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.

Cepeda, Joe

Joe Cepeda received his BFA in Illustration from California State University, Long Beach. A recipient of the Pura Belpré Honor Award, Joe has illustrated many books and book covers, and has also written for children. He lives in Southern California with his wife and son.

Laínez, René Colato

René Colato Laínez was born in El Salvador. He is an award-winning author who holds an MFA in Writing for Children from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Críticas has called René's characters "immigrant heroes." He currently lives in Los Angeles, California.