The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness from the Border

Based on true events, this inspiring story follows a mama and her daughter who are denied entry at the U.S. border, and must find the refugee in charge of "the notebook," an unofficial ledger of those waiting to cross into the U.S.

 

Before, the sun drenched the yard. Our neighbor's laughter danced in the streets. Now, the streets are quiet. Papa is gone, and we are no longer safe here. We are leaving, too.

 

In this moving and stunningly-illustrated picture book, Noemi and Mama flee their home in Mexico, and head for the US border. There, they look for "The Notebook Keeper"-- the person in charge of a ledger for those waiting to cross, and they add their names to the book. As the days turn into weeks, and hope dwindles, the little girl looks for kindness around her-- and inside herself. One day, when the Notebook Keeper's own name is called to cross, Noemi and her Mama are chosen--for the generosity in their hearts-- to take her place.

Author: Stephen Briseño
Publisher: Random House Studio
Published: 06/28/2022
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.9lbs
Size: 11.10h x 9.20w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9780593307052
Audience: Ages 4-8


Award: Pura Belpre Award - Honor Book


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 05/15/2022 pg. 52
Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2022
School Library Journal 07/22/2022 pg. 1

About the Author
Stephen Briseño is an English Language Arts teacher living in San Antonio, Texas. The Notebook Keeper is his first children's book. Visit him on the web at stephenbriseno.weebly.com.

 

Magdalena Mora is the illustrator of I Wish You Knew by Jackie Azu?a Kramer and Equality's Call by Deborah Diesen. She lives in the Twin Cities. Visit her on the web at magdalenamora.com.