A first-person narrative tells the true story of a boy’s journey from Mexico to the United States. When Papa can no longer provide for his growing family, Abuelo urges him to leave La Ceja, Mexico, for the United States, and to take Alfredo along. They hire a man, Coyote, to guide them to the border, but he disappears after Papa carries Alfredo across a river. Papa and Alfredo continue the journey alone, finally arriving at the Embassy, a collection of old vehicles and furniture where they take up residence. Alfredo begins school, although he is frightened and does not understand English. Things begin to look up when an older, Spanish-speaking boy takes Alfredo under his wing. After four years, the rest of the family join Alfredo and Papa in the United States. Details of this young immigrant’s experience—the $100 bill he carries in case he’s deported and needs to buy a bus ticket back to La Ceja, his fear that the “men in uniforms” may appear on his school bus—make this purposeful account particularly affecting. (Ages 7–10)

★ "So simple, but so beautiful, the story depicts what many must go through when seeking a better life in America" -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

For over 100 years, Alfredo's family has lived in the same small village in Mexico. He loves playing with his siblings, helping his abuelo stack corn, and spending time with his donkey Fernando. But when Alfredo's Abuelo can no longer make the long walk to the pine forest to provide for the family, Alfredo and his Papa must set out to find a new home and work to support their family. And so begins a long, arduous journey from Mexico to the United States. They'll need all the courage they can muster to safely cross the border and to make a home for themselves in a new land.

• A true story based on Alfredo Alva's experience immigrating to the United States
• Told in both Spanish and English to empower language learning
• Includes 4 pages of endnotes with more information about immigration and the true story behind the book