Finding Home in Colorado: Denver Author Helen Thorpe Introduces Us to The Newcomers |
Through one Denver classroom, The Newcomers reveals the courage of refugee students, the devotion of a remarkable teacher, and the everyday choices that transform an unfamiliar place into a community. |
What does it take to make a new place feel like home? In The Newcomers: Finding Refuge, Friendship, and Hope in an American Classroom, Denver author and journalist Helen Thorpe explores that question through the experiences of 22 immigrant and refugee teenagers beginning new lives at Denver’s South High School.
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I didn’t realize this won the Colorado Book Award. That’s impressive. Shows that these stories resonate with a lot of people here.
I had Eddie Williams as a teacher! He truly cared about understanding us, not just teaching English. Cool to see him get a shoutout.
Honestly, sometimes the focus on immigrant stories feels heavy, but it’s true we shouldn’t reduce people to just their hardships. Thanks for pointing out their humor too!
We’re glad that resonated with you; sharing the students’ humor and everyday joys is an important reminder of their whole, vibrant lives beyond challenges.
Grew up near South High and always admired how they celebrated all cultures. Makes me proud to be from here.
Really like the reminder that belonging is about everyday actions, not big gestures. This is something I can do.
Love that the article points out how change starts with individuals, not just big programs. We can all do something.
The award recognition tells me it’s probably well researched and written. Not surprised coming from Thorpe.
I wonder if the book talks about the challenges after high school too? Transitioning into adulthood can be a whole new struggle for newcomers.
My family struggled with English when we moved to Colorado. It’s good to see there’s more understanding now than there was 20 years ago.
As someone who came here as a refugee, I wish more folks understood what it’s like. Glad Thorpe is telling these stories with empathy.
Harun IssaThank you for sharing your perspective, Harun. Hearing from people who’ve actually been through it makes a huge difference. I hope more people read the book with an open mind.
Thank you for your perspective—Thorpe’s reporting tries to move beyond statistics, honoring individual journeys and voices with genuine empathy.
Honestly I hadn’t heard of this book until now. Picking it up for the summer. Centennial always feels welcoming to me!
Loved the point about supporting educators. My sister works with ELL students and knows what a tough job it is.
Just put this on my book club’s list. We always look for Colorado authors who shine a light on the community. Thanks for the recommendation!
Kind of wish the focus was more on solutions, not just stories, but I get the importance of seeing each person first.
I’m glad to see a book that puts faces to headlines. Sometimes the politics drown out the real people affected.
It’s really the teachers and schools that make a difference. Educators deserve a lot more credit for shaping our community.
I haven’t read this yet, but as a volunteer tutor, I see firsthand how crucial it is for kids to feel safe before they can focus on learning. That bit about hope is spot on.
We’re grateful for volunteers like you who help provide that sense of safety; as the article notes, hope and belonging are the foundation for real learning.
I think everyone in Colorado should try reading something like this, just to get some perspective on their neighbors.
Makes me wish city leaders would listen to immigrants’ stories more often before making policy. Personal stories matter.
Thorpe’s reporting style is always so empathetic. I’ve read her work before and she brings real care to complicated topics.
Reading about how students bond over bus schedules and school lunch makes me smile. Growing up, those little experiences really connect you no matter where you’re from.
Absolutely—those everyday moments, from riding the bus to discovering cafeteria favorites, are powerful building blocks for friendship and community.
I passed by South High every day for years and never knew there were so many stories inside. This makes me wish I’d paid more attention.
I moved to Colorado as a kid, and even though my move was much easier, I remember how scary it was. Small kindnesses really did add up.
As someone whose family came here as refugees, I appreciate books like these. It’s a comfort to see our stories told.
Gonna check this out from the library before I buy! Thanks for the heads up.
Sometimes people get caught up in politics and forget we’re talking about real young people. This is a needed reminder.
We could all stand to be a little more curious and a little less judgmental. Thanks for the reminder!
Does anyone teach English classes for adults in Centennial? Asking for my neighbors. Thanks!
I’m usually the skeptical type, but this sounds genuinely thoughtful. Maybe I’ll pick up a copy.
South High’s such a unique place. I remember volunteering there and being amazed at how resilient the students were. This book sounds like it captures that spirit.
South High is indeed special, and Helen Thorpe’s book works hard to honor the resilience and spirit you experienced as a volunteer.
I think we could use more stories that show the good sides of immigration, not just the struggles. Thanks for this!
Honestly, sometimes I get worried about all the changes, but reading more real stories helps me understand better.
We have so many organizations in Centennial helping newcomers, but there’s still more we can do. I hope this sparks more local conversation.
