Sunday
written and illustrated by Marcelo Tolentino
Published by Blue Dot Kids Press
When a young girl named Saida arrives from Morocco, she brings with her a silence to a place unfamiliar, a place where she doesn’t know the language and other things. And in this new place, Saida has no words. A classmate has a kind heart and, eager to have a new friend, looks for Saida’s lost words—beneath the park benches, under banana peels, among candy wrappers. She learns Saida is from a place called Morocco and finds out that in her country, they use words that are Arabic, words that look different and feel different on her tongue. And when their friendship blooms, so does Saida—she finds her words and she speaks, and the girl loves her words. In sharing their languages together, they find that words can be the same in both of their countries: words can be warm as breath or cold as metal. They can bring laughter, or they can bring tears. And in discovering the beauty of words together, the girls share their cultures, and best of all, their friendship.
This incredibly moving story has an authenticity and relevance that speaks to the millions of immigrants who make up the fabric of our country and gives a glimpse into what it is like to have one’s feet in two different worlds. Eloquently written, the author uses poignant figurative language throughout that beautifully conveys the Moroccan girl’s initial sense of isolation, feeling unheard or misunderstood, and being on unfamiliar ground. The story and its creative use of lush painterly illustrations and fonts help demonstrate a powerful representation of immigration and the exquisiteness of diversity. More than acceptance or inclusion, the story is one of inherent belonging brought to life by kindness and friendship. This special picture book is the rare instance where it is one to be treasured by readers of all ages, young and old, and provides an accessible tool to invite meaningful discussion about immigration.
Published by Blue Dot Kids Press
Reviewed by Tara Lewis
