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The Long Road.
Luis Garay.
Subject Headings:
Grades 2 - 5 / Ages 7 - 10.
**** /4
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Jose and his mother flee their home in a Latin American village when civil war breaks out. They travel on foot, always at night, seeking shelter "with friends, in a church, even in a shack full of feathery chickens." At last they cross the border to safety.
From there, they take several buses until, finally, they board a plane bound for another country. Their new home is a shelter for refugees; they rely on a food bank for their meals. During the day, Jose's mother learns English, and in the evenings she works as an office cleaner. Ultimately, the family is able to move to an apartment, and Jose starts school. As time goes on, Jose feels more comfortable at school. His English improves, and he makes new friends. The road to freedom and happiness has been a long and difficult one for Jose and his mother, and, at last, they are able to look to the future with hope.
The strength of this very moving story, which tugs at the heartstrings without being maudlin, lies in its realism and simplicity. Based on Garay's personal experiences since leaving Nicaragua, the story is further enhanced by its textured paintings, which, with their rich, yet subdued, colours, seem to glow with a light all their own.
A must-have for every library!
Highly recommended.
Gail Hamilton is a teacher-librarian at Bird's Hill School in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © 1998 the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - JANUARY 2, 1998.
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