Buss, Fran Leeper, Journey of the Sparrows. 155p. Bantam Doubleday

Dell Books. 1993. Tr $4.50. ISBN: 0-440-40785-0.

 Gr.7 Up--

A realistic, heartbreaking portrayal of Salvadoran refugees running from a cruel military takeover of their homeland. One which forces he very young and old to flee, even at the risk of losing their lives--to make a better living in the land of freedom--America. Readers will live the poverty and hopelessness that the characters portray as they struggle to survive as illegal immigrants in a country that doesn't really know yet which side to take in this political struggle. Through Maria, the main protagonist, readers will learn about the Latino sense of close family ties, and sacrifices made in the name of loyalty and love of family. Maria is a heroic 15 year old girl who clings to a belief her father bestowed upon her-- that she would be the one to save their family. Maria originally crosses the U.S. border in a crate, along with part of her family and an acquaintance--a boy her age. Once here, she works under harsh conditions to help her family survive. Maria discovers she has a natural artistic ability as she sells her drawings of the Virgin Mary, and other religious figures. The significance of religion and an enduring faith in the lives of Latino families is seen throughout the novel. Maria later fulfills her father's prophecy as she alone risks her life to bring back her younger sister from Mexico. This is not a book to be read lightly. It is realistic fiction that speaks of harsh, unbelievable realities that many immigrants faced as they came to America. The plot compels readers to feel the pain, uncertainties, and cruelties. Yet, in the midst of all that negativity, there are brief, simple joys, like flying a kite in a park which make a young boy giggle. Interwoven in this stark story is a poetic one, as told by Maria, of a tiny sparrow who brings hope in the form of a rainbow. And this is the ultimate message that endures. This book could serve as a springboard to discussion about immigration--pros and cons--and the freedoms which many take for granted in the United States. It makes one grateful for the simple joys of just living in a less than perfect country, yet one with more freedoms than so many others in our world.

By Noelia M. Klein

Buss, Fran L. Journey of the Sparrows. 155p.

Bantam Doubleday Dell Book. 1991.

Tr $4.50. ISBN 0-440-40785-0

This is a story of hardships, hopes, and perseverance. The Acosta family is trying to escape the endless fear and terror existing in their homeland, El Salvador. It is there that they endured the slaughter and torture of many family members. Fifteen year old Maria, her older pregnant sister, her younger brother and a boy named Tomas are smuggled into the United States in a vegetable crate. Their dream is to be safe and free in this new land of milk and honey. Their intention is to prosper in this new land and to rescue their mother and younger sister who were not able to make the treacherous escape. The harsh reality is that they are faced with other hardships as they settle in the city of Chicago. Maria narrates this story. She brilliantly depicts many aspects of her newfound life: the language barrier, the menial jobs, the hunger and the endless pursuit of food, the fear of deportation, and her frequent questioning of her own religious conviction. She also lovingly describes new and caring friendships and her family’s closeness and support. Bird imagery is used throughout the story as a sign of hope and strength. In addition to the title, bird imagery is found in references to several characters in the story, in songs that are sung, and in stories that are told. In spite of the hardships, Maria’s perseverance eventually leads to the rescue of her little sister. As the story closes, Maria is once again safe and on her way back to her new homeland with her younger sister and the knowledge that her mother has also been found alive and safe. This book could be used as a teaching tool to help prevent stereotyping.

By Linda Reinert