9 Kilometers

The sky is still dark when a young boy leaves home for school. He has a long path ahead: nine kilometers—over five-and-a-half miles—through the mountains and rain forests of Chile. But the boy doesn’t mind. While he walks, he can count butterflies and lizards, and he can think about where the 15,000 steps he takes every morning could lead. Set against the lush backdrop of southern Chile, this book features one of the many children around the world who travel long distances to attend school. Thoughtfully illustrated articles explore the unique birds of Chile and the courage of similar students’ journeys in other countries. You can open lasting conversations with your child about social inequalities, the value of learning, and the resilience of those who push past obstacles toward a better future. 56 pages, hardcover. Ages 5 – 9.