Joaquin Moves From Fear to Love

This book is about a young boy, Joaquin, who spent 5 years in a refugee camp, with his Mom and 2 older sisters, living in a tent. Many days were difficult for him – crowded and unfriendly. When he was 5, his family moved to a city. He rode an elevator one day and had a frightening experience, until he reached the 9th floor, where he saw his Mom and sisters and felt loved. He decided to ride the elevator again the next day, and felt much more confident.

This book is about a young boy, Joaquin, who was born in Guatemala and spent 5 years in a refugee camp, with his Mom and 2 older sisters. They lived in a tent, among many other people. Their life was very challenging, with crowded places and people yelling at him. When he was 5, his family moved to a city and lived in a tall building with 9 floors and elevator. One day he rode the elevator my himself and had a very frightening experience. On each floor, the door opened, and he saw very distressing things from his past or heard yelling from his past. When he finally reached the 9th floor, he saw his Mom and sisters, who welcomed and loved him. He felt very happy and loved and decided to ride the elevator again the next day. He felt confident that that ride would be much better.

JOY PEYTON is a researcher and writer, who works with students and teachers to develop ways to make both writing and reading fun and interesting, often in the language of their home and community. She lives in Virginia and St. Croix with her husband (David) and has two beautiful daughters (Alexa and Nicole), their wonderful husbands (Michael and Evan), and an amazing granddaughter (Makaya).