book shows how important reading is. It also highlights how helpful libraries are for everyone.
Contents
What is Dreamers About?
Yuyi Morales shares her personal journey. She describes crossing a bridge. This bridge led her and Kelly to a new country. They became immigrants, starting a new life.
Yuyi faced a difficult time at first. She was surrounded by an unfamiliar language. It was hard to understand things. She felt like she was making "mistakes" often.
Then, she and Kelly found a local library. This place changed everything for them. They began to learn the new language there. Books became a huge part of their lives.
Who are the Main Characters?
Yuyi Morales is the narrator of the book. She tells her story from her own point of view. She talks about her experiences.
Her young son, Kelly, is also a main character. He is shown in both the words and pictures. The book focuses on their shared journey.
Why is the Book Called Dreamers?
The Meaning of the Title
The title "Dreamers" has a special meaning. It connects to a term used for young immigrants. However, Yuyi Morales explains it differently. She says it describes her and Kelly.
She believes all immigrants are "Dreamers." They come to a new country with hopes. They bring their unique talents. They want to build a better future.
Yuyi's editor, Neal Porter, suggested the title. Yuyi was a bit unsure at first. She wanted to make sure it honored the "Dreamers' movement." This movement supports young immigrants.
She also wanted the title to show something else. Leaving your home country is a big risk. It means facing many changes. This journey happens because people dream of a better future. They hope to improve their lives. They also hope to improve life for their children.
The Story Behind the Book
Dreamers was written during a time of much discussion. There was a lot of talk about immigration in the United States. Yuyi Morales felt it was important to share her story.
She wondered how children could understand her adult experiences. Her agent, Charlotte, told her it was the right time. She said immigrants should tell their stories now.
A new leader had been elected. He had spoken about immigrants in ways that were not kind. Neal, her editor, also urged her to write the book. He said, "We need your story now, Yuyi."
Yuyi was unsure if she could find the right words. She wanted to write a story for children. She hoped it could help fight against unfairness. She wanted to counter prejudice and hate.
Details from the End Pages
After the main story, Yuyi Morales shares more. She adds personal details about her journey. She explains that the bridge they crossed connected two cities. These were Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas.
Kelly was only two months old when they crossed. Yuyi explains why she moved. She wanted to marry Kelly's father. She also wanted her son to meet her sick grandfather.
Her mother-in-law introduced Yuyi and Kelly to the library. Yuyi used the pictures in books to understand them. She and Kelly visited many libraries. These libraries helped them learn and grow.
