The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness from the Border

by Stephen Briseño, Magdalena Mora (Illustrator)

Based on true events, this inspiring story follows a mama and her daughter who are denied entry at the U.S. border, and must find the refugee in charge of "the notebook," an unofficial ledger of those waiting to cross into the U.S.

Before, the sun drenched the yard. Our neighbor's laughter danced in the streets. Now, the streets are quiet. Papa is gone, and we are no longer safe here. We are leaving, too.

In this moving and stunningly-illustrated picture book, Noemi and Mama flee their home in Mexico, and head for the US border. There, they look for “The Notebook Keeper”– the person in charge of a ledger for those waiting to cross, and they add their names to the book. As the days turn into weeks, and hope dwindles, the little girl looks for kindness around her– and inside herself. One day, when the Notebook Keeper’s own name is called to cross, Noemi and her Mama are chosen–for the generosity in their hearts– to take her place.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Social Justice, Family, Cultural, Latinx

40 pages, Hardcover

Published June 28, 2022

About the author

Stephen Briseño is a middle school English teacher in San Antonio, Texas. Growing up, his grandfather, a Mexican immigrant, wove stories of life in Mexico and Texas and talked about the challenges immigrants faced. Stephen lives with his wife, daughter, and dog, Charlie. he can often be found enjoying a good book with a cup of coffee. The Notebook Keeper is his debut children's book.

Reviews

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really appreciate picture books like this that take hard topics, make them accessible, and do not water down the seriousness of the topic or give it some kind of Disney edit. Mora’s illustrations are dreamy, rich with purples and pinks that soften the sadness of this story while highlighting the characters’ humanity and importance. Though the characters’ eyes especially are simple, you can see the weariness and suffering so clearly. There are also beautiful moments of connection and joy. An author’s note and sources add depth and context but do not overexplain. Simple, effective, powerful. This book should be in all classrooms and would work well in middle school or high school to jump start inquiry about journeys, immigration, migration, and asylum seeking.

[Julia Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to read this book without crying. The writing is poignant and the story feels all too familiar. While reading this book I thought of so many students who have made a similar journey with similar sacrifices. I think this book would be a beautiful gift for anyone who works or volunteers in immigration. But in general, I think everyone should read this book and be impacted by its truth.

Thank you Stephen, for your gift.

[Laura Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving, heartfelt story from a border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, The Notebook Keeper follows a girl named Noemi and her mother as they leave their home and attempt to start a new life. The illustrations perfectly complement the heartfelt emotions that Briseno brings to life. This story is based on true events, and I enjoyed learning more from the author's note at the end.

[Valerie Bolling · Rating 5 out of 5]

An immigration story from Mexico to the U.S. that focuses on the “wait” – being assigned a number and waiting for that number to be called. What makes this difficult journey a bit more palatable is interacting with Belinda, the notebook keeper in this story. She has the special “job” of welcoming newcomers, assigning numbers, and, most of all, encouraging hope. This story is told beautifully.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book beautifully depicts what happens at the US-Mexico border through a child’s eyes. We see the harsh conditions, but the primary themes are the kindness and compassion migrants share with each other. A good book for parents to read with children who ask questions about what they see on the news.

[Valeria Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a powerful way to inform students of the hardships of crossing the border. Many students whose families dealt with this, are afraid to ever talk about it due to the stigma behind it. This story can make students feel heard and loved without too much talk behind it. :)

[Heather Utley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful emotional piece calling us all to kindness towards one another.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving book about refugee camps at the border and the "notebook keeper" person who keeps track of names of refugees who want to go into the USA. (The story is based on real events, but apparently this refugee program has stopped.)

[Amy Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful children’s book beautifully illustrated!

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated with concrete, sparse yet emotional prose, this is the story of an immigrant girl at the U.S. border. She and her mother must wait to be able to enter. They encounter kindness from other waiting refugees and especially from the "Notebook Keeper", another refugee waiting to enter who records names and dates of people waiting for asylum. Eventually the Notebook Keeper is allowed to enter, and she needs to pass the notebook on to another individual who is resourceful and kind and full of empathy toward newcomers. The little girl and her mother are chosen for this role, due to their kindness toward others. "Kindness" can sometimes be an abstract concept for little ones, but this story makes the meaning of thoughtfulness and empathy clear as day.

