THE LITTLE HOUSE OF HOPE

With hope, love, and hard work, you can make a house a home.

Forced to leave their beloved Cuba, a young girl named Esperanza and her family find themselves in a new country, starting over. After searching and searching, they finally find a little house—la casita—to call their own. It smells a bit like “old, wet socks” and has shabby furnishings, but they are safe, together, and happy. Mami and Papi work multiple jobs day and night. Whether it’s doing schoolwork, learning English, or completing chores, the entire family works hard and helps each other. A few months later, Mami's sister is able to flee Cuba and moves in with them. When Mami meets a woman newly arrived from Mexico with her husband and children, Esperanza’s family makes room for them in la casita even though they have little space. Over time, many immigrants are offered refuge in the house until they are able to gain a footing in their host country and move on to homes of their own, never forgetting la casita that gave them hope when they needed it most. Beautifully illustrated using Colón’s trademark scratched-watercolor technique, this book reflects the stories of many a refugee family and humanizes a group of people often othered. In an age-appropriate way, it touches on the complicated reasons people leave their homes. Spanish words and hints of Cuban culture are scattered throughout. Characters’ skin tones range from pale to light brown. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A little house indeed, but this inspiring tale offers a lot of hope.