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Reviewed by Diana Lopez for Readers' Favorite
The family provides security to children, teaching them to manage emotions and express feelings. It is essential to foster this bond and show them that, although it may require effort, it is fundamental to enjoy life. Marissa Santos conveys this idea in Through These Hands. The story begins when Abuelita tries to tell a story to her grandson, who is reluctant at first. She mentions to him that she has noticed how he avoided helping in the preparation of a family party. The boy argues that it is too much work. So Abuelita decides to share the secret for happiness, capturing his attention. She relates her own experience from her youth, living in Mexico and working two jobs. She then explains the effort it took to move and find stability in the United States to have better opportunities for her and her family.
I loved Through These Hands for its natural development of complex concepts such as migration, family, and resilience. The narrative is simple and entertaining. I liked Marissa Santos' writing style because you can feel the love in every word. She includes Spanish words with their English translations, making Mexican culture accessible and understandable for young readers. The plot is fascinating because it shows us Abuelita's life since the age of fifteen, covering several significant events such as her wedding or when she had to say goodbye to her family to travel to the United States. In addition, the images by Yuliia Zolotova are colorful and charming, capturing the essence of Mexico. Through These Hands teaches the value of hard work and represents parental love for their children.
