Américas Book Award, Commended Title, Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs
International Latino Book Award, Latino Literacy Now

Bilingual English/Spanish. This nuanced picture book tackles the difficult and timely subject of family separation and deportation.

Near the border, the cars began to move very slowly. "Papá, go fast. I want to see Mamá," I said.

José loves helping Mamá in the garden outside their home in California. But when Mamá is sent back to Mexico for not having proper papers, José and his Papá face an uncertain future. What will it be like to visit Mamá in Tijuana? When will Mamá be able to come home?

Award-winning children's book author René Colato Laínez tackles the difficult and timely subject of family separation with exquisite tenderness. René is donating a portion of his royalties to El Centro Madre Assunta, a refuge for women and children who are waiting to be reunited with their families up north. Joe Cepeda's bright and engaging illustrations bring this story of hope to vivid life.