Collard III, Sneed B. Border Crossings. Howard Gray, Illus. Charlesbridge, 01/2023. [32]pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES 1 – 4. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-238-2.
A male ocelot at the U.S. southern border is in search of a female mate but is stopped by the recently built border wall. The narrative feels similar to a story, but is factual, describing other animals whose habitats are bisected by the wall. The text is clear on the negative ecological impact the wall has on the animal population and plants that have been cleared to build it. This will be a great classroom readaloud as well as a starting point for a discussion of how the border wall has impacted the environment. The full-color, digitally-rendered illustrations resemble gouache artwork, realistically depicting the animals and landscape. An author’s note, list of further reading, and glossary conclude the book. Review based on an ARC.
Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool