Garay, L. (1997). The long road. Toronto, Canada: Tundra Books.
Summary: War breaks out in Nicaragua when José is visiting his grandmother in town. When he and his mother return, his family has disappeared and their village is in ruins. After several nights traveling by foot, they eventually cross the border. This picture book shows José and his mother's early struggles in a new country.
Review: A beautiful story that many students at my school will identify with.
Diversity: This picture book is a much needed story in classrooms right now especially in recent days when most of America has been watching the US close its doors on small children trying to enter the US for a better life. When I taught a 10th grade newcomer EL class, almost all of the students here in San Francisco had their own border crossing story and many included significant trauma. This book could be in classrooms as a jumping off point for students to share the experiences of leaving sometimes dangerous homes, losing family, and the difficulties children face when learning to live somewhere new. Luis, a Latino boy, represents so many students I know. I wish I knew about this book earlier.
Diversity: This picture book is a much needed story in classrooms right now especially in recent days when most of America has been watching the US close its doors on small children trying to enter the US for a better life. When I taught a 10th grade newcomer EL class, almost all of the students here in San Francisco had their own border crossing story and many included significant trauma. This book could be in classrooms as a jumping off point for students to share the experiences of leaving sometimes dangerous homes, losing family, and the difficulties children face when learning to live somewhere new. Luis, a Latino boy, represents so many students I know. I wish I knew about this book earlier.
Suggestions for Teachers: This book would be a great read-aloud text especially in an English language class or a newcomer class. It would also be a great text to have facing out in elementary classrooms and will give windows into the lives of immigrant children who come after experiencing trauma.
Reading Level:
- Quantitative: Lexile 740-1010L, ATOS Book Level 4.97-7.03, Flesh-Kincaid 4.51-7.72, 5.42-7.92 RMM
- Qualitative: This text is moderately complex; it is chronological and it is the story of a journey which will engage many students. The language is simple although there is a lot of text for each page. It is literal and the illustrations support José's difficult journey. The themes of escape to safety and adjustment to new situations are ones students will be able to understand. Those who have knowledge of war or immigration will have an easier time understanding this text.
Common Core State Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.2
Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3
Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).
Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.9
Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.
Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.
Relevant links: Teaching Books, Immigration unit, Luis Garay website, Teacher's Guide
Subjects/Themes: family, acceptance, perseverance, discrimination, refugees, immigration
Subjects/Themes: family, acceptance, perseverance, discrimination, refugees, immigration
Awards: N/A
Series Information: N/A
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