Facing Fear

by Karen Lynn Williams, Sara Palacios (Illustrator)

Enrique can’t believe his father won’t let him travel to his team’s big soccer tournament. Papi says going across the checkpoint is too risky. Even though Enrique is a U.S. citizen, the rest of the family isn’t—and if the border police stop them, the family might be split up. The next morning Enrique decides he’s going to his big game, no matter what. But the day ahead will change how he sees his dad and how he defines courage…  This book is a powerful depiction of the everyday struggles faced by undocumented immigrants and their families. Sensitively told with expressive illustrations,  Facing Fear  explores the meaning of bravery and the strength of a community.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Immigration, Latinx, Childrens, Soccer, Friendship

44 pages, Hardcover

Published March 2, 2021

About the author

Karen was born in Connecticut, and received her Master’s degree in deaf education. She has lived in Africa and in Haiti. Karen had an early dream to be one of the youngest published authors, starting a writing club at ten. However, Karen's published works came later in life, after extensive travels and family experience. Karen's ability to draw from personal experience and adapt into writing forms for all ages and interests expresses her true gift.

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! While written in 2021, this book could have been written today! What a perfect explanation of what an immigrant family goes through! The hero of the soccer team is told no by his father when his team is going to the tournament. His father simply points out that he would have to go through an immigration checkpoint and assumes that settles the subject. Meanwhile Enrique is getting pressure to go on the tournament from teammates who also do not understand. There is a perfect child friendly ending while also explaining things to both Enrique and his teammates. No wonder there are holds on this book! I’m returning this in a minute, with hopes that there are a huge number of holds!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sensitively told, poignant depiction of the painful everyday realities faced by undocumented immigrants and their families. An important, deeply affecting story worthy of a wide audience.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

For undocumented immigrants, life can be a constant struggle for survival. Enrique loves playing soccer, and he is thrilled that his winning goal has propelled his team to the upcoming tournament. However, Enrique and his team must travel through a nearby checkpoint to participate. Though Enrique was born in the United States, his family was not, which means that any potential encounter with border patrol must be avoided. When trouble strikes a little too close to home, Enrique finally learns the details of his past and what true courage really looks like.

Written for older elementary school-aged readers, this book teaches several important lessons through compelling, emotion-laden dialogue. Enrique finds himself torn between his life as a U.S. citizen and the past events which brought him to his current home. Readers learn the story of Enrique’s family’s flight from Mexico alongside him, filled with the danger and uncertainty they experienced. As Enrique discovers the level of bravery required to cross the border, he and the reader together appreciate the myriad challenges undocumented immigrants and their families face long after setting in their new home.

Character-centered illustrations complement the text, depicting Enrique alongside his classmates and his family. Rich detail is used in each image, giving readers a better understanding of Enrique’s surroundings and what provides meaning for him and his family. The interior of the homes are filled with color and texture, utilizing browns, yellows, blues, and oranges to create a visually compelling tapestry. Thoughtfully created, the images recount the story alongside the text, giving readers a secondary means of comprehending the written narrative.

Readers will find a wealth of additional material in the back matter, including a note from the author, information about checkpoints and immigration, and a recommended reading list. Though the conversation about the journey from Mexico to the United States is a weighty one, it is vitally important for communities to better understand the challenges undocumented immigrants face. This story of love, courage, and community is a profound and memorable addition to elementary school libraries.

I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.

[Abby Johnson]

When his soccer team makes the playoffs, Enrique is super excited to travel with the team... and terribly disappointed that his dad won't sign the permission slip. To get there, they'd have to travel through a checkpoint and it's too dangerous for Enrique's family. While Enrique was born in the US and is an American citizen, the rest of his family is not. This is a poignant story that could be a great starting point for conversations about immigration for White families, as well as a mirror to show immigrant children they are not alone.

[Helen Ishmurzin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I challenge anyone to read this without crying - I certainly didn't manage! Such a heart-wrenching story, made all the more intense by the fact that the kind of events described happen all the time in the US around the world. The author has perfectly captured the emotions a young child must feel who has to deal with both the fear of his family being deported and the desire to fit in at school. The beautiful illustrations really bring the story to life and pull the reader in.

[Josh Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite thing about Eerdmans’ Books for Young Readers is that they do not shy away from important and complicated issues, nor do they treat these issues as anything but the nuanced and complex things they are. So much of children’s literature is propaganda, either for the sake of simplicity or overtly as a method of teaching. Eerdmans continually books that are unique, challenging, and intended to incite discussion. Their books realize that, whatever they may teach, they must teach as a spark that ignites the flame and not present itself as the flame.

