My Two Border Towns
Early one Saturday morning, a boy prepares for a trip to The Other Side/El Otro Lado. It's close—just down the street from his school — and it's a twin of where he lives. To get there, his father drives their truck along the Rio Grande and over a bridge, where they're greeted by a giant statue of an eagle. Their outings always include a meal at their favorite restaurant, a visit with Tío Mateo at his jewelry store, a cold treat from the paletero, and a pharmacy pickup. On their final and most important stop, they check in with friends seeking asylum and drop off much-needed supplies. My Two Border Towns by David Bowles, with stunning watercolor illustrations by Erika Meza, is the loving story of a father and son's weekend ritual, a demonstration of community care, and a tribute to the fluidity, complexity, and vibrancy of life on the United States-Mexico border.
Age Groups: Big Kids, Little Kids
Skills: Helping
Discussion Questions
- Who do the boy and his father help on the United States side of the border?
- Who do the boy and his father help on the Mexico side of the border?
- What are some similarities and differences you notice in the two border towns in the story?
- What surprised you about the story?
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