Jamil and his family live in Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti. Their life, which is simple and good, becomes challenging when their earnings become insufficient to maintain the family. Both Jamil and his wife, Noémie, work two jobs in order to make ends meet.

Concerned for the welfare of his family whom he loves, Jamil makes the difficult decision to undertake the voyage by boat to the United States to search for work in hopes of earning the money needed to support his family. How will Jamil fare navigating the rough waters of the Caribbean and what effect does his absence have on the loved ones he leaves behind? ok. Teachers: depending on your students, this book can be considered a level 2 or a level 3.