A good story to help children understand what the children of deportees go through, leaving behind their homes, their friends, everything they know, to go to a country they know little about, with a language they might not even know how to speak. Luca and his older brother are U.S. citizens because they were born here, but his parents aren't citizens, and must leave. To keep the family together, the boys go with their parents. When they arrive in Mexico, they go to live with Luca's grandmother in her small house. In his dreams that night, Luca's trumpet nudges him awake, and together they play a magical song that creates a bridge to take Luca back home. He visits his old apartment building, sees his father's ice cream truck, goes to his school and sees all his friends, playing his trumpet all the while. He laughs with joy, in his dream and in real life, and wakes everyone in the house. He tells them about his dream, and they laugh too, because happy laughter is contagious. The laughter sounds like music to Luca, and he plays his trumpet while his family dances, and for a little while, their sadness is gone. I loved the hopeful note this ended on, but we know it will still be very hard for this family to start anew in a different country. The author's afterward talks more about deportation and the impact it has on immigrant families. The illustrations are soft and beautiful, with bright glimpses of color and lots of detail. Every family with children should read this together, and try to put themselves in Luca's family's place.

#LucasBridgeElPuenteDeLuca #NetGalley

Luca's Bridge is a lovely picture book, written in both English and Spanish, for young readers who are affected by or learning about immigration practices in the United States. Luca and his family are driving to Mexico because his parents are not legal citizens or residents of the United States. While Luca and his brother Paco were both born in the United States, in order for their family to stay together, they are all moving to Mexico. Luca doesn't speak Spanish and is already missing his friends and community at home. Luca's trumpet and his family provide the support that Luca needs in order to feel safe and connected to his life in the United States.

Mariana Llanos' book tells one version of a story that is familiar to so many people who have lived in the United States either for their whole lives or for as long as they can remember and are now being deported to countries that they do not recognize as their home. I only wish that there had been a bit more to the story. I wanted to know more about what comes next for Luca. One of the highlights of reading this book comes from examining the illustrations by Anna Lopez Real. She has created images that convey the deep sadness that Luca and his family are experiencing, while also bringing in aspects of magical realism that add so much to the story.

I received this ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book tells the story of a young American-born boy whose family is forced to return to Mexico due to his parents’ immigration status. As a trumpet player, he finds his music is what helps connect him to home and with it he can find happiness with his family in their new home.

I liked the story but think for most children in this situation they are going to find his turn around too quick to be believable. It’s not a book that fits the demographic in my school but certainly would find a home in many other nearby districts.

Luca’s bridge is a story about a family living in the USA who is forced into deporting back to Mexico. Into uncertainty. Into poverty.

I have opinions. However. For this review I will simply state that the images are beautiful. Dark and brooding with hints of color and beautifully illustrated. The story is sad, and makes me uncomfortable.

I implore anyone with children to read this book. No matter your stance on immigration please do not allow it to be faceless.

A book that brings perspective to the migrant's side of the story. Nice that it also includes the text in Spanish.