Haley and five classmates are placed in a room at their school, the Alternate Room, for a weekly hour where there are no teachers present. They call themselves ARTT, and in that time, the kids, including Esteban, whose father has been detained by immigration officers, speak freely about their fears and secrets. Jacqueline Woodson, writing in Haley's voice, covers immigration, incarceration, family loss and racism in short, vivid scenes about the strength of friendship.
It's a good choice for middle-grade readers, classrooms and families wanting to talk about immigration and identity. Woodson's writing is simple and poetic, and the story shows how small spaces of trust can help children deal with big things.
Inward-looking and clear-cut; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2018
- Language
- EN
