Islandborn by Junot Diaz

Islandborn by Junot Diaz and Illustrated by Leo Espinosa

Lola’s school is the school of far away places. She has an assignment to complete about where her family emigrated from. Unlike most kids in her class, Lola is having a hard time remembering what the island looked like because she left the island when she was just a baby. Lola needs to rely on her family members and community members to share their memories of the island. Lola is able to make beautiful and vivid illustrations based off of the descriptions is hearing from her family and community. Not all the memories are joyous and Lola makes a breakthrough from an elder in the community and creates a lasting friendship from their meeting.

I recommend this book for all students, but those especially who may have a hard time describing or talking about where they come from. Students will begin to make connections right away to Lola. Students who have emigrated from another country will be able to see themselves in Islandborn. Junot Diaz’s descriptive language throughout the book makes you feel as though you are on the journey with Lola. You can close your eyes and imagine life on the island as her family members and community members are reminiscing. Leo Espinosa’s colorful illustrations are breathtaking. There is suspense and adventure throughout the book. Lola’s connection to her abuela is sweet and heartwarming. Lola’s abuela reminds her, “Just because you don’t remember a place doesn’t mean it’s not in you.”

Interview with author Junot Diaz: