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A review by mnboyer
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles
4.0
The young narrator in this book talks about what he and his father do on the weekends. The adventure begins on one side of the US/Mexico border – there is food, friendly banter, the father always purchases a newspaper, etc. Every weekend, the father tells the story of the Coahuiltecans–the original inhabitants of all of this land. However, the duo then crosses (and pays to cross) the border to enter the US side. In this small Texas town, Spanish is still spoken and it looks very similar to Mexico. The young boy also sees lots of refugees who are stuck between countries.
How to Use This Book: I would use this book as an example of social justice issues, pointing specifically to issues surrounding immigration policies that keep families separated. However, this book can also show how people/communities/towns are eerily similar and how that is not something to be scared about. In many ways this book suggests that the border separates people, but the people have no real reason to be separated–we’re all very similar. We all have families. We all love the same.
Personal Response: I enjoyed that while this book has undertones of political injustices, it still is very appealing to a younger audience that can enjoy the story whether or not they fully comprehend that immigration policies being discussed. The story is a travel narrative, and one that highlights the role of families when they are divided, and focuses on Hispanic/Latinx communities. Great illustrations and vivid colors make the book appealing as well.
How to Use This Book: I would use this book as an example of social justice issues, pointing specifically to issues surrounding immigration policies that keep families separated. However, this book can also show how people/communities/towns are eerily similar and how that is not something to be scared about. In many ways this book suggests that the border separates people, but the people have no real reason to be separated–we’re all very similar. We all have families. We all love the same.
Personal Response: I enjoyed that while this book has undertones of political injustices, it still is very appealing to a younger audience that can enjoy the story whether or not they fully comprehend that immigration policies being discussed. The story is a travel narrative, and one that highlights the role of families when they are divided, and focuses on Hispanic/Latinx communities. Great illustrations and vivid colors make the book appealing as well.