A Flicker of Hope: A Story of Migration

K-Gr 3–Lucía and Papá love watching the monarch butterflies outside their Mexico home. When spring comes and the monarchs must fly north, Lucía knows that her father will travel north as well. He is looking for work to help support their family, “in search of fields, crops, and a better tomorrow.” Lucía anxiously awaits the return of the monarch butterflies in autumn, knowing they signal the imminent return of her father. Lyrical text and captivating illustrations create a truly compelling reading experience. The pain of separation and the hope for better days are clearly portrayed in Lucía and Papá’s faces. Most readers will be able to empathize with the story of a child and parent being separated, and the emotional impact of their reunion is satisfying. Vibrant illustrations with whimsical and traditional cultural elements add charm and a sense of magic. This book would provide an excellent framework to talk about both the general concept of migration and migrant worker populations. With that context, the potential age range for this book is broad: younger children may simply enjoy the family story, while older children could be prompted to have in-depth conversations about complicated concepts.