Land Beyond the Wall

A picture book blending a sweet fairy tale with the realness of immigration, inspired by the author-illustrator’s own experiences moving to a new home.

Emma lives on the grey, cold, lonely side of a wall, where people speak in whispers and no flowers grow. On the other side, there is happiness and color, but she can never go there. When Emma's parents disappear, she is sent to live with her Aunt Lily, who, “just like the land withered from lack of sunshine, was broken by the life she led.” One day, Aunt Lily discovers Emma drawing and dashes her niece’s dream of becoming an artist. That is, until the day a strange boat captain, and an even stranger boat, arrive, and she leaves her world behind forever.

Following Emma’s arrival in a strange land (Halifax's Pier 21), her placement in a group home, and the discovery of her voice through art, The Land Beyond the Wall is a beautifully rendered allegory that uses magic realism to confront the harsh realities of immigration, and the universal struggle of finding one’s voice, and one’s place in the world.

“These types of autobiographical stories for young readers serve a dual purpose: on the one hand they let children know that they are not alone, not the only ones who have come through hardship and awfulness. On the other, they offer inspiration, a message directly from the author that says, “I did it. You can, too.” That Charles relates her personal fairy tale with such delicacy and style is a bonus.” —Quill & Quire (Toronto, ON)