"Abuela is not coming, so we must tell her every
detail. We promise to send thousands of pictures.
Both she and I are sad. However, like a brave
princesa, I hold her and give her my brightest
smile each time we talk about the new palace."
Anita, the narrator of this meaningful emigration story, loves her Dominican home, and her abuela. She will miss both when the family leaves for a new life. The planes that fly overhead are like dragons to her, and today is the day she will meet one. She is not scared.
She sees herself as a princesa, and lets her brother know that he has no place in her palace. Everyone on the island loves her; they are very sad when she reports that dragons are coming to take her whole family away. Her mother explains that conditions in their new home will have real benefits - hot water, a dryer. The family will learn to speak English, and there will be electricity all the time. But, they will be missed in their community.
The dragons arrive.
"Face to face with the massive beast,
my throat clenches. Wings protrude
from either side. Eyes line the slender
body. Already the beast hums in
anticipation."
It is time for passengers to board the beast. She is having none of it! So many questions about loneliness, fear, and bravery. Her Mami and Papi listen, and then they take her hand and lead her aboard. In her heart, she says goodbye to the island she loves, and promises to return.
The expressive lines of text are accompanied by exceptional mixed media artwork. Its textured look
adds depth to the island setting, and to the emotions felt by Anita as she prepares to leave on an unwanted adventure.
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