My Home Is in My Backpack

Reviews / Votes

*A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2025 pick*

'Both poignant and buoyant: a touching tribute to love and the endurance of the human spirit.'
-- Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

'A family's forced migration prompts a new way of seeing home in this sensitively rendered tale of change. Arresting.'
-- Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

'A superb book that evokes empathy for families facing forced migration, examining the topic in an accessible way for children.'
-- BookPage, Starred Review

'The text, smoothly translated from Spanish, addresses a difficult topic in a hopeful, accessible way but touches on the journey's difficulties.'
-- Horn Book

'A poignant and moving story? Tender and charming, this glimpse into the subject is both timely and encouraging.'
-- Armadillo

'The illustrations are gentle and expansive? Perrella and Salerno explain how they wanted "to show that play, friendship and love are also present, and that the magic and innocence of childhood can remain." They capture these ideas beautifully in this gorgeous book'
-- Juno

'This is such an important book. This powerful tale of courage, perseverance and community illustrates how we carry our homes with us, and will help young children understand a refugee's journey.'
-- Kindling

'A perfect book to introduce children to the story of some immigrants and to help students who have migrated feel less alone.'
-- Adrien Carter, YA Books Central

'Despite her trying journey, Clara is sweet and soft, and her love of art winds through the book, with her own drawings of the stories of the people she meets intertwining and dancing beautifully with the reality around her.'
-- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

'Celebrates family and connections which emerge even from seeing homelessness and nomadic travel, making for a picture book strong in family connections and positivity.'
-- Midwest Book Review

'Lovely. This is a good choice for the conditions in today's world.'
-- First Thursday Book Reviews

'Both gentle and emotionally resonant. A poignant, beautifully illustrated picture book that honors the resilience of children on the move.'
-- Tahira A, Head of Youth Services Department Wyandanch Public Library

'The illustrations radiate a sense of happiness and joy. Through the colors and images, the story tries to connect children with an entertaining journey of discovery through nature to help them keep the magic and innocence of childhood? I hope this book becomes a window for people in general to understand what migrants go through and how much kindness they need; and a mirror for migrants themselves to see they are not alone, and that they can find a place to call home wherever they go.'
-- Un viaje en libro

'The story is told simply, and with empathy for the plight of so many in the world today. A reminder to children who hear the story that they have much in common with the children of the world, despite their differing circumstances.'
-- Sal's Fiction Addiction

'This striking book is inspired by real life refugee experiences in Venezuela and gently presents this timely issue in a child friendly way.'
-- Bentley Heath Primary School Book Club

'Tender. Students who have experienced transition will see themselves in Clara's story, while others will gain insight into the sacrifices and hopes that come with leaving everything behind.'
-- Two Writing Teachers

'A powerful picture book. The sensitive illustrations [?] help young readers visualize both the hardships of displacement and the enduring power of hope and human connection.'
-- OmniLibros

'This is one of the most poignant books I've ever read to my little one? The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. They're diverse and a delight to look at, there's so much to explore on each page.'
-- Mum of Boys Northeast (Instagram)

'The illustrations are so emotive and pure. It is a book that I will treasure as it has truly touched me.'
-- Mammy Gittins (Instagram)

'So tender and so strong. A compassionate look at migration for young readers, and a gentle way to start conversations.'
-- Read with a Rescue (Instagram)

'The author and illustrator work seamlessly to create meaning that echoes from the pages. This child-friendly story provides a mentor text to foster necessary conversations. A must read.'
-- Fairy Tales and Finger Paints (Instagram)

'Moving, inspiring, heartbreaking, and heartwarming! This book truly tugs on every emotion with its powerful story of hope from a child refugee's eyes. I was truly moved by this book and love everything about it!'
-- Murray's Miraculous Mission (Instagram)

?Explores what children may be feeling as they travel far from home with only a few of their things, in a gentle yet honest way.'
-- Kids Read the World (Instagram)

'A tender look at migration and resilience, honoring the memories and culture children carry with them.'
-- Paumen's Pages (Instagram)