Dreamers
Book Summary:
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales is a powerful autobiographical picture book about a mother and child who immigrate from Mexico to the United States in search of safety, opportunity, and belonging. Arriving with very little and facing language barriers, they find hope and possibility through books, libraries, and learning. The story celebrates resilience, identity, and the transformative power of education.
Recommended Questions:
How do you think the author would define the word “Dreamers”? Why do you think she chose this word as the title of the book?
The book begins and ends with the phrase “We are Love / Amor / Love.” Why do you think the author chose to emphasize this message? What does it tell us about identity and belonging?
Why do you think the author and her child left their home? What do you think they miss most about where they came from?
What do you think the author is trying to communicate when she says, “we became immigrants”? Why is this wording important?
Look closely at the cloud illustrations on pages 7 and 8. What do you notice about them? How do these cloud images help you connect emotionally to the story?
Choose a different illustration (not the clouds) and explain how that image helps you better understand the author’s experiences or feelings.
Why is it important to learn the stories of immigrants and the contributions they make to their communities, culture, and society?
How does the book show both the challenges and strengths of being an immigrant?
The library becomes a safe and meaningful place for the author, and picture books play an important role in her journey. As a class, create a list of ten picture books you would recommend to the author based on what you learned about her from the story. Explain why you chose each book.
Author Yuyi Morales has given many interviews about her life and work. Research her background, her books, and what inspires her writing and art. How does learning more about the author help you better understand Dreamers?
NCSS Theme 9: Global Connections
This book explores how migration connects people, cultures, and nations across borders. Dreamers illustrates the experience of navigating between cultures and shows how maintaining one’s cultural roots while learning a new language and customs can be a source of strength rather than loss. By highlighting immigration, language learning, and community resources, the book helps students understand how local communities are influenced by global movement and interconnectedness.
Social Justice Anchor Standard 3: Multiple identities that create unique and complex individuals
The story affirms bilingualism, immigrant identity, and cultural heritage. Morales shows how embracing language, creativity, and community helps build confidence and belonging, encouraging students to value their own identities and respect those of others.
WA History 3: Multiple perspectives and interpretations of historical events
Dreamers provides a first-person immigrant perspective that deepens students’ understanding of migration beyond dates and policies. By centering the lived experience of a mother and child, the book helps students recognize that historical events like immigration are experienced differently depending on language, culture, and access to resources.
