Two White Rabbits

 

  1. Two White Rabbits by Jairo Buitrago 2016

A: Bibliography

Buitrago, Jairo. 2015. TWO WHITE RABBITS. Toronto, ON: Groundwood Books.

ISBN 1554987415  


B: Plot Summary


In this story, a little girl and her father are traveling throughout the country of Mexico,

looking for work, and attempting to migrate to the United States. Told through the

eyes of a child, the reader can see the hardships and danger that both the little girl and

the father must endure on their journey. However difficult the trip seems, the little girl

still seems to find innocence, happiness, and ultimately contentment in her situation.


C: Critical Analysis (Including cultural markers)


Buitrago has written a truly wonderful work of art. This story has done as I think it was

intended to do; open my eyes, and anyone else who reads it, to the struggle that many

people face when attempting to migrate to the United States. The hard work, rough travel

conditions, and still happiness in the little girl, all affect the reader and make them step back

and question the simple things in life. 


Culture is expressed in this book through the illustrations. Throughout the book, the reader

can see animals that are commonly found in Mexico, words written in Spanish, settings that

are commonly found in Mexico, and the physical appearance of the characters themselves.

The characters appear to have dark skin, and dark hair and eyes. Students that are of the

Hispanic heritage will be able to read this book and relate to the characters. 


Also, there are several Spanish words used throughout the book that portrays the culture of

the area. Specifically, chucho, frontera, leche, and frutas are used. So just as with the

characters, readers that come from Hispanic cultures will feel more comfortable reading

books about subjects that they are familiar with. 


This book would be great for English Language Learners to read due to the familiar language

interspersed throughout the story. 


D: Review Excerpts

2016 USBBY Outstanding International Book


Publishers Weekly: “Hope and hardship coexist in this haunting look at refugees fleeing home in hopes of a

safer, more secure life.”


Kirkus Review:“In leaving readers with much to wonder about, the book packs the most powerful of

punches.”


School Library Journal: "An important and timely picture book for every library collection."


E: Connections


Look for these other books for young people about the Hispanic culture:


Morales, Yuyi. DREAMERS. ISBN: 0823440559


Mendez, Yamile Saied. WHERE ARE YOU FROM? ISBN: 0062839934


Lindstrom, Carole. WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS. ISBN: 1250203554


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