[Mariah Oleszkowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me cry (of course). Every little story adds to the big picture of people's experiences.

[Debrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strengths:
- Love the framing as "a story of kindness" - it gives us an entry point, gives the story a heart, and carries the theme that kindness is a choice and can be handed along. That our protagonist is chosen (and we see the reasons why) is very child-empowering.
- The soft illustrations use a dreamy quality to express a disorienting time, and make the palpable weariness of the characters more bearable.
- The cover holds those same qualities: dreaminess, weariness, kindness. The characters are gazing up, up at an obstacle and a hope (judging by their faces and the setting) -- and we, the readers, are situated in that location of obstacle and hope.
- The subtle repetition of birds (woven in her blanket; flying above) evokes themes of freedom, flight, migration, and trans-border movement. (The hidden cover continues this theme.)
- The author's note gives just enough information.

Challenges:
- I want to read this with some children to see if they understand sufficiently the circumstances. Will they be baffled by the language about crossing and walls, or will they get the general gist?

[Lori Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful debut by Stephen Briseño. When a young girl and her mother flee their home, they meet the notebook keeper, a kind volunteer who explains the process for crossing the US border. Based on true events, the story is gently told and accessible for young listeners. Author's note includes additional information about the unofficial ledger and how this notebook was passed from one keeper to the next. With gorgeous artwork and Spanish words throughout, this story of compassion would be a wonderful addition to a classroom or library.

[Brittany Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindness triumphs in this eye opening, touching and thoughtful depiction of a families journey to cross the border. There, they meet The Notebook Keeper, a kind woman who is also waiting for her number to be called and her time to cross. I feel for the protagonist in this story, Noemi, as I feel for the numerous families who only seek to make a better life. What Noemi teaches us all is that we should always observe, ask questions, look for helpers and there will always be room for us to become helpers, too.
A must have for every home, library and classroom.

[Ersa S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story based on true events happening right now. It follows a young girl and her family as they flee from their home to start someplace new and unfamiliar. The characters show great strength, kindness and compassion as they await their number to be called and I think it is a great story to share with young readers.

[Megan Litwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving story, based on true events, that is artfully told and gorgeously illustrated. Noemi and her Mama must leave their home, packing only what they can carry, as they head to the border. There they must find The Notebook Keeper so that they can add their names to a list. As they wait (and wait…) for their number to be called, Noemi notices kindness around her, and also places where it is missing. She makes the choice to add to that kindness in her own way. A story of compassion and hope and strength in the face of struggle. A must-read!

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm tempted to call this nonfiction, but it is actually an informational fiction account of the process that emerged at our southwest border crossing. For anyone paying attention, the notebook keeper role will be a familiar one. It has been reported in many national media outlets. Those who are seeking/getting their "news" from sources with anti-immigrant messages may not know of the process.
It is not a "pretty picture", to visualize the chaos and terror of having survived travel through the harshest hardships from a dangerous homeland, only to be told to "wait right there" for indefinitely long periods of time. No resources, no answers, no real hope or trust that a potential crossing for asylum will follow weeks or months of waiting; no protection from their previous dangers and disasters or new ones in this crowded situation.

In spite of that reality, this is a story of kindness, as the subtitle says, although the mother/daughter refugees are not greeted with kindness by officials at the border. Uniformed guards and a seemingly endless wall prevent their ability to enter the USA and seek a chance to tell their story.

As a growing crowd waits, fear and confusion increase. The Notebook Keeper arrives, calmly introducing herself and beginning a process to enter their names in her notebook, assigning each group of ten names a single number in the order they are added. After adding their names and origins, the girl (Noemi) and Mama settle uncomfortably into a tent city, wondering how soon their number might be called.

The next few pages reveal Noemi speaking with the Notebook Keeper, Belinda, and learning that she, too, is waiting for her own number to be called. Even so, she stays encouraging and smiling and handles her volunteer job with care and accuracy. The days blend into weeks, but heightened anxiety is relieved by choosing to be kind and helpful and encouraging during their wait. The full circle moment arrives when Belinda's number is called and she selects Noemi and Mama to take over the Notebook Keeper job until they, too, have a turn to cross.

