Bound To Stay Bound

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Booklist - 05/15/2016 Do you believe in aliens? What if you found out they were part of your family? Laínez (My Shoes and I, 2010) presents a story about immigration with a new twist. In this bilingual picture book, Sofia accidentally finds her mamá’s resident alien card and is convinced her mother is from outer space. Sofia begins to wonder if this means that she is an alien, too, and sets out on a journey to figure it out. Through Sofia’s innocence, Laínez provides further insight into the very complicated U.S. naturalization process. This heartfelt and humorous story is perfect for primary-school readers, as well as a useful way for parents or educators to introduce the topic of immigration. An author’s note further explains the meaning of resident alien and will help readers understand the humor behind Sofia’s misunderstanding. Acrylic-and-collage illustrations in cheery saturated tones showcase Sofia’s wild imaginings and the story’s joyful conclusion. For a similar tale, consider Amada Irma Pérez’s My Diary from Here to There / Mi diario de aqui hasta allá (2003). - Copyright 2016 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 06/01/2016 K-Gr 3—Young Sofia finds her mother's alien resident card, and her mother confirms the truth: she is an alien. Sofia's imagination runs wild with questions. Does her mother visit her alien friends at night? Does her mother speak three languages—English, Spanish, and Alien? Is Sofia an alien, too? This is a very lighthearted and simple story about residency in the United States, particularly for Hispanics. The plot is playful and typical of a child's interpretation of the situation. What the story lacks is the explanation of why Sofia's mom has to apply for residency and, later, citizenship. Sofia's parents are vague about the card's meaning and give very little explanation to their daughter, who understands without further questions. Hopefully, parents who want to address this topic will have a more detailed discussion with their own children while reading this book. Also, Sofia's suspect "research" about aliens at the library, which results in confirmation that aliens have antennae and four fingers on each hand, might confuse literal-minded young readers. Overall, the pictures are pleasant-looking, the subject is important to address with young children, and the story makes for very easy reading in both languages. VERDICT An additional purchase for libraries looking to expand their bilingual offerings and titles on immigration.—Jessica Espejel, New York Public Library - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

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