To The Other Side

“𝗧𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲” is perhaps one of the best books on immigration to date – one that presents the point of view of refugee children, particularly, unaccompanied minors who cross borders.

A brother and a sister are trying to migrate. The older sister explains that the rules of the game are simple, “𝘈𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴; 𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵; 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨.” The siblings, including the other children, are shown donning masks, as they play the game of crossing the line by walking, catching rides, or travelling on a bus. The waiting, the anticipation of what lay ahead, and the safety of the sister’s lap are beautifully shown all behind masked appearances. Then comes the brother’s realization that this was not a game after all as the number of children keeps dwindling. Finally, they cross to the other side but it does not feel like victory yet…

This is a book where you’d make new discoveries each time you flip through. Do notice:

- The eyes through the mask – the sister’s eyes are always open as if looking out for danger even as the brother sleeps

- How the masks come off after the border is crossed

- How the sister still holds on to her mask even after crossing over to safety

- The portrayal of borders using grey lines

- And finally, remove the dust jacket for a surprise!

This is a book you MUST have if you teach migration to students. Perfect for Grades 3 and above.