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Mango Moon: When Deportation Divides a Family
First Book's 2nd Annual Title Raves
2020 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People
2020 Skipping Stones Honor Award
2020 Alma Flor Ada Best Latino Focused Children's Picture Book, Second Place
A timely story that portrays the heartbreak of a family separated by deportation.
When a father is taken away from his family and faces deportation, the family is left to grieve and wonder what comes next. Maricela, Manuel, and their mother face the many challenges of having their lives completely changed by the absence of their father and husband. Having to move, missed soccer games and birthday parties, and emptiness are just part of the now day-to-day norm. Mango Moon shows what life is like from a child's perspective when a parent is deported, and the heartbreaking realities the family has to face.
2020 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People
2020 Skipping Stones Honor Award
2020 Alma Flor Ada Best Latino Focused Children's Picture Book, Second Place
A timely story that portrays the heartbreak of a family separated by deportation.
When a father is taken away from his family and faces deportation, the family is left to grieve and wonder what comes next. Maricela, Manuel, and their mother face the many challenges of having their lives completely changed by the absence of their father and husband. Having to move, missed soccer games and birthday parties, and emptiness are just part of the now day-to-day norm. Mango Moon shows what life is like from a child's perspective when a parent is deported, and the heartbreaking realities the family has to face.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2021
3 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Diane De Anda
33 books3 followersDiane De Anda, PhD, UCLA professor emerita, has edited four books on ethnically diverse populations and published numerous scholarly articles. She has also published shoirt stories, essays, satires, poetry, and a collection of flash fiction. She has published children's poetry, eight children's books, which have won multiple awards, and has six children's books scheduled for publication. Her bicultural background, as a third-generation Latina, is often evident in her work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 31, 2019
Mango Moon is a story about a ten-year-old girl named Maricela whose father is being deported. The last time the two were together, he pointed out the full moon and called it a “mango moon” because it was the color of a slice of mango.
After Papi was taken away, Mama had to get a second job. She also asked Maricela and her brother Manual to stay inside and lock the doors so they would be safe until she got home each night. Now they are getting ready to move from their house; even with two jobs Mama doesn’t make enough to pay the mortgage; they are going to move in with cousins.
Nothing seems to be going right. The kids are teased at school, and Maricela is scared that her mother will be taken away also. Papi is apparently being kept in a detention facility, and Mama has to take a bus to see him. As bad as this is, it is only temporary. Soon, Mama says, they will be sending Papi back to the country he came from. But Maricela knows he left in the first place because it was too dangerous there.
The children give Mama notes and pictures to take with her when she visits Papi, and he sends back letters that Maricela reads over and over.
Maricela is sick from fear and worry and missing her dad. But Mama tells her love is like the mango moon: she and her father can feel its glow no matter where they are.
Realistic illustrations brightly colored but with softened edges by multiple award-winner Sue Cornelison adeptly convey all the emotions Maricela is experiencing.
Evaluation: Although the story is quite sad, it gives a general outline of what is happening to a large number of families in the country right now. Many children will know someone affected by the separation policies of the government, and may be curious about what is going on and what it means. The author does a good job not only directing her story to a young audience (ages 7-10) but balancing the heartbreaking nature of the immigrant situation with what little positive spin she can.
After Papi was taken away, Mama had to get a second job. She also asked Maricela and her brother Manual to stay inside and lock the doors so they would be safe until she got home each night. Now they are getting ready to move from their house; even with two jobs Mama doesn’t make enough to pay the mortgage; they are going to move in with cousins.
Nothing seems to be going right. The kids are teased at school, and Maricela is scared that her mother will be taken away also. Papi is apparently being kept in a detention facility, and Mama has to take a bus to see him. As bad as this is, it is only temporary. Soon, Mama says, they will be sending Papi back to the country he came from. But Maricela knows he left in the first place because it was too dangerous there.
The children give Mama notes and pictures to take with her when she visits Papi, and he sends back letters that Maricela reads over and over.
Maricela is sick from fear and worry and missing her dad. But Mama tells her love is like the mango moon: she and her father can feel its glow no matter where they are.
Realistic illustrations brightly colored but with softened edges by multiple award-winner Sue Cornelison adeptly convey all the emotions Maricela is experiencing.
Evaluation: Although the story is quite sad, it gives a general outline of what is happening to a large number of families in the country right now. Many children will know someone affected by the separation policies of the government, and may be curious about what is going on and what it means. The author does a good job not only directing her story to a young audience (ages 7-10) but balancing the heartbreaking nature of the immigrant situation with what little positive spin she can.
