Until Someone Listens: A Story About Borders, Family, and One Girl’s Mission, by Estela Juárez with Lissette Norman and illustrated by Teresa Martínez


Until Someone Listens: A Story About Borders, Family, and One Girl’s Mission, written by Estela Juárez with Lissette Norman and illustrated by Teresa Martínez, is a moving picture book memoir that gives voice to the experiences of immigrant families and the power of young people to speak up for justice.

Based on Estela Juárez’s real-life story, the book shares how, at just eight years old, she began writing letters to lawmakers and leaders after her mother was deported to Mexico. Estela’s heartfelt words gained national attention, proving that even the youngest voices can spark change. This story combines themes of resilience, activism, and love of family, offering a timely entry point for students to discuss immigration, borders, and the importance of civic engagement.

Curriculum Connections

Social Studies / Civics  

  • Immigration Studies: Provides a child-centered narrative to understand the realities of U.S. immigration policy.

  • Government & Advocacy: Encourages students to explore how laws are created, challenged, and changed.

  • Contemporary History: Connects students to real-world issues still shaping national and global conversations.

English Language Arts

  • Memoir & Voice: Shows how personal narrative can influence public opinion.

  • Letter-Writing as Advocacy: Students can analyze Estela’s letters as persuasive texts and create their own.

  • Critical Reading: Encourages analysis of tone, perspective, and emotion in storytelling.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

  • Empathy & Understanding: Builds compassion for families experiencing separation and displacement.

  • Student Agency: Reinforces that even young people can make a difference.

  • Resilience: Models hope, persistence, and the power of not giving up.

Discussion Questions

Social Studies / Civics

  1. What challenges did Estela’s family face because of immigration laws?

  2. Why did Estela choose to write letters, and how did those letters make an impact?

  3. How can ordinary citizens, including young people, influence lawmakers and leaders?

English Language Arts

  1. What makes Estela’s story powerful when told in her own words?

  2. How do illustrations help convey the emotions of Estela’s journey?

  3. How does this memoir differ from fictional stories about family or borders?

Social-Emotional Learning

  1. What can we learn from Estela’s courage and persistence?

  2. How would you feel if you were in Estela’s position?

  3. What causes or issues are important to you, and how might you raise your voice about them?

Until Someone Listens is more than a memoir, it’s a call to action. It encourages students to think critically about justice, empathy, and the role of youth in civic life. For middle and high school classrooms, this book can spark conversations about immigration, advocacy, and the many ways one voice can inspire change.

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