Areli Is A Dreamer, Pages 40

Author: Areli Morales

Illustrator: Lusia Uribe

Publisher: Random House, June 8, 2021

ISBN: 9781984894014

Reading Level/Audience: 4-8, Children

Goodreads Rating 4.4, Amazon Rating 4.9

Personal Rating: This Bish Empty! *Yeet*

3.2/5 ⭐⭐⭐

In the first picture book written by a DACA Dreamer, Areli Morales tells her own powerful and vibrant immigration story.

When Areli was just a baby, her mama and papa moved from Mexico to New York with her brother, Alex, to make a better life for the family–and when she was in kindergarten, they sent for her, too.

Everything in New York was different. Gone were the Saturdays at Abuela’s house, filled with cousins and sunshine. Instead, things were busy and fast and noisy. Areli’s limited English came out wrong, and schoolmates accused her of being illegal. But with time, America became her home. And she saw it as a land of opportunity, where millions of immigrants who came before her paved their own paths. She knew she would, too.

This is a moving story–one that resonates with millions of immigrants who make up the fabric of our country–about one girl living in two worlds, a girl whose DACA application was eventually approved and who is now living her American dream.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an immigration policy that has provided relief to thousands of undocumented children, referred to as “Dreamers,” who came to the United States as children and call this country home.

–Penguin Random House

I wanted to like this. The story starts off with Areli explaining her family dynamic. Her and her older brother live in Mexico with their grandmother while their mother and father reside in America. According to Areli, this is how they have lived for years and as a result, her parents are seen a mere strangers to her. It should be noted that while her brother is an American citizen, she is not. So her brother is able to move to America as soon as they are able to have everything settled while Areli is unable to move till months (possibly years) later.

Areli, does eventually move and soon faces many obstacles that prevent her from having a truly happy childhood. She is often bullied for her immigrant status and the fact that she came to America without having any knowledge on the more common lanagauges spoke there. She struggled a lot and it is powerful but this is also where it falls short. See Areli, the author, does share their story but only a small portion of it. Though this is meant to touch on what it is like to be a DACA recipient, at no point does she mention it. At least not any way that adds to the story. There is also the fact that the ending is rather ambiguous. And what I mean by that is that there is nothing there. She talks about her fears and that’s it.

In my notes, I liked this to having a sandwich with no meat. It’s a pretty sandwich that could be filling if you are in a snacky mood, but if you are starving, you are SOL. It ended so suddenly that I actually shouted out loud in anger.

So yeah, I wish I could like it, but I can’t. Which is a shame since this is a rather good start to her story.

Fun Fact: The author, Areli Morales, is a teacher, and this is based on true events. Her story, which just so happens to be her first published work, has landed her many rewards and recognition that will hopefully continue with every new release.

Kirkus – Booklist – The Horn Book – School Library Journal –

🏆 Notable Children’s Award, 2022- International Literacy Association, 2022 –

Booklist Editors Choice

Resources

Ibacache, K. (2021). Areli Is a Dreamer: A True Story by Areli Morales, a DACA Recipient [Review of Areli Is a Dreamer: A True Story by Areli Morales, a DACA Recipient, by A. Morales]. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/review/areli-is-a-dreamer-a-true-story-by-areli-morales-a-daca-recipient

ILA Staff. (2022, June 6). Winners of International Literacy Association’s 2022 Children’s and Young Adults’ Book Awards Announced. Literacyworldwide.org. https://www.literacyworldwide.org/blog/literacy-now/2022/07/06/winners-of-international-literacy-association-s-2022-children-s-and-young-adults-book-awards-announced

Kirkus Review. (2021). Areli is a dreamer : a true story by Areli Morales, a DACA recipient [Review of Areli is a dreamer : a true story by Areli Morales, a DACA recipient, by A. Morales]. Kirkus Review, LXXXIX(10). Random House Studio. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/areli-morales/areli-is-a-dreamer/

LSCHULTE. (2023, February 1). 2022 Notable Children’s Books. Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb/ncbpastlists/ncb_2022

Morales, A. (2024). Areli Is a Dreamer by Areli Morales: 9781984893994 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books. PenguinRandomhouse.com. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/605958/areli-is-a-dreamer-by-areli-morales-illustrated-by-luisa-uribe/

Paz, S. (2021). Booklist Online: Leading Book Discovery [Review of Booklist Online: Leading Book Discovery, by A. Morales]. Booklist Reviews. https://www.booklistonline.com/products/9747594

Sutton, R. (2021, August 4). Publishers’ Preview: Debut Authors and Illustrators: Five Questions for Areli Morales. The Horn Book. https://www.hbook.com/story/publishers-preview-debut-authors-and-illustrators-five-questions-for-areli-morales

The Children’s Book Council. (2024). Notable Social Studies Trade Book Awards. Cbcbooks.org. https://www.cbcbooks.org/awards-and-book-lists/notable-social-studies/