Path Full

Bright Star by Yuyi Morales
Neal Porter Books, September 7, 2021 ‍

With the beginning of a new school year, a path full of mystery and excitement unfolds in the mind of each learner. The intrigue for what new learning experiences the year will bring fills up their hearts with curiosity and joy. They wonder how their worlds will change as they gain new knowledge and see things through different lenses. Here is where the mission of educators stands, as we have been given the opportunity of guiding children through the unexpected. In her picture book Bright Star, Yuyi Morales poetically depicts a journey of discovery, learning, and struggle. This piece of Latino children's literature follows the steps of a deer who starts her life's journey. Soon, an encouraging voice guides her along a difficult path – in this case, an allegory of crossing the border between Mexico and the United States. Morales' book is full of sensitivity and capable of starting deep and vital conversations in the classroom around the topics of immigration, experiences, and opportunities.