they ask.
Is your mom from here?
Is your dad from there?
they ask.
I'm from here, from today.,
same as everyone else, I say."
The question 'where are you from' is often asked of those who look different than the person asking that question. For young children, it can be disconcerting. The young girl in this thoughtful and wise book thinks her answer is the explanation they are looking for. Rarely does it satisfy the questioners. Confused, she turns to her abuelo to help her further explain her origins.
"I ask Abuelo because he knows everything,
and like me, he looks like he doesn't belong."
Expecting a simple answer that can then be repeated to those who question her heritage, she is surprised when he has a much more complicated (and wonderful) answer for her. He begins at the beginning.
"You come from the Pampas,
the open, free land, he says."
With further thought and a heart filled with love for his granddaughter, he goes on to share the history of their people through time and place. The stunning, brightly-colored, double page vistas that accompany his lyrical response, give readers get a real sense of the events and the surroundings that brought her to where she is today.
"From this land where our ancestors built a home for all,
even when they were in chains because of the color of their skin."
Not entirely satisfied with all he has shared, the little one asks the same question others ask her: "where am I really from?" Pointing to his heart, he assures that she comes from the love he has for her and the love of everyone who came before her.
Asking grandparents about our heritage is not always top of mind. I am sorry I missed the chance to sit and listen to the stories they had to tell. This is a book that encourages children to ask those very important questions.
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