Borders: Understanding the Lines that Unite and Separate Us

This accessible illustrated nonfiction guide for children ages eight to twelve details the who, why, and how of borders, including how geographical boundary lines can both unite and separate us. 

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Borders map out cities, countries, territories. They are established across land and sea and sky. Some are flexible, and some seem impenetrable, but all borders are more than just geography. When were today’s boundaries created? Who created them and why? And how do these lines affect the culture, economy, politics, and environment around them? 

Nature has created many logical borders. Humans have established some that seem to make no sense. And though they are often invisible, borders can have serious consequences when crossed. What groups are working to bridge these divides and support our shared humanity? 

In this easily digestible illustrated nonfiction guide, children learn that there is more to consider than just the outline on a map and that throughout history, boundary lines have had the power to bring us together or keep us apart. 

The easy-to-follow segments help children understand complex topics like:

• Immigration and Migration
• Colonialism
• Passports and Visas

Includes glossary, index, select bibliography, and a resource page for further learning.

Karim Ressouni-Demigneux holds a doctorate in art history and was born in France to a Moroccan father and a Burgundian mother. He works in journalism and literature, writing especially for young people. He has traveled and lived all over the world, including Morocco and Brazil and regularly leads trips to China, where he has also lived. 

Karine Maincent is an illustrator and graphic designer from Nancy, a riverfront city in northeastern France. She holds a diploma from the National School of Fine Arts in Nancy and has traveled the world, including living and working for several years in Benin, West Africa.