Friends from the Other Side/Amigos del otro lado

by Gloria E. Anzaldúa, Harriet Rohmer (Editor)

"Did you come from the other side? You know, from Mexico?" So begins the friendship between Prietita and Joaquín, the young boy who, with his mother, has crossed the Rio Grande River to Texas in search of a new life. Prietita, a brave young Mexican American girl, defends Joaquín from the neighborhood kids who taunt him with shouts of "mojado" or "wetback." But what can she do to protect Joaquín and his mother from the Border Patrol as the van cruises slowly up the street toward their hiding place? Writer Gloria Anzaldúa is a major Mexican American literary voice. Illustrator Consuelo Méndez is a noted Latin American artist. Both grew up in South Texas. In this, their first collaboration, they have captured not only the hardship of daily life on the border, but also the beauty of the landscape and the dignity and generosity of spirit that the Mexican Americans and the Mexican immigrants share.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Latinx, Spanish Literature, Cultural, Fiction, Immigration

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1993

About the author

Gloria E. Anzaldúa was a scholar of Chicana cultural theory, feminist theory, and queer theory. She loosely based her best-known book, Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza, on her life growing up on the Mexican-Texas border and incorporated her lifelong feelings of social and cultural marginalization into her work.

When she was eleven, her family relocated to Hargill, Texas. Despite feeling discriminated against as a sixth-generation Tejana and as a female, and despite the death of her father from a car accident when she was fourteen, Anzaldúa still obtained her college education. In 1968, she received a B.A. in English, Art, and Secondary Education from Pan American University, and an M.A. in English and Education from the University of Texas at Austin. While in Austin, she joined politically active cultural poets and radical dramatists such as Ricardo Sanchez, and Hedwig Gorski.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in English from the then Pan American University (now University of Texas-Pan American), Anzaldúa worked as a preschool and special education teacher. In 1977, she moved to California, where she supported herself through her writing, lectures, and occasional teaching stints about feminism, Chicano studies, and creative writing at San Francisco State University, the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Florida Atlantic University, among other universities.

(from Wikipedia)

See also: https://tshaonline.org/handbook/onlin...

Reviews

[Daisy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This books takes on a very difficult and controversial topic, and really doesn't do much with it.

[Andrew Gallini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends from the Other Side, by Gloria Anzaldua, illustrated by Consuelo Mendez

Prietita is a young Mexican-American girl living in South Texas, near the Rio-Grande river which is the U.S.-Mexican border. One day, she meets a boy named Joaquin, who meets her clad in a long sleeve shirt (unusual for the summer) and a bundle of firewood. She notices that his Spanish is different from hers, and asks if he is from "the other side." The two quickly become friends, and through this friendship Prietita comes to see the vast differences between her life and that of Joaquin's, and the challenges that come with being labeled as an illegal from across the border.

The author does a wonderful job conveying the difficulties of being an illegal immigrant living near the border, and the social stigma that comes with it. In this very real and down to earth book, children will be introduced to many realities involving illegal immigration. The hardships that these families face, the prejudices against them, and the overall hate that some individuals have for immigrants are all topics highlighted in the text. The author does a wonderful job of conveying all of these issues without pulling any punches, while at the same time keeping it kid friendly. Though the illustrations feel rushed and elementary, this does not detract from the overall message that the author is trying to give. Adults will find this book a wonderful tool for explaining illegal immigration to children and as a way to help them empathize with a group of people that they may have no conception of.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This dual language book has some beautiful illustrations and storytelling to take on a very difficult subject that children should be able to learn about and understand in either Spanish or English. It seems still very relevant today although it's two and a half decades old. I wish it did a little more with the story, but I think the messages of standing up to bullies (including by not reporting immigrants to border cops!) are good ones.

Recommended.

[Yesenia Sepulveda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book simplifies common difficulties faced by newcomers from Mexico. Other cultures may also identify with some of the themes. GLoria Anzaldua explains what it's like to be a victim of a bully because you are different. This theme may not only apply to Mexicans but to any other child. The book identifies a manner in which you can handle being a witness to bullies by standing up for what you believe is right. Through the use of colorful pictures and side by side spanish/english, this book is inviting to newcomers who may not yet dominate the english language. It is also attractive and allows others who do speak English to be exposed to the Spanish language and compare stories side by side. This book touches on serious topics, such as name calling and being frightened by La Migra. It has a very kid friendly explanation of where these names come from allowing students to understand what they mean and to be aware that they are not very respectful names to call others. This book nicely balances themes related to the hardships of Mexicans but also to other cultures as well. It is a learning experience for all.

