Journey of dreams by Marge Pellegrino
Frances Lincoln Children's Books. ISBN 9781845072.
(Age 11+) Recommended. Gentle, almost melodic language hides
the brutality of Tomasa's journey from Guatemala to Phoenix in
the USA which is fraught with the hazards people fleeing tyranny
face. This warmly told story engages the reader for Tomasa is a young
weaver
and her thoughts are woven into the pieces she creates and dreams of
creating. It's a very sad and
hazardous journey as her mother and
brother have already gone and Tomasa, her father, brother Manuel and
very
little sister, Maria, tread the long path to hoped for freedom. Tomasa
remembers her Mother's sayings and
these keep her strong. She says:
As we walk I tuck my feelings into my heart. I hide them away just as
Papa tucked our
small treasures into the oilcloth and hid them in the earth for when we
return. (page
85).
It's an inspirational story and
so very important in understanding other human beings journeys to a
safe
place. The map would be useful at the
front so the magnitude of the journey would be clear. The glossary is
very useful.
Sue Nosworthy