January 24, 2020
Book Riot Read Harder challenge 2020 task # 18: Read a picture book with a human main character from a marginalized community.
Mango Moon is about a ten-year-old girl named Maricela, who along with her mother and younger brother Manuel, has to deal with the aftermath of her father's deportation for being undocumented. What I loved about Mango Moon is that it shows the real world consequences, the human impact, that immigration policies have. Diane de Anda shows that forced family separations are traumatic for anybody, but it's especially difficult for young children who can't understand why their parent or family member is being taken away from them. There's a real sense of fear and trauma that will undoubtedly leave a lasting psychological and emotional impact on these children.
Although Mango Moon explores a heartbreaking story, it can be a great resource for children who're going through a similar experience because it shows them that they're not alone. The book can also be used to teach young children about the impacts of immigration policies on kids their own age and what it means for those families. Finally, Sue Cornelison's soft edge illustrations are beautiful and her use of a muted colour palette adds to the somber feel of the book.
Mango Moon is about a ten-year-old girl named Maricela, who along with her mother and younger brother Manuel, has to deal with the aftermath of her father's deportation for being undocumented. What I loved about Mango Moon is that it shows the real world consequences, the human impact, that immigration policies have. Diane de Anda shows that forced family separations are traumatic for anybody, but it's especially difficult for young children who can't understand why their parent or family member is being taken away from them. There's a real sense of fear and trauma that will undoubtedly leave a lasting psychological and emotional impact on these children.
Although Mango Moon explores a heartbreaking story, it can be a great resource for children who're going through a similar experience because it shows them that they're not alone. The book can also be used to teach young children about the impacts of immigration policies on kids their own age and what it means for those families. Finally, Sue Cornelison's soft edge illustrations are beautiful and her use of a muted colour palette adds to the somber feel of the book.
January 18, 2026
Simply and movingly told through the eyes of a young girl, this deportation story shows the heartbreak of family separation. The story and illustrations sensitively show the immediate devastation and long-lasting emotional turmoil she and her family experience when her papi is taken away just because he didn't have papers. "I don't understand why they would send him so far away because of some papers." That there is no morally acceptable explanation for her is the point. A family's love endures no matter the distance, but it shouldn't have to.
January 20, 2023
This book was on a topic that is less written about but very often occurs. The main character's father was detained for not having citizenship papers in the U.S. This happened more often than we may realize and having a book that some of these kids can relate to and feel like they see themselves and their feelings validated can make a big difference. I think other students can also use this book as looking through the looking glass and seeing what others around them may be experiencing.
May 6, 2019
This book is heartbreaking. It could serve to help kids facing this situation feel less alone and to help kids not in this situation be more compassionate for their peers. The illustrations are soft and lovely.
October 2, 2022
This story is heartbreaking and relevant to our immigrant students. The main character’s father is held for not having papers to be here. The story is about the daughter’s struggle to adjust being without her father.
January 21, 2023
I love that this book has realistic illustrations, and it touches a topic that many children live through. This makes it relatable for them and helps others understand what these children think and feel when this happens to them.
October 4, 2024
🥺Well written. Kid friendly.
September 23, 2020
Mango Moon
Genre: Cont. Realistic Fiction
Awards: None
Source: Townsend Memorial Library Research Guide
Audience: Grades K - 3
Response:
The author helps the reader connect with the little girl, Maricela, who is the main character. The book provides insight into the perspective of a child of an illegal immigrant. Maricela’s dad has been deported and she talks about special things she did with her dad before he left, such as her dad coaching her soccer team and pushing her on the swing. This causes the reader to think about the good times they have had with their dad (or parent/guardian) and feel sympathetic towards Maricela’s situation. The reader is encouraged to put themselves in Maricela’s shoes, which allows them to gain a new perspective.
The topic this book deals with is deportation and illegal immigration. Maricela talks about how and why her father got taken away, as well as how unfair she thinks it is. This book would be beneficial to read to any children whose parents have been deported because while it laments the absence of a parent, it also inspires perseverance. Maricela can look at the “mango moon” and know that her father is looking at the exact same one, thinking of her.
Genre: Cont. Realistic Fiction
Awards: None
Source: Townsend Memorial Library Research Guide
Audience: Grades K - 3
Response:
The author helps the reader connect with the little girl, Maricela, who is the main character. The book provides insight into the perspective of a child of an illegal immigrant. Maricela’s dad has been deported and she talks about special things she did with her dad before he left, such as her dad coaching her soccer team and pushing her on the swing. This causes the reader to think about the good times they have had with their dad (or parent/guardian) and feel sympathetic towards Maricela’s situation. The reader is encouraged to put themselves in Maricela’s shoes, which allows them to gain a new perspective.
