Description
Book SynopsisFeaturing 25 drawings in charcoal, conte crayons, and pastels, this handbook pairs portraits of people who live and work along the U.S./Mexico border with bilingual poems that have been inspired by each of the drawings. A testimony to the people of the Rio Grande Valley, these drawings and poems capture their spirit, their quest for happiness, and their struggles to overcome economic hardship. This remarkable book highlights characters such as the "young street musician," the "six-year-old street vendor," and the "wise woman with rings." Compassionate and aesthetically compelling, this record raises awareness about social and cultural issues associated with border life, such as education, literacy, and poverty, and fosters cross-cultural understanding.
Trade ReviewHurray for Steve and Reefka and the magical work they are doing crossing fronteras." —Sandra Cisneros, author,
Caramelo and
House on Mango Street"Such a kiss is this book that you oftentimes cannot tell which came first: the poem, it’s translation, or the art work." —Rene Saldaña, author,
The Jumping Tree and
The Whole Sky Full of Stars"In the tradition of an earlier era, Steve and Reefka Schneider have created a portrait of border life that utilizes both words and pictures to capture the moment." —Kathleen Alcalá, author,
The Flower in the Skull
