Islandborn facts for kids

Islandborn is a wonderful children's book written by Dominican-American author Junot Díaz. He is a very famous writer who has won a special award called the Pulitzer Prize for his adult books. The amazing pictures in Islandborn were drawn by Leo Espinosa, who is from Colombia.

This picture book tells the story of Dominican girls who live in the Bronx, a part of New York City. Junot Díaz was inspired to write this book because he had promised his goddaughters he would write a children's story for them. The main character, Lola, moved from the Dominican Republic when she was only six years old. Because she was so young, she doesn't remember much about her home country. The story follows Lola as she tries to learn about her family's past and fill in her missing memories of the island.

Discovering Islandborn

Islandborn is a special book that helps young readers think about where they come from. It shows how important it is to learn about your family's history and culture, even if you don't remember everything yourself.

A Story of Memories and Identity

Lola's journey in the book is all about finding out what the Dominican Republic is like. Since she can't remember it, she asks her family and friends to describe it. Everyone tells her different stories and memories. These stories help Lola build a picture of her homeland in her mind. This helps her understand who she is and where her family comes from.

The Author and Illustrator

Junot Díaz is known for his powerful stories. With Islandborn, he created a book that speaks to younger readers about identity and belonging. Leo Espinosa's illustrations are bright and full of life. They use many colors and fun details to show Lola's world. The pictures help bring the stories of the Dominican Republic to life for Lola and for the readers.

What Critics Said About the Book

Many people loved Islandborn. For example, a reviewer named Nara Schoenberg from The Chicago Tribune said it was a "pitch-perfect children's book." She liked Junot Díaz's funny writing and how he described things so well. She also mentioned that the book felt real, like a kid was telling the story. The reviewer also praised Leo Espinosa's "enticing mixed-media illustrations." These pictures made Lola's world feel magical and colorful.

Publication Details

Islandborn is a 48-page book. It was published by Dial Books for Young Readers. The book first came out on March 13, 2018.