CARAVAN TO THE NORTH

A beautiful, poetic narrative that counters the lies being told about the desperate Central American asylum seekers who have no other choice than to leave their beloved homelands.

Throughout, we learn all the different reasons why people feel the need to leave - the hope that lies behind their decision, but also the terrible sadness of leaving home. We learn about how far and hard the trip is, but also about the kindness of those along the way.

Once the caravan arrives in Tijuana, the boy and those around him are relieved. They think they have arrived at the goal of the trip - to enter the United States. But then tear gas, hateful demonstrations, force and fear descend on these vulnerable people. The border is closed. The book ends with the young boy dreaming of El Salvador.

It's written in simple but poetic verse by Jorge Argueta, the award-winning author of Somos como las nubes / We Are Like the Clouds. A few illustrations by award-winning Mexican illustrator Manuel Monroy will illuminate Misael's journey. An author's note is included, along with a map showing the caravan's route.

Groundwood publishes both in English and Spanish.