Facing Fear: An Immigration Story humanizes the experience of the undocumented immigrant by telling the story from the perspective of a child. Enrique is upset that his father won’t allow him to go to the out-of-town soccer tournament. They live close to the border and that means border checkpoints. Going out of town means the family runs the risk of being stopped. It’s no issue for Enrique, who was born in the America, but the rest of his family is undocumented.

Karen Lynn Williams captures the tension between generations—a young generation that feels fully American and an older generation that longs to be fully American but knows they are not fully safe in their adopted homeland. She presents the issue forthrightly, never once commenting politically on the issue of immigration—legal or otherwise. So much of the conversation around immigration has become vitriolic and political. Facing Fear reminds readers that when we have those conversations, we’re talking about real families and real people whose reasons for coming here are based in loss and tragedy.

For many, this book can be the spark of a discussion. What is immigration? Why would someone immigrate? What are ways in which people immigrate? How could our system of immigration be better? These are complicated issues that adults yell at each other about, yet Williams’ sensitive and compassionate telling centers the story on the families and the children that are affected, refusing to judge or condemn and instead presenting the undocumented as courageous families seeking a better life—and willing to sacrifice for such.

For some, this book might a reminder that they aren’t alone. That they are seen. That they are valued. That their worth is not in their documentation, but their humanity. Facing Fear is a poignant, child-centered, humanizing look at the real life and real struggles of the undocumented that then implicitly calls for a solution.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book is a 3.5 for me. Four Feet, Two Sandals by the same author is one of my favorite picture books from earlier times because the author effectively captures the emotions of her characters as they deal with life's challenges. The same is the case here as she examines how everyday life can never be without its stressors for anyone who is undocumented and living in the United States. While there have been many picture books about the experience of moving to a new country and learning new customs and languages, few have addressed what it's like to live in fear of being detained and/or sent back to the country from which the individual has moved. In this picture book, soccer-loving Enrique has no idea of the limits his father's status will place on him. After his team qualifies for a tournament, Enrique's father refuses to sign the permission slip because signing the papers might put him at risk. Enrique decides to sign them anyway since he is an American citizen and he thinks his father is just scared. But before he can turn them in, he and his family must go into hiding because of a rumored round-up. That night, Enrique's mother relates again the story of how the family crossed over the border while she was pregnant with Enrique. He realizes just how much they risked in doing so, but he also wonders whether their actions were worth the effort since he continues to feel constrained. And he really wishes he could be at that soccer game. As it turns out, he didn't miss anything since his team supported him and didn't travel to the game. Although the ending seems highly unlikely, the story vividly demonstrates the fears experienced by families such as Enrique's, always at risk of deportation and worried about being stopped at one of the 70 checkpoints in this country. The digital illustrations complement the story perfectly, especially during the scenes on the van with the coyotes and in the desert. This picture book would be a good choice for a thematic unit or collection of books on immigration since it tells a little-known aspect of coming to this country. There are resources and additional information about immigration in the back matter.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enrique is so excited for the championship soccer game, but is bothered that his family does not share his excitement. The championship game would require him to cross the border and he is the only member of the family that is a citizen as he was born here. If he were to go, his family may be in danger. It is not a safe choice. Enrique hears the rest of the story of their arrival. Sara Palacios' digital illustrations capture emotions clearly and offer a beautiful glimpse of into an immigrant family living in an American community. I think this is an important story to have for all school communities.

I am so grateful to the amazing authors that share border stories as I cannot imagine the angst, but I have had students in my classes over the years that need stories like this one. I have seen the fear in my student's eyes when family members cross the border to be in Mexico for sickness and funerals. I have felt anguish when students have not returned as soon as we expected. Despite not living near our southern border, this story will connect with many of us.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enrique is a US citizen but his parents are undocumented. They must be very careful not to be discovered, or the family may be separated.
When Enrique's soccer team needs to cross the US/Mexico border for a tournament, Enrique schemes to forge his father's signature on the permission slip. But that very night the family must go deeper into hiding because of a rumored round-up.
The story of Enrique's dilemma is interesting on its own. The questions it will raise about the complex issue of immigration are weighty, such as:
-Why didn't this family choose a legal route to immigrate?
-Why is the government portrayed in a negative light ("la migra")?
-What is a round-up?
-If the child's citizenship papers are in order, how could his crossing the border become a problem for his family?
-How do undocumented people get jobs?
Highly recommended for upper elementary students.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully, realistic depiction of the struggles immigrants face in a country where laws and those who enforce them are unpredictable and largely uncaring. Best read by older children, Facing Fear tells the story of Enrique, a young boy who wants to participate in his soccer/football team's game. This game happens at a place where Enrique must cross a checkpoint to get to, which would put his family in danger of deportation or worse.

