Islandborn by Junot Díaz

"Islandborn" by Junot Díaz and Illustrated by Leo Espinosa

"Islandborn" tells the story of Lola, a young girl who attends a school where the students are all recent immigrants. The first line in the book says, "Every kid in Lola's school was from somewhere else. Hers was the school of faraway places." Lola's teacher asks the students to all draw pictures of their first home. Lola moved to her current home when she was a baby, so she needs to ask people in her family and neighborhood to tell her about the Island where they are from. As readers, we can infer the Island that Lola is from is the Dominican Republic. Throughout the story, she learns little bits and pieces about the Island until she can draw her own picture for school.  

This book is a colorful and vibrant story for all levels of students. While it may be written for elementary students, I think middle and high school students would enjoy it too as a discussion or writing prompt on family, immigration, and political history. One part of the story shares how the dictator on the Island was like a monster. I think girls would especially enjoying reading it because there is a theme running throughout the book of strong girls and women. I think this book would be great for students who are recent immigrants, first or second generation immigrants, or students whose families have lived here for generations. "Islandborn" helps all students understand and celebrate diverse communities and histories. 

Interview with Junot Díaz