A Flicker of Hope
A Story of Migration
-
- $10.99
Publisher Description
A heartwarming tale of a girl waiting for her beloved Papá to return when the monarchs fly south to their home in Mexico.
Lucía loves to watch the monarchs' migration from her home in Mexico with Papá. But this year, the monarchs' journey north holds extra weight; Papá is heading north, too, to look for work. He promises her that when "the weather turns cold and the monarcas return, our winged ancestors will guide me home." So while he spends the summer months harvesting produce on faraway farms, Lucía watches the skies for signs of the monarchs'—and her papá's—return.
Told through the parallel stories of the butterflies’ journey and Lucía's migrant farmer father, Cynthia Harmony's A Flicker of Hope is a love letter to the power of families and nature, both of which know no borders.
National Council of Teachers of English - Charlotte Huck Outstanding Fiction for Children Honor Book Award 2025 National Science Teaching Association Outstanding Science Trade Book
American Library Association Notable Children's Book 2025
A Kirkus Best Picture Books of the Year 2024
New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2024
Chicago Public Library Best Books 2024
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A Mexican girl waits for the return of her migrant farmworker father, whose departure parallels the migratory pattern of monarch butterflies, in this ecological tale of dual-species movement. In spring, Lucía observes as the "Monarcas perch... sleepily" just as Papá prepares to head north. Papá picks up his guitar: "Songs soothe weeping hearts," he says while playing Lucía's favorite tune. As the butterflies, too, pause before journeying, Papa reminds Lucía that when "the monarcas return, our winged ancestors will guide me home." After "a million monarchs flicker magic into the sky," the smartly twined telling follows Lucía's community braiding baskets of "ocoxal leaves and memories," and migrant workers, including Papá, "in search of fields, crops, and a better tomorrow." Field and forest greens and butterfly oranges dominate the digitally finished mixed media, which feature strong, deep shades over pale washes. A glossary, author's note, and "How Can We Help?" section conclude. Ages 4–8.
