When she and her family move from Mexico to the United States, eight-year-old Ana helps her mother adjust to the new situation by encouraging her to learn English.

Good illustrations in this novel! Covers a day running errands with mom! Its a longer story for younger readers. ( )

Take a step into someone else's shoes with Home at Last. Read about the difficulties others face when they do not speak the native language. ( )

Ana and her family moved to the U.S. from Mexico when Ana was eight. Ana was excited, but Mama missed home. While Ana learns English in school, Mama feels more and more isolated and alienated. One day Ana’s baby brother gets very sick and Mama is unable to ask for help. This convinces her to learn English even though she is afraid she can’t do it [oh, yes, I can relate!], and she starts evening school. When Mama is successful in communicating, she finally feels that she is “home.” This is a wonderful book for families who are new in the United States or who have had trouble adjusting. The illustrations, done by Felipe Davalos, are colorful and attractive.

Rating: 4/5

Reading level: Ages 5 and up ( )

Wonderful book. Beautiful illustrations. Touching story. I plan to read this to my ELL students. I think a lot of my ELL students will be able to relate to this story. Little Ana and her family have recently immigrated to the US from Mexico. Ana quickly adjusts to her new environment but her mom struggles. She misses her family in Mexico and not being able to speak English makes things challenging. Home at Last is a treasure of a book. ( )