Dreamers

Bibliography

Morales, Y. (2018). DREAMERS. Neal Porter Books. ISBN: 978-0-8234-4055-9.

Plot Summary

DREAMERS is a picture book memoir about Yuyi Morales' journey to the United States of America from Mexico with an infant son. Being in a new country with a baby, she becomes unsure about it all as it is unfamiliar to her. She then discovers the public library, where the books help them learn and feel like they belong. 

Critical Analysis

DREAMERS is another strong representation of the Mexican and Latina experience in a picture book. Morales tells the immigration experience in an emotional way to show the feelings of being lost yet still hopeful and determined to make it work in a new country.

Language is a big part of this book. Morales even has a Spanish-translated version of this book. In the English version, Spanish is bounced back and forth in ways that do not feel random or forced. This helps represent the bilingual experience many experience within this culture. 

I love how this book represents the meaning behind being a dreamer. This book explains why that term came along for many immigrants coming to this country. Immigrants do not come without anything. They arrive here bringing their dreams for a better life, strength, and hope. Using the library as the safe place for them is a great example of how many immigrant families use all their resources to educate themselves and learn how to connect with their new world.

The powerful illustrations using mixed media make this story feel magical. Using drawings, photos, and bright colors, it feels quite personal and makes this memoir feel like a scrapbook. This allows for readers to fully immerse themselves in the world Morales has written. 

Overall, this story honors immigration and represents the culture with beauty and dignity. 

Review Excerpts

"Yuyi Morales tells the story of her journey with her young son to the United States and what happened next in a picture book that pays tribute to love, resilience, books and reading, and dreamers everywhere." CCBC, starred review.

"Based on her experience of leaving Mexico for the United States, Morales' latest offers an immigrant's tale steeped in hope, dreams, and love." Kirkus, starred review.

Connections

This book would work great during an art study! The mixed media to depict everything within this memoir can help students see how words and pictures connect. They can also analyze how colors, textures, and objects show certain emotions and cultures.