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book cover for Borders

Borders

Understanding the Lines that Unite and Separate Us

with Karine Maincent (Illustrator)

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Pub Date Aug 11 2026 | Archive Date Sep 23 2026

Publisher Spotlight | Blue Dot Kids Press


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Description

This accessible illustrated nonfiction guide for children ages eight to twelve details the who, why, and how of borders, including how geographical boundary lines can both unite and separate us. 


A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection


Borders map out cities, countries, territories. They are established across land and sea and sky. Some are flexible, and some seem impenetrable, but all borders are more than just geography. When were today’s boundaries created? Who created them and why? And how do these lines affect the culture, economy, politics, and environment around them? 


Nature has created many logical borders. Humans have established some that seem to make no sense. And though they are often invisible, borders can have serious consequences when crossed. What groups are working to bridge these divides and support our shared humanity? 


In this easily digestible illustrated nonfiction guide, children learn that there is more to consider than just the outline on a map and that throughout history, boundary lines have had the power to bring us together or keep us apart. 


The easy-to-follow segments help children understand complex topics like:


  • Immigration and Migration
  • Colonialism
  • Passports and Visas
Includes glossary, index, select bibliography, and a resource page for further learning.

This accessible illustrated nonfiction guide for children ages eight to twelve details the who, why, and how of borders, including how geographical boundary lines can both unite and separate us. 


A...


Advance Praise

"An expansive look at borders that traces how humans have divided and defined our world ... clearly explains concepts using accessible language. Timely, hopeful, and informative." --Kirkus Reviews

"A remarkable and highly engaging collection of historical facts and anecdotes that tell the story of the world's natural and human-made borders." --School Library Journal

"Timely, comprehensive ... Instructive and enlightening." --Booklist

"An expansive look at borders that traces how humans have divided and defined our world ... clearly explains concepts using accessible language. Timely, hopeful, and informative." --Kirkus...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9798985849493
PRICE $21.95 (USD)
PAGES 72

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Average rating from 5 members


Featured Reviews

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I work in a program that has students from migrant/immigrant backgrounds so I was curious about this book and how it could inform my work. What I found was that I learned new concepts laid out factually and without specific judgement against the backdrop of some seriously beautiful illustrations. I would recommend this book to elementary aged children and can help meaningfully process and understand how we ended up with borders we have today.

Thank you Netgalley and Blue Dot Kids Press for the advanced copy of this excellent read!

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A great reference book to teach children about the types of borders in our world. This would make a great book for a homeschool.

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This book explained in child friendly detail, why immigration happens, what borders contain, and how it can impact people differently. I found it to be an okay read.

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I received an electronic ARC from Publisher Spotlight | Blue Dot Kids Press through NetGalley.
Ressouni-Demigneux explains borders in clear language for middle grade readers. They break down complex concepts with illustrations and short text so readers can visualize borders between countries and other locations around the world. A true first step to understanding these terms and definitions. The glossary is extensive to further help.

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This beautifully designed and informative title provides a comprehensive overview of borders and how they came to be. Each spread tackles a different facet or sub-topic, ranging from natural borders and cartography to airports, visas, time zones, and migration. Along the way, a concise look at human history informs readers' understanding of how the borders we observe today have evolved over time, often to serve the interests of colonial powers. In this way, the book also provides an introduction to concepts related to colonization, marginalization, exploitation, immigration, and climate change in a way that is accessible and age-appropriate for middle grade readers. While readers may not have the historical, geographical, or political context for every term or example included, this is a solid introductory text that may lead them to additional questions, resources, and exploration. The design of the book is inviting, with lots of layered, detailed illustrations to help explain and concretize complex ideas and unfamiliar vocabulary; it also includes a glossary, index, source list, and recommended resources for further learning.

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