The point is made earlier in the story that being called to cross does not mean being allowed to stay. Asylum claims will be made and heard, then a quick decision follows. It may be decided that there is cause to allow further hearings, in which case they may stay, temporarily. If that decision instead finds not enough support for asylum, they must return across the border to Mexico later that day, with no second chances.

It is a major moment, a chance to be heard. Even so, the major moment in this story does not include news of Belinda's decision and fate, or the time the mother/daughter pair will continue to wait. Instead, the focus is on those in the most stressful and fearful situations still finding a path to choose kindness, encouragement, and empathy. Helping others in whatever ways possible. It's also clear just how powerful that is in providing human respect to those being herded or ignored like animals.

For such a complex and foreboding topic and details, the simple art includes expressive faces and physical spaces that clarify the text and struggles while remaining age appropriate, not overwhelming. For children (and adults) who have lived this experience the story could be triggering, but it could also be validating and welcomed for opening eyes to an often-ignored or distorted reality. I suggest previewing the story with those audiences before sharing directly, allowing their own choice to participate or not. By no means should anyone ASSUME or prod individuals to share experiences publicly without clarifying and respecting their preferences in advance.

A brief author's note and selected resources are provided to allow young readers and their adults to learn more and confirm the facts of this process. To read a bit more about it now, CLICK HERE. Even if you have no young people to read this book to/with, get your hands on it and read it for yourselves, please.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This moving picture book, based on true events, is a 3.5 for me. Noemi and her mother must leave their home in Mexico behind because it's no longer safe to live there. It isn't clear exactly what has happened or where her father is, but readers can read between the lines and make some educated guesses about what has prompted them to walk to the border crossing between Mexico and the United States. They aren't the only ones who've made this journey, and when they reach the crossing point, they aren't allowed to move forward. Instead, an official suggests that they find the notebook keeper, a woman named Belinda, who is herself a refugee who records their names along with others so that there is some organization to how individuals will be allowed to cross into another country. Noemi becomes frustrated by the long wait, but she also regards Belinda as a bright light since she encourages the others who are waiting not to give up hope. She also explains to Noemi how she came to be responsible for the notebook. When Belinda finally is allowed to cross over, she chooses wisely in handing the notebook and the responsibility that goes with it to just the right persons. It's particularly noteworthy that recording these names was a volunteer effort and not anything necessarily sanctioned by the officials. The very act of maintaining that notebook and keeping up the spirits of those waiting to be called is certainly an act of kindness. Created with colored pencil, pastel, gouache, and Photoshop collage, the illustrations are suffused with rich colors and images that fill every inch of some of the pages as well as spot drawings in various shapes, including circular and rectangular. The expressions on the faces of the characters show weariness at times as well as hope that everything will work out eventually, but readers can sense the fear, frustration, and desperation in many of the images. It's impossible not to put oneself in the shoes of these characters and wonder about having to survive under those conditions with an uncertain outcome. Readers will surely hope that Noemi and her mother have a chance to cross the border soon and leave all this behind them. Back matter includes an Author's Note providing additional information about the notebook and its use at the San Ysidro border crossing as well as sources and a photograph of one of the notebook keepers.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not aware this was ever a thing. The first thought I had was, "Why did something like this need to be created? Why wasn't it--or isn't something like it already in existence?"
In 2016, I was in San Diego for Comic-con and went to Tijuana to visit a friend. Because she had to work the morning I left, she dropped me off at the border to cross on foot. I got in a long line of people waiting to cross, and just watched and listened. There were people crossing to go to work or to look for work, families visiting loved ones, and returning from having visited them. The few times I had questions, I was told, "You're white. Just go to the front of the line." But I wanted to experience this small fraction of a slice of the daily existence of those for whom the US-Mexico border is an inescapable part of it.
I couldn't tell you how long it took to get right up to the border, but once we got there, all movement stopped and it felt like an eternity--just standing, waiting, watching the border guards stare idly and nonchalantly into the distance. Then, the gate opened, and to my surprise, everyone starting running--adults, children, the elderly--arms full of bags, suitcases bouncing behind them. So I ran, too, and managed to ask someone nearby me why. He said, "We don't know how long the border will be open, so we run before it closes again."
Eventually the running stopped, and there was a line, and then another line, and then I was on the other side. And everyone was just going about their business, here and there and on the train and in the stores...as if the well-being of hundreds of people at that very *moment* mere hundreds of yards away wasn't hanging in the balance.
That was six years ago, and I can still close my eyes and be there again--the rush of the crowd, the uncertainty of the outcome, the adrenaline coursing through my system--just running, because it is the only way.