[Sumer · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the title suggests, this story tells us about a friendship between a young boy, Joaquin, who had just crossed the Rio Grande and a Mexican-American girl, Prietita. His rigorous journey that’s wholesomely recognized by Prietita, is illustrated through the images by Méndez and also through their developing friendship. They are challenged by their peers within the same culture and border patrol which consists of Americans and Mexican Americans. This story fits well in a classroom unit focusing on journeys or in a bilingual classroom of Mexican Americans to show different perspectives and experiences of folks within their own culture. It also serves as a good fit in a bilingual ed classroom for the English and Spanish translations within the same page. The story seemed to have ended abruptly, and because of that, it showed to be an anecdote on the daily life in the eyes of a couple of kids from different and very similar backgrounds.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the other side means from Mexico, across the Rio Grande. Prietita chooses to befriend Joaquin, a boy from the other side. They play together and she learns about his life, until Joaquin and his mother need to hide from the border patrol.
A very honest story, beautifully told in English and Spanish side-by-side.

Illustrated by Consuelo Mendez.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my chief delights in teaching has been the opportunity to learn more about the Hispanic-Latino community in the Midwest. This novel was a huge hit with my kids -- it is the story of a young, undocumented Mexican worker who struggles against hardship and misunderstanding in the USA.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of a young girl who befriends a boy "de otro lado," defending him in the face of bullies and protecting him from officials who want to deport him and his mother. A nice bilingual story, but the illustrations are not my favorite.

[Miami University Libraries]

Rhonda Jackson read a selection from this book. King Library, Ground Floor, IMC, Language Materials | PZ73 .A59 1993

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for the reader that wants to, or already can, read Spanish.

[Jennifer Evers · Rating 3 out of 5]

illustrator- Consuelo Mendez

bilingual version-- translations are very accurate in meaning, not just in literal words.

[Cassie]

Having crossed the Rio Grande into Texas with his mother in search of a new life, Joaquin receives help and friendship from Prietita, a brave young Mexican American girl.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

chapter 7

[Amy Yount · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chapter 7 recommended reading

[Emma Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book, "Friends from the Other Side" by Gloria E. Anzaldúa was an amazing story of a true testimony of two different walks of life, specifically between a young girl who live in Texas and a boy who is defined as an "illegal" immigrant. While reading this book, I was introduced to a brave girl, Prietita, who shows amazing kindness to a boy, Joaquín, "from the other side." This book's beautiful illustrations painted a beautiful picture of a difficult topic to discuss. Although the topic presented in the book was difficult to talk about, the common message of showing kindness to all people was exemplified in a way that made it easier to relate to. The unique part about this book is that it presents two languages that highlight the reality of what it is like to communicate with people that are different from you.

As a teacher, this book would be amazing to use in the classroom, especially if different cultures and races are present in your class. "Friends from the Other Side" bridges a gap between two cultures that oftentimes may not be discussed or talked about. It also highlights the reality of bullying, which is often present in a lot of schools. A way to specifically use this in the classroom would be to connect this book to the historical parts of immigration and how it has looked like in the US over the years. Having your students consider the possible feelings and emotions immigrants have would be an essential part of this lesson. Specifically, students could find character traits from both Prietita and Joaquín. I would love to use this in my classroom to discuss the topics of immigration and discrimination in a student-friendly way.

[Johnna Mills]

In the story, the main character is Prietita. In the story, Prietita defends Joaquin from the other children in the neighborhood who bully him for not being from America. She protects Joaquin and his mother from the Border Patrol. Joaquin just arrived in the United States, so it is all new to him. Prietita decides to become friends with him, because she knows what it is like to be in his shoes. In the story, Prietita asks Joaquin if he is from the other side, meaning is he from Mexico. This is how their friendship begins. Joaquin and his mother have left Mexico, because they want a new life. In the story Prietita helps them find this new life. Some themes in this story are communication, and friendship.
If I were to use this story to teach in the classroom, I would use it to teach social studies. I could use it to demonstrate that in the US there are people from all around the world that live here. It's what makes America what it is today. I would inform that class that we are all from different backgrounds and places. I would then go on to explain to them that where we are from is what makes us who we are. It makes each of us unique. Nobody should be treated any differently just because of where they are from or because of what they look like. I would then go on to tell students that in my classroom, we treat everyone with dignity and respect. I could use this book at the beginning of the year, to set a goal that this is how we should treat others. We should respect our classmates despite of their class, race, etc.

