Mina Belongs Here

“It was the night before Mina’s first day at her new kindergarten. She didn’t want to go, but her mama said she would have fun there and people would be kind.

“Mina tossed and turned in bed and dreamed about lots of strange things.”

Mina is worried about starting a new kindergarten in her new country. The classroom is full of laughter, friendly faces, and fun things to do, but the only word Mina can understand is her name.

As she listens to stories and songs, chatter, and instructions, Mina's understanding steadily grows. She tries out sounds that roar in her throat and tickle her tongue until the new words feel like her own. Then one day, Mina realizes that this language now belongs to her, and she belongs to this new world. And she's ready to welcome others in.

Mina Belongs Here is a heartfelt and uplifting story of a migrant’s experience of discovering a sense of belonging through shared words. The expressive and lively illustrations begin in muted monochrome and slowly transform into vibrant colors as Mina's understanding grows.

(Ages 4 to 7 years)