Love Letters to Poetry | Reflection on DREAMERS
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales is a picture book written in verse that I wished I would have had as a young refugee child. Morales's words beautifully portray the layers of complexities immigrants experience as we navigate life in a new country. Even though this is a book written for young children, it shows the realities that many immigrant families struggle with such as loss of home, learning a new language and finding connection in the simplest of things.
Like the characters in this story, I too grew in courage and words within the walls of the libraries that became a safe haven for me to choose books that grabbed my interest and sparked my imagination. It is also a book that celebrates resilience, determination, and family love.
This important and timely story will help many children feel seen and know their experiences matter. When I read Dreamers, I feel hopeful for families immigrating to the United States today. I truly believe all things are possible when we dare to dream.
The following verse from this book reminds me of my younger self and how much I wanted to learn English.
Books became our language.
Books became our home.
Books became our lives.
