Author Reyna Grande shortens the “Distance Between Us” as she visits Godinez
“The Distance Between Us” Author, Reyna Grande is seen answering a question by a Godinez Fundamental High School student.
September 20, 2019
“The Distance Between Us,” author, Reyna Grande, visited Godinez Fundamental High School to give students a much more detailed insight on her tough journey from Mexico to “El Otro Lado.”
On Wednesday, August 28, 2019, Grande presented at the Godinez theater for second and third period English students and invited guests from the English teachers. Later that day, Grande visited art teacher, Helen Siegel’s class and then wrapped up the day by having lunch with a selected amount of students for a Q&A in the Grizzly Flexlab.
When asked why Grande writes, she said one of the sayings of her favorite writer, James Baldwin, “Write in order to change the world.”
“It’s something that has been recurring throughout history. We have to come together as a country to make sure we learn from one of those mistakes and stop doing that.” — Reyna Grande
One of the important topics that Grande writes about is immigration, something that the majority of our students know.
Grande said, “I write about immigration… it is a very personal topic for me to explore because I am an immigrant and I love writing about my immigrant experiences and speaking up for my immigrant community.”
Grande’s goal for her writing is to help people understand who the immigrant community is and to encourage people to “see them for who they are.”
Senior, Moises Cerda, said, “The assembly was great, I saw others in attendance such as Mr. Church (principal) and some of my friends as well. What I found the most interesting was the amount of clever questions students asked.”
Towards the end of the assembly, Grande opened up the chance for students to ask her questions.
One student asked the question, “What are your views on the immigration problems that had been going on recently?” Grande answered, “It’s something that has been recurring throughout history. We have to come together as a country to make sure we learn from one of those mistakes and stop doing that. It doesn’t help when we have a leader who creates chaos among groups.”
English teacher, Marissa Elliott, commented on the way the visit may have helped her students.
Elliott said, “I think it’s really great for students to see the person behind the book. They are able to make a connection with her stories and the text. I had my students come up with questions prior to the meeting which I think helped them.”
As the day continued, Grande visited Siegel’s art class to meet Christopher Mendoza and Juliana Recinos, the students behind creating the school wide reading poster for “The Distance Between Us.”
Artist Christopher Mendoza (left), Reyna Grande (middle), and artist Juliana Recinos (right) are seen taking a photo with the schoolwide reading poster for “The Distance Between Us” in the background.
During lunchtime, another group of Godinez students had lunch and a Q&A session with Grande where they were given a chance to have a conversation one on one and ask more questions about her writings and life.
Over a Subway lunch, Grande continued to answer questions including how tough it was to write about her family secrets.
Grande reflected that sharing her story was her way of “getting it out.”
Grande’s story of her family and her growth continues in her sequel to “The Distance Between Us” called “A Dream Called Home” which was released Octobor 2018.
The book progresses her story about her time as an adult in the United States and at the University of California at Santa Cruz.
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Damian Nieto • Sep 24, 2019 at 7:50 pm
When Reyna Grande came to speak to us on August 28, I was very excited to see what she had to say. My knowledge of the experiences of immigrants was RUDIMENTARY and reading the book as well as hearing her speak gave me a very good insight into what it was like. I agree with the statement by English teacher Mrs. Elliott saying, ” I think it’s really great for students to see the person behind the book. They are able to make a connection with her stories and the text.” Although I could understand the book well, I felt as though hearing her explain and describe her own experiences in person helped me understand her past situation even more. I became even more interested when the question “Why do you write?” was asked, to which her response was, ” I write in order to change the world.” It showed how much of an AVID writer she was and how she actually wanted to make an impact with her writing.
Stephany Olea • Sep 24, 2019 at 6:51 pm
The Distance Between Us” author, Reyna Grande is very avid when it comes to immigration writing. This book made me fascinated by reading memoirs and books, especially about immigration. Her writing was very intense, which made the story come to life in my mind and made me feel connected to the characters throughout the story. After reading the book, I understood that sometimes we perceive things as what we want them to be instead of what they are. I’m looking forward to reading about her time as an adult in the united states and her experience at UCSC in her upcoming book, A Dream Called Home. -Stephany
Ronnie Quiroz • Sep 23, 2019 at 5:39 pm
Reyna Grande the author of our summer reading book had recently came to our school to answer questions and talk about her book. Only a certain THRONG of people was able to meet her and ACCOST her which seemed unfair because not everyone got to meet her. I believe we all can relate to Reyna’s story in some way and I think that’s why her book is more special to us. Grande believes that we have to learn from our mistakes to be better and it doesn’t help that our leader creates conflict among different groups. Overall Grande coming to our school and sharing her story with us had an impact on students and helped have a better understanding of the immigrant community.
Priscila Alvarado • Sep 23, 2019 at 1:52 pm
I think Reyna Grande’s presentation of her book was very meaningful and heart wrenching for her to make. Her book brought a new PERCEPTION on the topic of immigration and she did it by telling readers of her story. She made many believe that if the community can work together, then we can all create a difference in helping them resolve the epidemic. The problem to many seems INTERMINABLE but according to her, with help from the people around you will make things better for everyone.