[Gracie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This text tells the story of a young girl Prietita, who defends and immigrant boy named Joaquin. The story discusses the struggles Joaquin and his family face, such as a lack of food, unable to work, and facing discrimination from the neighborhood. Joaquin attempts to help his family out by selling things in the shadows, but when he meets Prietita, an unlikely friendship develops. Prietita defends Joaquin from the neighborhood bullies who call him degrading names. She also tries to tend to his medical needs. She helps him hide from the border patrol, when they attempt to pick him and his family up.

As a teacher, I would use this text in my classroom to discuss current events that children across the world are facing. This text does a wonderful job at portraying some of these struggles. So many students in the classroom are unaware of worldly things happening around them. Everyday, families are torn apart and children, their age, are left to hide in the shadows and be invisible. I believe it is important to expose students to real world problems to evoke the emotional response within them. we could also have a writng activity about if they were in Joaquin's shoes how they would feel,

[Mia Fireheart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses on a young Mexican American girl who becomes friends with a Mexican boy who is an illegal immigrant. As a Mexican American myself, I find this book to be quite relatable. I think young Mexican American readers can make connections with this book since what happens within the story contains some realism. Even though this story is told by a Mexican American girl, I think the writer, Gloria Anzaldúa, does a great job on telling this story in a way where any child of any ethnicity could understand the conflicts. Also, this book is written in both English AND in Spanish! Wow!
The illustrations seem to be created by colored pencils and include double page spreads. In every page the illustrations match the text - both text and illustrations go well together.

[Jackson Linko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching tale of friendship that transcends social and cultural barriers is told in this book. It tackles weighty subjects like prejudice and immigration in a way that is both relevant and approachable. The illustrations give the story emotion and vitality, and the bilingual text is a wonderful addition. The story promotes empathy and understanding despite its serious tone, making it a worthwhile read for teenagers or anyone wishing to broaden their horizons.

[Kristal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story written in two languages about friendship between an “illegal immigrant” (for lack of a better term) boy named Joaquin, and a Mexican-American girl. People treat Joaquin poorly because of the way him and his mother arrived in town, but they find protection and kindness with others.

[Annie Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really gut wrenching seeing how children truly think differently than others. I highly recommend when teaching children about diversity! It follows a young girl and a young boy who come from different sides of the river and how they interact coming from such different cultures.

[Israel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Wonderful. I wanted more but what an ending.

[Mason King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for the most part but would have been better to include a real-life scenario.

[Nancy Padilla]

Great book to read to all reading levels. And gives an excellent perspective on border town life, from the past to the present.

[Ethan Washington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good.

[Jai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for beginners who know how to read enough Spanish to get them started. Unfortunately this book ended super abruptly.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://openlibrary.org/works/OL17904...

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anzaldua, Gloria. Friends From the Other Side/ Amigos del Otro Lado (1993). The picture book is set in a small South Texas desert town along the border with Mexico. The detailed illustrations convey the influence of the desert’s flora and fauna on the community, both it’s harsh and its healing aspects. It is a realistic portrayal of a developing friendship and the struggles of living on the border. It begins with the main character, Prietita, a young girl who meets a young boy named Joaquin. He is passing by selling firewood. She learns that he has recently come from “the other side” of the border, Mexico, and notices he has lots of sores and boils on his arms. She thinks about the neighborhood curandera, the herb woman who has healing powers, but before she can offer him help he leaves. Eventually they become friends, especially once she gains his trust, after she stands up for him against some kids who are harassing him and calling him racist names. She offers to walk him home and meets his mom. Preitita learns about their extreme humble home life. They live in a tumbledown shack and the mom struggles to find steady work. There friendship continues to blossom and strengthen especially after Prietita manages to help Joaquin and his mother hide with the curandera, during an immigration raid. Since Preitita proves to be courageous and empathetic, the story ends with the curandera inviting Preitita to be her apprentice. She will begin by helping heal Joaquin’s boils and sores. It is recommended for ages 6-9 years of age. It can be used to teach about story elements like setting and plot. As well it is a good story that offers a unique perspective on a recurring relevant topic of immigration.