Mina Belongs Here by Sandra Niebuhr-Siebert, with illustrations by Lars Baus and published by Floris Books in 2022, is a beautifully crafted story that tenderly captures the experience of a young child stepping into a new, unfamiliar world. Little Mina, just starting kindergarten, finds herself in a classroom where she doesn’t yet understand the language. As the story unfolds, we watch her slowly but surely blossom, learning new words and gradually finding her place in this new environment.
Niebuhr-Siebert has created a narrative that is rich in themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), presenting them with a gentle, empathetic touch. Through Mina’s eyes, we see the emotional and social challenges faced by English Learners (ELs) as they adapt to a new language and culture. The story is told from Mina’s perspective at eye level, allowing young readers to connect deeply with her experiences. Niebuhr-Siebert’s background in early childhood education and her understanding of the immigrant experience shine through, bringing authenticity to Mina’s journey.
The illustrations by Baus are a perfect complement to the story, adding depth and warmth to the narrative. Baus employs a vibrant, yet soft color palette created using watercolor, acrylic paint, and digital techniques. The illustrations beautifully contrast the initial black-and-white scenes with full color as Mina becomes more comfortable and familiar with her surroundings, mirroring her growing confidence and understanding of the language. The diversity of characters in the classroom is depicted with care, showcasing children of various races and backgrounds, making the story wonderfully inclusive.
This book is an excellent resource for children ages 4 to 8, making it especially valuable for use in both general and special education classrooms. It’s a wonderful choice for the first week of school, helping young students who might be feeling out of place or anxious about a new environment. Mina Belongs Here is highly recommended for educators looking to foster discussions about empathy, language learning, and the importance of welcoming new classmates in an increasingly diverse world.
As of the time of this writing, Mina Belongs Here by Sandra Niebuhr-Siebert has received notable recognition, including a starred review from the School Library Journal, which lauded the book’s lyrical text and expressive illustrations. The School Library Journal also included it in their list of Best Picture Books of 2023. Additionally, Kirkus Reviews described the book as a “visually engaging, rose-colored exploration of the immigrant experience.” These accolades underscore the book’s powerful portrayal of themes such as belonging and language learning, making it a standout in contemporary children’s literature.
Mina (Amazon)*
Mina (Support an Independent Bookstore)*
My thanks to Floris Books for providing a Review Copy of this book. All opinions provided herein are my own.
More books for this Age Group can be found here and here.
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Books about belonging are important.