Spring 2024

Just Another Story

A Graphic Migration Account

  • Interest Level: Grade 9 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 7

“This is the story of Carlos and Elena, the story of thousands, the story of my country . . . This is just another story.”

When Carlos was nineteen years old, his mother decided to leave her life in El Salvador for a new start in the United States. Reluctant to follow, but unwilling to let his mother go without him, Carlos joined her on the journey north. During their trip through Mexico and into the US, they experienced the risks and fears countless people from Central American countries have faced while migrating to different lands. Ten years later, Carlos shared these memories with his cousin, cartoonist Ernesto Saade. The result of their conversation is Just Another Story: A Graphic Migration Account. This stirring and thoughtful graphic work goes beyond headlines and statistics to provide a powerful individual account of migration.

“Until now, the story of Carlos was diluted between thousands and thousands of similar stories (or infinitely worse ones). However, this doesn’t detract from his story or anyone else’s. They’re not numbers or statistics but individuals whose lives are a reflection of serious problems in the region. This is the story of Carlos and Elena, the story of thousands, the story of my country . . . This is just another story.”

Format Your Price Add
978-1-7284-7413-7
$23.99
979-8-7656-2336-7
$17.99
979-8-7656-1287-3
$35.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 9 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 7
Genre Graphic Novels, Social Studies, Young Adult
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, Biography, Diverse Books: Immigration & Refugees, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diverse Books: Social Class, Diverse Books: Social Justice, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2024
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Graphic Universe ™
Language English
Number of Pages 216
Publication Date 2024-04-02
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS YAN012040, YAN051090, YAN038060
Dewey 741.5/97284
Dimensions 7 x 9
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Awards, Original artwork, Reviewed, and Starred Reviews

Author, Illustrator: Ernesto Saade

Ernesto Saade is an El Salvador-born architect turned cartoonist. After years spent in the world of construction work, he left to pursue his Master’s Degree in Illustration and Comics from the Barcelona School of Design and Engineering. Now, he works at a non-governmental organization that allows him to devote 100% of his time to drawing comics.

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Just Another Story: An Interview with Author and Illustrator Ernesto Saade

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Awards

  • Great Graphic Novels for Teens Nominee, Nominated, 2024

Reviews

School Library Journal

“This stirring work gives a face to the very real experiences of thousands who must make the same treacherous journey.”—School Library Journal

Good Comics for Kids

“The story is very accessible to young readers and can be a catalyst for many discussions about immigration and the desire for a better life.”—Good Comics for Kids

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“This graphic migration account is a powerful story and one that humanizes the topic of immigration in ways that are often lost in the confrontational political debates that presently occur. Reviewer Rating: 4”—Children’s Literature

Publishers Weekly

“With delicacy and grace, Salvadoran cartoonist Saade crafts a resonant and distinctive graphic novel debut . . . Each panel is a testament to individual resilience, culminating in an expansive story of human beings triumphing against unspeakable odds.”—starred, Publishers Weekly

Kirkus Reviews

“Powerful vignettes weave the epic odyssey of one family’s migration while highlighting the risks and sacrifices undertaken daily by migrants searching for the American dream. The striking illustrations deftly convey complex emotions and poignant symbolism.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews