The Notebook Keeper, Stephen Briseno
The Notebook Keeper, Stephen Briseno
List: $5.00 | Sale: $3.50
Club: $2.50

The Notebook Keeper
A Story of Kindness from the Border

Author: Stephen Briseño

Narrator: María José Zuniga

Unabridged: 6 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/28/2022


Synopsis

Based on true events, this inspiring story follows a mama and her daughter who are denied entry at the U.S. border, and must find the refugee in charge of “the notebook,” an unofficial ledger of those waiting to cross into the U.S.

Before, the sun drenched the yard. Our neighbor's laughter danced in the streets. Now, the streets are quiet. Papa is gone, and we are no longer safe here. We are leaving, too.
 
In this moving picture book, Noemi and Mama flee their home in Mexico, and head for the US border. There, they look for "The Notebook Keeper"-- the person in charge of a ledger for those waiting to cross, and they add their names to the book. As the days turn into weeks, and hope dwindles,  the little girl looks for kindness around her-- and inside herself. One day, when the Notebook Keeper's own name is called to cross, Noemi and her Mama are chosen--for the generosity in their hearts-- to take her place.

About The Author

Stephen Briseño is an English Language Arts teacher living in San Antonio, Texas. The Notebook Keeper is his first children's book. Visit him on the web at stephenbriseno.weebly.com.Magdalena Mora is the illustrator of I Wish You Knew by Jackie Azúa Kramer and Equality's Call by Deborah Diesen. She lives in the Twin Cities. Visit her on the web at magdalenamora.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Julia on July 27, 2022

It’s hard to read this book without crying. The writing is poignant and the story feels all too familiar. While reading this book I thought of so many students who have made a similar journey with similar sacrifices. I think this book would be a beautiful gift for anyone who works or volunteers in i......more

Goodreads review by Laura on July 17, 2022

A moving, heartfelt story from a border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, The Notebook Keeper follows a girl named Noemi and her mother as they leave their home and attempt to start a new life. The illustrations perfectly complement the heartfelt emotions that Briseno brings to life. This story is based......more

Goodreads review by Valerie on May 15, 2022

An immigration story from Mexico to the U.S. that focuses on the “wait” – being assigned a number and waiting for that number to be called. What makes this difficult journey a bit more palatable is interacting with Belinda, the notebook keeper in this story. She has the special “job” of welcoming ne......more

Goodreads review by Heather on March 24, 2024

A beautiful emotional piece calling us all to kindness towards one another.......more

Goodreads review by Viviane on July 16, 2022

Very moving book about refugee camps at the border and the "notebook keeper" person who keeps track of names of refugees who want to go into the USA. (The story is based on real events, but apparently this refugee program has stopped.)......more


Quotes

A PURA BELPRÉ AUTHOR HONOR WINNER

★ "A heartening story emphasizing the real ways generous people step up in a crisis." —Booklist, starred review

"A hopeful story that encourages compassion." —Kirkus Reviews