WELCOME HOME, ESMERELDA

A family goes home again.

It’s time to move yet again, but Esmerelda’s used to it, because her dad’s in the military. This time, they’ll be relocating from Germany back to San Antonio. That should be good news, because the rest of Esmerelda’s extended familia lives there, but she isn’t nearly as excited as her sister, who was born there. After all, Esmerelda’s never been to San Antonio; that’s not her home! After packing everything up, they move to temporary lodging on the base and say adios to the friends they’ve made in Germany. Once they land in the U.S., they’re greeted by loved ones, right off the plane. Everyone is curious about Esmerelda, but the only one she recognizes is her Abuela. Esmerelda doesn’t feel like she belongs. Until…Tío George puts on Tejano music. Hearing a song by her beloved Selena, Esmerelda starts dancing, and everyone joins in. At last, she feels at home. Esmerelda’s a charming protagonist struggling with an issue that will be familiar to many readers, whether they’ve moved frequently or not: feeling out of place with family they’re not yet close with. Spanish words are interspersed throughout, while Lechuga’s crayonlike art brims with detailed spreads and harmonic colors full of movement. Esmerelda and her family are brown-skinned and Latine.

A warm and relatable tale told with heart.