“Coming to a new country is daunting, and Emily Francis’ riveting, emotional, and thought-provoking collection of letters between her and her students immediately grabbed the attention of my learners, opening the door for conversations about their own journeys.”

—Pamela Broussard, New Arrival Center teacher, Cypress Falls High School

“I think that this story represents me, and matters to me because I’ve had a good experience of what happens when you’re suffering in certain ways. This story may help [immigrants] to understand that we can have a better future and learn new things.”

—Oliver Coreas, student of Emily Francis

TIMELY TIE -INS

September:

Self- Improvement Month

Hispanic Heritage Month

Back to School Month

Buy a Book Day – September 7

International Literacy Day – September 8

Positive Thinking Day – September 13

World Gratitude Day – September 21

October:

National Book Month

World Teachers Day – October 5

Indie Authors Day – October 12

Conflict Resolution Day – October 17

Make a Difference Day – October 22

National Immigration Day – October 28

November:

National Authors Day – November 1

National Young Readers Day – November 8

National STEM and STEAM Day – November 8

Education Week – November 15

National Parents Involvement Day – November 18

Giving Tuesday – November 29

TALKING POINTS:

Tell us about what it was like growing up in Guatemala, then immigrating to the U.S. 

Please talk about the role your mother and family played in your becoming a teacher

The language barrier for immigrants entering schools in a new country is daunting – can you talk to this subject?

What advice would you give a family who is considering moving to the U.S. for a better education?