To the Other Side

Written & illustrated by Erika Meza

Two siblings embark on a perilous journey, evading monsters to reach a hopeful new beginning.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 398 ratings

40 pages· 408 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

A young boy and his sister embark on a perilous journey, imagining their trek as a game to cope with the dangers of crossing the border. As they navigate endless lands, the stakes rise with each step. What awaits them on the other side? A new life, perhaps, but only if they can outsmart the real monsters lurking along the way. Will their spirit and determination be enough to see them through this daunting challenge, or will the game become too real to bear?

From the publisher

Author-illustrator Erika Meza delivers a stunning and emotionally rich book from the viewpoint of those most impacted by border walls: young refugee children. This powerfully told tale highlights the spirit and strength of those embarking on a dangerous trek, and what awaits them on the other side.Yoto Carnegie Medal Shortlist New York Public Library Best Book of the Year Kirkus Best Book of the Year School Library Journal Best Book of the Year My sister tells me the rules of the game are simple.Avoid the monsters. Don’t get caught. And keep moving.If the monsters catch you, you’re out.A young boy and his older sister have left home to play a game. To win, they must travel across endless lands together and make it to the finish line. Each child imagines what might be waiting for them across the border: A spotted dog? Ice cream! Or maybe a new school.But the journey is difficult, and the monsters are realer than they imagined. And when it no longer feels like a game, the two children must still find a way to forge ahead.★ “The story is ultimately hopeful, gently providing probing insight into the lives of the youngest migrants.” –Kirkus Reviews (starred review)★ “Beautiful, timely, and poignant. Recommended for all collections.” –School Library Journal Online (starred review)★ “Powerful. It’s a realistic but hopeful look at two children’s emigration.”– Publishers Weekly (starred review)

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