Miles away from their home in El Salvador, Xochitl (SOH-cheel) and her family make a new home in the United States, but nothing is the same. Xochitl mourns a lovely garden and her family’s small flower business, all left behind. Selling flowers on the street soon provides more than income for the Flores family: they begin to make friends with local storeowners and neighbors. But it is not until the family decides to start a nursery in its backyard that Xochitl begins to learn the true value of community in their adopted country.
Basing his narrative on real-life events, prize-winning poet Jorge Argueta has crafted a tender, poetic, and moving story about a family’s determination to set down roots and about their child’s blooming among friends and neighbors. Artist Carl Angel’s authentic and brilliant artwork splendidly documents this quintessentially American immigration story.
Jorge Argueta is a prize-winning poet and teacher. Born in El Salvador, he came to San Francisco in 1980. The prolific author of several award-winning books, he is active in the cultural life of the city, teaches poetry in the public schools, and also works with humanitarian organizations to assist families and children in El Salvador.
Carl Angel is an artist, illustrator, and graphic designer whose work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. He was born in Bainbridge, Maryland, raised in Hawaii, and now lives in San Leandro, California with his wife and son.
• 2003 Américas Award Commended Title
• 2004 Independent Publisher Book Awards Finalist
"This is a fine example of what a book with a bilingual text can and should be." —The Horn Book Guide
"Based on a true story, Xochitl's tale is well written in both languages. . . Angel's acrylic, colored-pencil, and photo-collage artwork is vibrant and energetic, fleshed out by the bright colors and individual faces."—School Library Journal
"Full of love for family and community, this bilingual story embodies the belief that positive action can overcome the negatives of circumstance." —Kirkus Reviews
". . .there is a great deal of warmth in this tale of immigrants trying to create their American dream while keeping alive their own culture." —Bayviews
"Intended for children ages eight to twelve, this book portrays the message of community in a lesson that can benefit people of all ages. . . It is a thoughtful story that will make readers reflect on their own contributions to their community." —ForeWord Magazine
"Side-by-side bilingual text is a particularly suitable format for this timeless immigration story. Radiant chalk illustrations present each scene tastefully. Xochitl's story is a superb read-aloud and a necessary component of school libraries that serve immigrant children. Recommended for all bookstores and library collections." —Críticas
