From Across the Street

From Across the Street takes Pati, an American-Dominican girl visiting her grandmother in the Dominican Republic for the summer, on a musical journey into one of the most widespread Dominican folkloric traditions: “Los Palos.” Nurtured by her Mami and Abuelita, Pati learns the instruments, rhythms, singing, and meaning woven through the music.

She discovers how the whole neighborhood is part of the tradition, and her journey ends in a communal celebration in the Parque del Pueblo — where she overcomes her fears, joins in with her maracas, and is welcomed into a joyful celebration of life and love.

Told in both English and Spanish (Del otro lado de la calle) by Wanda Vásquez García and Sócrates García, with illustrations by Karla Sing Conde and Fernando Batista. The digital edition adds audio narration (Spanish by Wanda, English by her daughter Astrid) and original music by Sócrates García and Edis Sánchez.