Welcome Home, Esmerelda

A family goes home again.
It’s time to move yet again, but Esmerelda’s used to it, because her dad’s in the military. This time, they’ll be relocating from Germany back to San Antonio. That should be good news, because the rest of Esmerelda’s extended familia lives there, but she isn’t nearly as excited as her sister, who was born there. After all, Esmerelda’s never been to San Antonio; that’s not her home! After packing everything up, they move to temporary lodging on the base and say adios to the friends they’ve made in Germany. Once they land in the U.S., they’re greeted by loved ones, right off the plane. Everyone is curious about Esmerelda, but the only one she recognizes is her Abuela. Esmerelda doesn’t feel like she belongs. Until…Tío George puts on Tejano music. Hearing a song by her beloved Selena, Esmerelda starts dancing, and everyone joins in. At last, she feels at home. Esmerelda’s a charming protagonist struggling with an issue that will be familiar to many readers, whether they’ve moved frequently or not: feeling out of place with family they’re not yet close with. Spanish words are interspersed throughout, while Lechuga’s crayonlike art brims with detailed spreads and harmonic colors full of movement. Esmerelda and her family are brown-skinned and Latine.
A warm and relatable tale told with heart.
—Kirkus Reviews

This tender picture book captures the uncertainty and hope of starting over in a new place. Esmerelda, part of a military family, has traveled the world but never lived in the United States. When her family relocates to San Antonio, she worries she won’t belong, even with extended family nearby. Through the warmth of her abuela and the power of music and dance, she learns that “home” isn’t just a place, but the embrace of familia. Ramirez’s heartfelt text provides comfort to young readers navigating change, while Lechuga’s colorful illustrations reflect both cultural heritage and emotional nuance. Perfect for families and classrooms supporting children through transitions, this story reassures that love and community create a sense of belonging no matter where life leads. The family has light brown skin. VERDICT Moving and reassuring choices for picture book collections, especially for libraries serving military families and children experiencing big moves, these titles will capture readers’ attention with beautiful imagery and writing, and their hearts.
—School Library Journal

Esmeralda and her family are preparing to move from Germany to San Antonio, Texas. Esmeralda’s dad is in the military, so moving is not new to her, but she is nervous about living in San Antonio because she fears feeling out of place. Even though she was born there and her family lives there, she has no memories of Texas, unlike her older sister, Mariana. Esmeralda is concerned she won’t fit in. Mariana comforts her and tells her everything will be okay. Once they arrive in San Antonio, Esmeralda watches her parents and Mariana glow with smiles as they reconnect with the family. Then, Tío George learns that Esmeralda loves music like her abuela, so he turns up a song by Selena. Esmeralda comes alive, pulling her sister onto the dance floor. All the family joins in, creating a cumbia line. Esmeralda beams with joy and realizes she is home. This heartwarming tale depicts the challenges of growing up in a military family. Children who have parents in the military will be able to relate to Esmeralda. Ramirez’s beautiful story captures that struggle but also offers hope. Readers will get to see how good things can come from change.
—Children’s Literature

Opening with Esmerelda and her sister dancing in the kitchen, Ramirez’s debut picture book shares the meaning of home. Esmerelda’s father, a U.S. serviceman, announces to the family that they will be moving from Germany back to their hometown of San Antonio, Texas. On a phone call with her abuela, Esmerelda expresses her doubts about the change, and Abuela reminds her, “Remember, home is not always a place. Home is a feeling in your heart.” In San Antonio, Esmerelda feels out of place with her large, unfamiliar family. But when Tío George turns up the music of Tejano queen Selena, the whole family can’t help but dance, sharing Esmerelda’s own love of music. Colorful multimedia illustrations by Lechuga round out the emotional message of this tender story, and musical notes float throughout the book, conveying joy. Spanish words peppered into the text add warmth and cultural authenticity. Ramirez succeeds in sharing a warm reflection on family and the sacrifices of service members and their families. An author’s note about military families concludes.
—Booklist