The end of the book also has the author's notes, some explanations that can double as discussion prompts, resources for immigrant families and those who advocate for them, and recommended readings.

Facing Fear should be a must-have in libraries everywhere.

Thank you to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy via giveaway!

[Rosalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Facing fear is about a child named Enrique who's family are immigrants from somewhere in Latin America. Enrique wishes to attend his soccer tournament in a different state, however he is unable to do so because his father is scared they might be deported if something goes wrong. Enrique doesn't seem to quite understand his father's reasoning because he has legal citizenship in the U.S. This book was very much a window book for me and it made me feel so happy to be represented in children's books like this. The fear that holds Enrique's family back is something I've experienced within my own family as well. I also relate to Enriqur not quite understanding the significance something so simple might have on his family.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how this picture book humanizes and relates a common childhood experience with the experience of living in the US without documentation. The illustrations add even more to the relatability of Enrique and his family. It is a powerful depiction of a normal struggle faced by undocumented immigrants and their families. However you feel about the topic, I always think it helps to consider other perspectives and this accomplishes that so well. A warm hearted and courageous story about something many families in our country routinely face. 

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there have been many books written recently on immigration and the terrible conditions many refugees face, this is the first I've read on the difficulties and fear many immigrants face in their new countries. What happens when you are a U.S. citizen but your parents are undocumented citizens? I loved the viewpoints this book explored and the interesting conversations it has the potential to start with children. I would probably recommend this book for older elementary and above.

[BiblioBrandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great picture book about the real fear many undocumented families face. Although Enrique was born in the US, his parents were not. So when his soccer team makes the playoffs, he's not allowed to go because they would be passing through a checkpoint. This would be a great addition to any study on immigration and immigrant stories. There are some abrupt tonal shifts and it ties up a bit too sweet in the end, but I think the book as a whole is still a worthwhile read.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching picture book that shows the repercussions of immigration and being undocumented in the U.S. Enrique's soccer team is participating in a tournament but to get there have to pass through a checkpoint--a risk Enrique can't take. Excellent back matter provides explanation and resources for further learning. An important book to include in any unit on immigration.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I appreciate a story in the children's picture book genre about undocumented immigrants and the challenges they face, the ending was an abrupt shift from the tone of the rest of the book ("Tus amigos tienen valor, Enrique. You ask why we came here to this country. This is why we came to the U.S.").

[Sam Schnurbusch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book to give to elementary students, to help them understand what undocumented immigrants go through when they come into the United States. I do wish there was more discussion about undocumented immigrants who do cross for ill intentions, but the back of the book does address that somewhat.

[Christine Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has good intent and messages, I just thought the story itself was not for me. I like how the protagonist experiences the duality of being both an insider and outsider to the immigration issue. It's an interesting perspective that I believe the author couldn't have come up with if not for the amount of research she did on the subject.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how the author and illustrator kept the culture within this book. I commend them for sharing their knowledge and experience for writing the book and for adding the informational pages at the back of the book. It made for good teaching points.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the story. I do think it's geared toward a specific audience. It is a great book for children who are actually experiencing this situation. For the child who does not experience this, this book might be a little deep for them.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this was written in 2021. So applicable to today! A father refuses to sign his son's permission slip for a soccer game, because the team will travel through a checkpoint and put the family at risk. Nice look at fear, risk and bravery.

[Jennifer Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes after reading this poignant story.
Best for older kids, and a great book to spark a discussion.

[Aliza Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immigration and refugees text set

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story that shares a family's perspective on the immigration experience. The soft, detailed illustrations really brought the individual family members to life.

[Sunny Kim]

I liked the part when he made the wining goal. I liked this book.

[Pinky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enrique can't go to a soccer tournament because his parents aren't US citizens.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

powerful story

[Lin Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Facing Fearby Karen Lynn Williams is a story about choosing to play the game with the team or choosing to remain safe. The decision must be made. What will happen to Enrique and his family?