[Michelle Gallegos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book based on the true event at the border of the U.S. and Mexico. Noemi and her mother leave their hometown in Mexico since it not safe anymore. Noemi is only allowed to bring a couple of things with her. Upon reaching the U.S. border they are not allowed to cross it, they are told to look for the notebook keeper as she will be able to help them. Belinda, the notebook keeper, is just like them seeking to cross the boarder. She expresses to them that they will be given a number and must wait for their number to be called so they can cross. After waiting some time, more like days, Bleindas number is called. Earlier in the story Belinda talked to Noemi and how she came to be the Notebook Keeper, and now she has passed down the duty to Noemi and her mother. Together they must keep track of names and give hope to the other refugees until their name is called and they can pass down their duties to someone else.
The illustrations in the book are well thought out and organized. The background is usually set in pink and white shades illustrating preserving and hope that comes in the story. There are also a lot spot drawings illustrating many events and frustration in peoples faces, hoping to be called on next. Reading this book can give children a glimpse of what it takes for some immigrants to cross the border in search for a better future.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

2023 ALA Pura, Bel Pre, Honor book for author, Stephen Briseño

The notebook keeper: a story of kindness from the border is based on true events of refugees seeking asylum in the United States. When they arrive on the San Ysudri border checkpoint in Tijuana, Mexico, each person must sign in with the volunteer who maintains the unofficial list of refugees. Each day US customs agents tell the notebook keeper, how many refugees will be allowed to plead their cases that day. At the end of each day the notebook was given to a representative from the Grupos Beta, the humanitarian arm of the National Institute of Migration of Mexico, for safekeeping. Families could wait in line for weeks and even months for their number to be called as they fled from persecution, poverty, and violence. Even then many were denied entry, once the notebook keepers number was called, a new keeper was chosen from among those in line, who would continue to offer hope and kindness to all the refugees. The author notes that no one knows how the notebook system began, but that it ended with the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 when the border was closed.
The illustrations show a mother and daughter, making their journey and talking with the kindly notebook keeper, living in the tented camps, helping and giving, as they wait their chance to cross the border.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is special because it focuses on one beautiful kindness in a situation that is really quite ugly. People rarely want to leave their country and their home for fun, it is usually because the situation there is unliveable anymore and they need to escape. It could be related to poverty, violence or both or a host of other reasons. Then, when they try to go somewhere else, America, they are greeted not with open arms but with a long wait and in conditions that could be the same or worse than they left. But, each day a few people get the opportunity to try when their numbers are called from "the list." This list is of all the people that would like the chance to enter America listed by the order in which they arrive. The keeper of the list is an individual or family chosen by the previous keeper of the list when their number is finally called to cross the gates. The generosity, calm, and caring that the people responsible for the list have just shows that even in difficult situations, people can rise above and show kindness. This is a great story for learning about kindness, immigration, and/or determination of the family that experiences all sides of this situation.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story we might not ever know without this telling by Stephen Briseño in his debut picture book. At the San Ysidro border in Mexico, Noemi and her mother are told to find the "notebook keeper" to be sure to add their names. They are given a number. That way, every day, the border patrol allows a few to cross the border to apply for asylum. Some stay; some are turned away. It's not a happy book, but one that tells the story of the kind notebook keeper who keeps hope in her heart to offer to everyone. "Tengan fe", she says, "Have faith." Magdalena Mora's illustrations are filled with color and poignant in her portrayal of the worry and sadness as so many wait, then wait some more. Briseño shares that no one knows how this notebook idea started but it ended at the beginning of the Pandemic and has not returned. There is one 'real' photo of one notebook keeper included at the end.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s hard to see any kindness here. Until I meet the Notebook Keeper.” When a girl named Noemí flees her home to cross the Mexican American border with her family, she meets Belinda, a kind woman who keeps the names of refugees in her notebook. Using Belinda’s example, Noemí finds the beauty, kindness--and ultimately, hope--in her new life. Author Stephen Briseño utilizes first-person point of view to beautiful effect. Noemí’s voice is searching and straightforward, a child speaking her truth. It is complemented by Magdalena Mora’s visuals, equally honest and effective at painting the humanity of characters—organic, yet colorful enough to evoke a child’s point of view. The Notebook Keeper invites conversation about the real-life events happening at the border, an essential read for children of every background. An unflinching story of finding--and choosing--kindness.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple but powerful book.