The topic this book deals with is deportation and illegal immigration. Maricela talks about how and why her father got taken away, as well as how unfair she thinks it is. This book would be beneficial to read to any children whose parents have been deported because while it laments the absence of a parent, it also inspires perseverance. Maricela can look at the “mango moon” and know that her father is looking at the exact same one, thinking of her.
May 1, 2019
A family is separated when a father is seized at work because he does not have documentation indicating that he is a legal United States citizen. Told through the eyes of a child, Maricela, Mango Moon is heartbreaking. Keeping it real, author De Anda does not come up with a pat happy ending. The future of all family members is unresolved and the family is left living day by day.
The soft illustrations in Mango Moon add to the impact of the story. The gentle browns skin tones, the mango color that reappears throughout the book and the expressions of sadness on the faces of family members support the serious tone of the prose. It is the final image, young Maricela standing on green grass in a field looking at the mango colored moon and her father standing on similar green grass behind fencing topped with barbed wire looking at the mango colored moon that will leave the reader with sadness. This book will linger in the reader's heart.
The soft illustrations in Mango Moon add to the impact of the story. The gentle browns skin tones, the mango color that reappears throughout the book and the expressions of sadness on the faces of family members support the serious tone of the prose. It is the final image, young Maricela standing on green grass in a field looking at the mango colored moon and her father standing on similar green grass behind fencing topped with barbed wire looking at the mango colored moon that will leave the reader with sadness. This book will linger in the reader's heart.
April 7, 2024
This is a story of a family torn apart by deportation.
Almost 10-year-old Marciela’s father is taken from his job one day to a detention center as he lacks the necessary papers and is eventually set for deportation. We watch as her family’s life is impacted by this change as well as her feelings as she is separated from her father.
The book does a great job of exploring the feelings that children may experience when a parent is set to a detention center. I found the book, while important and realistic to be heavy. There’s no “happy ending” in this book or something to be truly hopeful about (which is what might make it more realistic). There is no mention of a fight to keep the father in the country – which I would guess could be a part of many journeys of those set to be deported.
I would’ve appreciated an author’s note about detention centres, deportation, or even some points for discussion for this book. It was definitely one to make you feel and think.
Almost 10-year-old Marciela’s father is taken from his job one day to a detention center as he lacks the necessary papers and is eventually set for deportation. We watch as her family’s life is impacted by this change as well as her feelings as she is separated from her father.
The book does a great job of exploring the feelings that children may experience when a parent is set to a detention center. I found the book, while important and realistic to be heavy. There’s no “happy ending” in this book or something to be truly hopeful about (which is what might make it more realistic). There is no mention of a fight to keep the father in the country – which I would guess could be a part of many journeys of those set to be deported.
I would’ve appreciated an author’s note about detention centres, deportation, or even some points for discussion for this book. It was definitely one to make you feel and think.
Read
October 7, 2020Genre: Children's Literature — Realistic Fiction
Awards: 2020 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People
Audience: PreK - 3rd grade
How does the author help the reader connect with the character(s)?
The author connects the reader with the characters by making the characters young enough to relate with the audience. These children in the book are going through real life situations which would also help the reader connect with them.
Discuss the topics present in this book.
The main topic that is discussed in this book is the loss of a family member, specifically because they were deported. In the story, there is a family of four and all of which are legally allowed to live in the country they are in except for the father. One day, he is just taken and the kids and mother remember their time with their father and even though they write letters to him, they still miss him very much.
Awards: 2020 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People
Audience: PreK - 3rd grade
How does the author help the reader connect with the character(s)?
The author connects the reader with the characters by making the characters young enough to relate with the audience. These children in the book are going through real life situations which would also help the reader connect with them.
Discuss the topics present in this book.
The main topic that is discussed in this book is the loss of a family member, specifically because they were deported. In the story, there is a family of four and all of which are legally allowed to live in the country they are in except for the father. One day, he is just taken and the kids and mother remember their time with their father and even though they write letters to him, they still miss him very much.
March 31, 2021
This is a sad but inspiring picture book about a family that is separated from the father who goes away to work. They are left to carry on. Mom has to get a job so the kids now have to ride the bus to school. They are constantly reminded of things the dad told them or things they shared together. Sadness runs throughout the story, especially in the illustrations. You can feel the heart-break and disappointment through the pages. It never exactly says where the dad is...but on the back of the book, it mentions that he has been deported. The kids continue to love their father and send messages through their mom who visits him when she can. When the girl in the story sees the moon, it reminds her of the mangos her father spoke of and her love for him. This is a timely book and kids facing similar situations will be comforted by the story. Highly recommended for Grades K-5.
