Author-illustrator Erika Meza delivers a stunning and emotionally rich book from the viewpoint of those most impacted by border walls: young refugee children. This powerfully told tale highlights the spirit and strength of those embarking on a dangerous trek, and what awaits them on the other side.
Yoto Carnegie Medal Shortlist * New York Public Library Best Book of the Year * Kirkus Best Book of the Year * School Library Journal Best Book of the Year *
My sister tells me the rules of the game are simple.
Avoid the monsters. Don’t get caught. And keep moving.
If the monsters catch you, you’re out.
A young boy and his older sister have left home to play a game. To win, they must travel across endless lands together and make it to the finish line. Each child imagines what might be waiting for them across the border: A spotted dog? Ice cream! Or maybe a new school.
But the journey is difficult, and the monsters are realer than they imagined. And when it no longer feels like a game, the two children must still find a way to forge ahead.
★ "The story is ultimately hopeful, gently providing probing insight into the lives of the youngest migrants." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
★ "Beautiful, timely, and poignant. Recommended for all collections." —School Library Journal Online (starred review)
★ "Powerful. It’s a realistic but hopeful look at two children’s emigration."— Publishers Weekly (starred review)