The Notebook Keeper

By Stephen Briseño, Magdalena Mora (Illustrator)

A mother and daughter seek hope at the border, facing uncertainty and unexpected roles.

4.4/5 Goodreads · 591 ratings

40 pages

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Noemi and her mother flee Mexico, seeking refuge at the U.S. border. Denied entry, they must find the elusive Notebook Keeper, who holds the key to their future. As days stretch into weeks, hope fades, but Noemi discovers strength and kindness within. When the Notebook Keeper's name is called, an unexpected opportunity arises. Will their generosity change their fate? This poignant tale of resilience and compassion unfolds in a world where every name in the ledger tells a story of longing and courage.

From the publisher

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.

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