Mama and Noemi's home in Mexico has changed: Papa is gone, it's no longer safe. So they walk to the US border. Once there, they are told: "go find the notebook keeper." Belinda, the notebook keeper, takes their names, gives them a number (653), and then they wait.

And wait.

This isn't a story of getting into he United States. It's the story of being at the border, and waiting, and waiting, and despite it keeping a smile, keeping hope, keeping kindness.

The notebook keeper also has a number: she is a volunteer who helps track the people seeking entry and asylum. When her number is called, she passes the notebook to someone with "generosity in their heart and kindness in their soul."

The happy ending is not Noemi's number being called: it's that she and her mother are the next notebook keeper.

[Mya Motley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Notebook Keeper" is a novel about a young boy named Alex who finds a notebook in an attic. The notebook belonged to a Holocaust survivor named Jacob, and it contains his stories of survival during World War II. As Alex reads the notebook, he learns about Jacob's experiences in concentration camps and gains a deeper understanding of history and resilience. The book highlights the importance of remembering and learning from the past to create a better future. This book could be used for a social studies lesson. Through the story of Jacob, a Holocaust survivor, students can learn about the historical events of World War II and the Holocaust. Students will gain a deeper understanding of history, ethics, and the human experience during challenging times. This book is a compelling and educational read that can foster historical awareness among students.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

NoemÍ's mother tells her that it is no longer safe to live in their home. They travel to the US-Mexico border where they find they will have to wait. They are told to give their names and home country to The Notebook Keeper who will give them a number. Only when they hear their number called out by the border guards will they be given the chance to state their case for asylum in the US. NoemÍ and her mother are in the border camp for so long that, Belinda, the current Notebook Keeper's number is called. Belinda chooses NoemÍ and her mother to be the next Notebook Keepers.

Back matter includes information on the original Notebook Keeping system at the San Ysidro Border Checkpoint in Tijuana, Mexico.

Highly recommended.

[Heather Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This outstanding book is a family favorite at our house! Full of pure poetry and emotion and gorgeous illustrations, The Notebook Keeper is an award-winning picture book (Pure Belpre Honor) that perfectly captures the heart-rending loss of a family and their triumph by embracing selfless love of others. When the narrator and her mother are forced to leave their home and travel to the border, at first, she can't see kindness anywhere. Then she meets the notebook keeper. As she waits and waits for her turn, the narrator begins to be the kindness that she would like to see...with amazing results. Based on true events at the US-Mexico border, this timely tale will resonate with the youngest and oldest readers alike.

[Bridgette Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a snapshot into the lives of a family fleeing violence in their home country in the hopes of finding safety in the USA. I had never heard of a notebook keeper. I imagine it can be somewhat reassuring knowing that someone is keeping track of the many people who show up at the border everyday awaiting their chance for asylum. Without anyone there to keep track I think the people could feel even more lost, afraid and isolated.

I loved the illustrators use of the very soft colors of the earth and the sky giving the place a sense of calm even though in reality I'm sure the landscape is much harsher. Maybe the illustrator was trying to release the peacefulness of the notebook keeper onto the surroundings.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noemi and her mother leave their home in Mexico - their papa is gone and the streets are unsafe. They take only what they can carry because they are walking. Upon reaching the wall, they are turned away, but told to find the notebook keeper, and get their names in the notebook. The Notebook Keeper will tell them when they can cross.

I loved this story of the refugees helping keep order and making sure people got their turn. I especially loved that Noemi saw an example of kindness in the Notebook Keeper and look for ways she could show kindness, too The main character and her mother are Mexican.