I keep seeing Helen Thorpe’s name come up in book lists. Sounds like she approaches tough issues with a lot of heart. I appreciate that.
You’re right—Thorpe has a gift for approaching complex topics with sensitivity and compassion, letting readers see the people behind the headlines.
I volunteered at a library English class once and met teens just like those in the book. Their resilience amazed me.
Honestly, I wish my company did more to support newcomers in the workplace. This perspective could help a lot more than just schools.
That’s a wonderful insight—many of the book’s lessons about welcome and inclusion could apply throughout our community, including the workplace.
I love that the article reminds us about the power of simple things like learning someone’s name. It goes a long way.
As someone who moved here from Vietnam, this hits home. There’s still days I feel like a newcomer.
Glad to see recognition for community groups too. Churches, libraries, and schools, they all pitch in here.
I’ve read this book! Thorpe really does a beautiful job weaving the kids’ stories together. You’ll laugh and cry. Highly recommend it, especially for teachers.
Saw Helen Thorpe speak at One Book Denver a few years ago. Her research is always so solid.
I moved here from Syria in 2017, so much of this sounds familiar. It’s not easy but finding friendly faces really matters.
Would love teacher training in our schools about welcoming immigrant kids. Small things really do matter.
Wait, another Eddie Williams teaching at South? Made me do a double take!
Great review! Will recommend this title for our next neighborhood book swap.
It's easy to talk about diversity, but actually including people takes effort. Thanks for the reminder that belonging is intentional, not automatic.
It’s nice to see Denver stories getting attention. Our communities are changing, and books like this help us keep up.
Honestly I think we still have a long way to go in making newcomers feel welcome. Hoping books like this help.
Thank you for sharing that perspective, we agree, and hope stories like these inspire more small acts of welcome in our communities.
South High has always welcomed everyone. My dad went there in the 70s! Proud of that tradition.
Not gonna lie, I wish more people around here understood how hard it can be for refugees. Really puts things in perspective.
I read The Newcomers a couple years ago and it stuck with me. It made me look at my own classmates differently. Highly recommend.
This makes me want to learn how to say hello in more languages. It’s such a simple way to show you care.
Props to teachers like Mr. Williams. Sometimes teachers are the first to help a new kid feel like they belong. That makes all the difference.
I think sometimes we forget how tough it is for teens to start over in a whole new country. Glad someone is telling their stories. Respect to Mr. Williams and all teachers like him.
I wish more people would try to understand how hard it is to start over, especially for kids. Thanks Helen for telling their stories.
It really is the small things that make people feel at home. When my family moved here, a neighbor baked us cookies and that made all the difference.
I live near South High and have seen lots of newcomers in our neighborhood. The book sounds like an honest account. Might have to check it out.
My kids went to South High a few years ago. Those ELA classrooms absolutely change lives. Glad to see them getting some attention.
Thank you for sharing your connection to South High! The ELA classrooms truly do remarkable work in helping students—and our wider community—grow together.
That line about belonging growing through small choices is so true. We forget it doesn’t take a grand gesture, just kindness.
The students’ stories sound tough but inspiring. Could we see more articles like this?
I read The Newcomers last year, it was eye-opening. Makes me want to reach out to my new neighbors now too.
Helen Thorpe has a real gift for making complicated issues feel personal. I love how the focus stays on the students' individual journeys rather than just statistics. I’m definitely adding this book to my reading list.
Really moved by how Thorpe focuses on the students as individuals, not just statistics. I see a lot of my students' stories here in Centennial too. I’d love to read this one.
I work at a Centennial library and we see so many families trying to make sense of everything new. Glad this is getting attention.
It’s true, learning names goes such a long way. I still remember when someone got mine right for the first time after moving here.
Does anyone know if Helen Thorpe is doing any readings in the area? Would love to hear her talk about this.
Janet.LI wonder too! Maybe the Tattered Cover or the library will host her. I'll keep an eye out and post if I see anything.
Great question! Helen Thorpe often participates in local events, her website lists upcoming appearances, so you might want to check there for the latest schedule.
My cousin started at South after moving from Honduras. Those first months were really hard but the teachers were so patient.
As a former ESL teacher, I agree, feeling safe always comes first. Love seeing local stories highlighted like this.
We're so grateful for the work of ESL educators like you, thank you for recognizing how crucial safe, supportive environments are for students.
Really appreciate how Thorpe focuses on the students as *people* not numbers. We can all use that reminder sometimes.
This book sounds so powerful. I had a few friends from South High and they always said it was the most diverse school in Denver. Adding to my reading list!
South High's diversity was a big part of what made it such a compelling setting for this book. We hope you enjoy reading it and seeing those stories come to life.