by Alexis Castellanos
Illustrations by the author
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Simon & Schuster's Childrens Publishing Division
2022
192 pages
ISBN: 9781534469242
Simply stunning! With few words, the story is told through illustrations.
Isla to Island is a breathtaking and fresh graphic novel based on Alexis Castellanos' family experiences. The story opens in 1958 and full color illustrations capture the colors of Cuba. In 1959 Fidel Castro takes over Cuba and his armed soldiers are everywhere. Explosions rock the neighborhood.
Seeking a better life for their daughter, Marisol's parents get her a passport and send her to New York City to live. The author explains in the author's note that many children came unescorted to the United States through a program known as Peter Pan Program. This program lasted from 1960-1962.
Full color illustrations are gone and black and white capture Marisol's fear and mood. She must learn a new language, a new HUGE city, family and school. She's bullied by her classmates, even injured when a boy trips her. Marisol sees a girl she begins to follow. The artwork around the girl turns to magical purples and blues and when she enters the library, Marisol follows. Full color illustrations depict the library and its books as portals to wonder and a place where Marisol feels safe.
She begins reading about plants and trees, and when her "family" sees her stack of books, they take her to the botanical gardens. Her "dad" builds her a bookshelf and she decorates her room with plants and flowers. The reader sees the development of Marisol learning and laughing. She's smiling in most pages.
Time passes and it's the first day of seventh grade. Marisol isn't as shy. She introduces herself to a group of kids and the reader knows she'll be okay.
Pages follow with Marisol's recipe for Arroz con Pollo, Author's Note, Operation Peter Pan and further reading about Cuba and Peter Pan. A lovely gift for any immigrant. Marisol's story will resonate with readers who want to belong.
Highly, highly recommended. Caution: Marisol gets her first period, but it happens to over 50% of the population, and young girls (and boys) shouldn't be ashamed of menstruation.
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