René Colato LaínezMy Shoes and I: Crossing Three Borders / Mis zapatos y yo: Cruzando tres fronteras (English and Spanish Edition)

This picture book was inspired by the author’s own journey as a child. This book is very similar to his book My Shoes and I (2010), but different in that it is a bilingual book and is the author’s journey as he crossed borders as a child. The English text in this book has been modified, and the Spanish version has been added. The text is simpler and intended for young readers. The book begins when, for Christmas, René receives a pair of shoes from his mother, who lives in the U.S. The book details the journey that René and his father take by focusing on what the shoes go through in traveling across three countries.The book does not overtly describe the dangers in crossing borders, but there are some instances where hardships are described. One example of this is when René describes having to live in a dark trailer because his father loses his wallet in Mexico City. Another example is when they are crossing the Mexico/U.S. border and René states that the water comes up to this stomach and then to his shoulders. René and his father travel through El Salvador, Mexico, and finally cross the border into the U.S. where his mother is waiting.The focus on the shoes throughout the book allows the author to tell about the journey, but not go into the arduous, dangerous details. The resiliency of the young boy is shown throughout the book as he continues his journey to be with his mother. In one case, Papá encourages him, “René, my strong boy, we want to be with Mamá. We won’t give up” (n.p.).This book would be a great addition to a classroom unit about immigration. It specifically focuses on the border crossings and the long journey that families embark on to search for a new life. The book also addresses the desire that families have to be together and the dangers that families endure in search of a better life. The reprint of this book is timely as immigration, border crossings, and the journeys that children embark on continue to be scarce in children’s literature.The author’s note at the end of the book tells the reader that this story is actually based on his life. René Colato Laínez shares some of the details that inspired him to write the book, such as the fact that this mother sent him a pair of shoes for his journey. The author also shares that, along with his father, they had to leave El Salvador due to the civil war in that country. At the end, René shares that he wrote this book to “tell readers about the hard journey that immigrant children and families face. They are escaping from violence and crime. Their journey is not a choice but a necessity to look for a better place, where they can accomplish their dreams.”

This paradoxically heart-breaking (more for adults who will understand the dangers involved) AND heart-warming and joyful book is really wonderful. Fully bi-lingual (text in both English and Spanish), it's a terrific addition to my elementary Spanish language classroom. Follows journey of a boy and his father to join their mother in El Norte (the U.S.). Beautiful pictures, and with the focus on the new shoes that carry the boy on his long journey, it maintains its child's perspective during this sensitive telling. I really love this book!

Impactful Title! Amazing, Relatable story!I bought this book after meeting the author.This very timely story is culturally relative for all children of our current times and beyond.Little René received new shoes from his dear Mamá. He wears them to travel across three countries in order to see his Mamá in the United States. The hardships faced by Little René and his father serve as enduring strength on this memorable journey.Congratulations to the illustrator for sweepingly superior illustrations.

The book is outstanding in info and theme. While it is listed as for younger children, learning the Spanish translation would be helpful to any age and the story in today’s environment and world is very powerful.

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