Brick by Brick by Heidi Woodward Sheffield

Luis, his papi and his mama live in a small apartment in the city. Every day, his papi goes out to work, building the city brick by brick. And every day Luis goes to school, learning book by book.

Luis dreams of the day when they will have their own home, with a dog for him and a garden for his mama. And one day the dream comes true and the bricks his papi builds are for their own home.

The story is simple, glowing with all the warmth and love of bricks in the sun. The rhythmic, simple text makes it a great choice for read-alouds, but with enough depth for discussion with older kids.

The collage illustrations are not my personal favorite, but they're a perfect fit for this book, exemplifying the dignity and beauty of skilled labor and the family that is building their dreams, one brick at a time.

Spanish phrases are smoothly woven into the text as well as the process of bricklaying.

I would be more effusive but this is due back at the library, our copy hasn't arrived yet, and I have a headache!

Verdict: It's not the usual thing I'd care for, but I'm eager to use this in storytime and I can see many of the children in our community, both white and Latinx, relating to this story. Strongly recommended.

ISBN: 9780525517306; Published May 2020 by Nancy Paulsen/Penguin; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library