March 12, 2020
I don't normally review picture books, but I have to say this book made me cry. Gorgeous, poignant picture book about a child whose father was deported. Her mother is forced to fully support their family now. It is told with a strong emotion from the POV of a child. It is a good entryway for discussion in both families dealing directly with a family member being deported, as well as haole families who want to discuss these issues to help kids empathize with their peers. The pictures are soft and beautiful and the perfect complement to the matter of fact tone and strong imagery in the book. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. Definitely better for older kids, perhaps 7 & up.
December 23, 2020
Maricela is heartbroken when her papí is imprisoned for being an undocumented immigrant, but tries to remember the ways they are still connected to one another. This book sensitively shows all of the terrible challenges that a family can face due to a loved one being incarcerated or deported and is strong proof of how inhumane draconian immigration laws are.
Themes: Immigration, Incarceration, Family, Moon
Age range: Preschool and School Age
Themes: Immigration, Incarceration, Family, Moon
Age range: Preschool and School Age
August 25, 2022
I picked up the book from the library on a whim - mostly because my mom is Filipino and raised us on mangoes - and read it to my baby the next day. Definitely had tears in my eyes, as I realized it was about deportation. I’m so glad this book exists and will read this again to my kid when he’s a little older. This broaches the subject of deportation in a very deep and personal way, but it’s simple enough that a toddler should be able to understand.
January 29, 2020
A wonderfully illustrated book. I read this one aloud to my daughter in the homeschool and she was a bit perplexed by the story of a father who is no longer in the daily life of his children due to deportation. The subject matter tackled in this book needs to be explained to young children for better understanding.
September 19, 2020
A very heavy topic, definitely not for the youngest kids. I read this with my daughters, 11 and 9, and they liked it. It was impressive to them.
I think it is important that these books exist, for us to be able to read them to our children and children who can recognise themselves in stories like these.
I think it is important that these books exist, for us to be able to read them to our children and children who can recognise themselves in stories like these.
Want to read
August 11, 2024Told from the perspective of a young girl whose father is facing deportation. Sad...unsure how the book ends because I haven't had a chance to read it in full. Text level probably too low for 2nd grade, but content is complex and would require supporting discussion and information. Most likely, a controversial book with some parents.
June 2, 2019
5/31/2019 ~ An important topic. The text is a bit didactic, attempting to explain many things through the story. However, the book does lay out the many ways a child's life might change if one parent is deported.
September 26, 2019
I think the story here is a good one, but it's very sad. I think the book has a particular target audience. If there is a family facing the issue of deportation, by all means read the book. I just don't know if I would read it to a child for fear of making them worry.
October 31, 2019
This is a beautiful book about a little girl whose father has to leave home because he lacks a green card, and how much she misses him. It is a good book for discussing immigration with young children and how policies affect families.
December 1, 2019
This book had beautiful illustrations. You can really see the emotion on the character's face, and that really helps to intensify the story. I wish it was longer, that is the only downside that I see besides the fact that it made me sad.
February 18, 2020
Maricela grieves the loss of her father as he faces being deported and remembers the last night they were together and how her father pointed out that the moon looked like a slice of mango.
Beautiful pictures and story, totally made me cry.
Beautiful pictures and story, totally made me cry.
June 7, 2021
Achingly sad. While the ending provides a nice theme (love crosses boundaries), there is no happy ending for the little girl protaganist. Illustrations are simple, yet beautiful - a wonderful complement to the text.
March 23, 2022
This story illustrates how deportation affects families. It serves beautifully as a mirror for children who face this reality and it serves as a window for children to visualize the experience of thousands of children in families impacted by deportation.
Story: 4
Illustrations: 4
Read-aloud: 4
Story: 4
Illustrations: 4
Read-aloud: 4
August 30, 2022
Honestly heart wrenching, as was its intent. Try reading it and not feeling terrible about the whole matter. Doesn't talk about alternative solutions to the matter, but it drives home an understanding of what's wrong with this immigration paradigm.
May 30, 2023
Maricela misses her father who is being deported because he doesn't have papers.
The subtlety with which the story is told is very age appropriate, but it almost feels too subtle - don't feel like a realistic or accurate portrayal, which seem like it kind of defeats the purpose.
The subtlety with which the story is told is very age appropriate, but it almost feels too subtle - don't feel like a realistic or accurate portrayal, which seem like it kind of defeats the purpose.
May 31, 2019
all the tears.
June 21, 2019
Read an ARC.
Timely. Heart breaking.
Timely. Heart breaking.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews