Mariana and Her Familia

"Mancillas and Meza’s picture book is a poignant reminder that, while loved ones may not speak the same languages, their affection and care for one another transcends any human language and is a language in and of itself. Mancillas’ touching story will be relatable to many first-, second-, and third-generation children and grandchildren of immigrants, who may be reconnecting with their own familias after time and distance apart." — Booklist (starred review) "A child’s uncertainty in navigating the dual identities of a bicultural upbringing is affirmingly depicted in Mancillas’s insightful debut. Mancillas’s assured narrative, which rings with compassion, smatters Spanish words throughout English lines; in Meza’s watercolor pencil and gouache illustrations, Mariana swells with love that gives way to bright-eyed affection for a new place and new people." — Publishers Weekly “Measured in its empathy, this tale admirably explores a familial scenario that many readers will understand all too well…. A sweet look at what familia can mean.” — Kirkus Reviews