Behind the Mountains

Behind the Mountains (2002) by Edwidge Danticat. 160 pages.
ISBN: 0-439-37299-2

Thirteen year old Celiane Esperance received a notebook from her teacher, which she loves. Celiane lives with her mom and brother in the Haitian village Beau Jour. Her father moved to New York five years prior to earn money for the family.

Celiane's journal entries describe her life in the village with her family and friends at school. Her Manman sells dous in the market and her brother, Moy, loves to paint. Weekly, the family exchange audio-tapes between New York and Haiti, to maintain their connection, there are no phones in the village. Celiane, Manman and Moy have been waiting years for visas to join Papa in New York.

Traveling on a tap tap (bus) to visit Tante Rose in Port-au-Prince, Celiane notes the differences in the city - traffic, crowds, shops. After the visit, the tap tap Celiane and her mom are on gets bombed. Celiane is separated from her mom, both are injured and end up back in Port-au-Prince to heal. The elections are about to happen and there's political unrest. They want to return to their serene village and increase their resolve to join Papa. Arriving and living in Brooklyn, New York has its joy and difficulties.

With innocent clarity, Celiane describes life in her village, contrasts in city life, struggles with adjusting in a new country and friction within the family. The story provides a glimpse into political injustices and difficulties in migrating from a country of unrest. Good read for 10 to 13 year olds, also appropriate for high school students.

An interview with the author, Edwidge Danticat.

Educator's - Behind the Mountains Book Discussion Guide

Curriculum Connection: CA History-Social Science

Students describe consequences of conditions that gave rise to tyrannies during certain periods (e.g., Italy, Japan, Haiti, Nigeria, Cambodia).