ONLY FOR A LITTLE WHILE

A young Latine girl’s housing uncertainty reveals the strength of her family’s bonds.

Maribel helps pack as her family prepares to move in with Tía Carmen. Maribel’s father has lost his job, and they all hope the situation is temporary—just for a little while, “un ratito,” until they can find a permanent home. Maribel recalls other situations where family members made way for guests such as when Tía Hector stayed with them after he was flooded out of his house. Maribel muses on how sometimes “un ratito” can feel like an eternity, like when she had to stay indoors after breaking her arm last summer. Other times, like when her grandparents visit from Costa Rica, un ratito isn’t nearly enough time. Maribel’s sister, Aurelia, worries that Tía Carmen’s house will feel crowded with so many people, but Maribel reassures her that it will be like a fun sleepover. Though ultimately the experience is sometimes difficult, Maribel loves being with her family and hearing stories of her father and her aunt’s childhood in Mexico. Unitalicized Spanish words and phrases are incorporated; sometimes an English translation is included. The message is solid: Families provide and sacrifice for each other, especially when times are hard. The illustrations use warm tones and affectionate body language and friendly faces to convey the love shared by Maribel’s family. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

This story about temporary situations makes for a book that is likely to resonate for a long time.