Paloma Flies Away by María J. Guarda
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536231444
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

After fleeing a country made uninhabitable by a dictator, Paloma and her family settle into a new country and find a new life with new friends. While Paloma feels at home, her family misses their former life and eventually they are able to return. They are welcomed back and Paloma is embraced into the warmth of the family they had to leave. A beautiful color palette and sparse but expressive illustrations support the story, and the lack of specifics means this could be used for any child going through the same changes and emotions Paloma’s family experienced. A great book for reading aloud and for increasing empathy.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath