Across the Bay by Carlos Aponte

 

Across the Bay written and illustrated by Carlos Aponte is a true story about his childhood in Puerto Rico.  Carlitos lives in a small town across from the capital of Puerto Rico with his mother, his abuela, and his cat Coco.  Carlitos begins to realize that something sets him and his family apart from others.  He sees other kids doing things, like playing basketball or going to the barbershop,with their father; while he goes to the barbershop with his mother.  He asks his mother about his father, and she explains that he ives across the bay in San Juan and reassures him that even when things don´t work out, he is loved.  Carlitos decides to take a ferry to Old San Juan without telling his family in hopes to meet his father.  He realizes just how large Old San Juan is as he navigates through the streets.  He notices the cultures as he journeys through the city.  He then learns an important lesson when he catches a glimpse of his small town across the bay.  He returns to where he knows he belongs.  

The vibrant illustrations bring color and life to the diversity and culture of Puerto Rico.  This is a great way to speak to kids about the dangers on talking to strangers and venturing off alone.

Aponte, C. (2019). Across the bay. Penguin Workshop.