Shameful!

THE NOTEBOOK KEEPER A STORY OF KINDNESS FROM THE BORDER by Stephen Briseno

In this story about the refugee experience at the U.S. border, Noemi tells us about Belinda. A kind asylum seeker waiting at the U.S. border who is employed by border patrol to assist with translation services and maintain the ledger but who is not compensated for her work.

Characters: Noemi, her mother, Belinda, asylum seekers, border patrol

Theme: Refugee experience

Conflict: Flight

Perspective: First person

Style: recount

Plot: Noemi tells us why she and her mother flee their home. She shares their experience walking to the U.S. Mexico border, of meeting Belinda and her job as the Notebook Keeper. Noemi tells us what it is like in the camp and to wait for your turn and how Belinda's compassion gives them hope. When Belinda's turn finally comes, Noemi and her mother play it forward and assume the duties of the Notebook Keeper.

Setting: The U.S. Mexico Border