My Words Flew Away Like Birds by Debora Pearson, Shrija Jain
Published by Kids Can Press on October 5, 2021
ISBN: 152530318X
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

This is an excellent book about a family moving to a new country. In preparation, they learn some new words and phrases but those evade the little girl telling the story when she arrives and is overwhelmed by new experiences. The book is engaging and has sweet illustrations but what really won me over was an experience she has in which someone they know tries to introduce them to a man he knows who comes from the same country that they do. What follows is the awkward realization that they don’t actually speak the same language. It’s a gentle reminder that for those who have immigrated the experience is complicated and can be difficult and sometimes people with the best intentions can fall short.  This would be terrific for a classroom getting a new student, anyone preparing for a move, or for anyone learning about immigration.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath