Vermont Reads is a multi-generational program, bringing people together throughout the state to celebrate literacy. The 2022/2023 selection is The Most Costly Journey (El viaje más caro), which tells the stories of 19 migrant workers in their own words in a graphic novel format. 

Much of the work on Vermont dairy farms is done by people from Latin America. Over a thousand migrant laborers from Mexico and other countries milk cows, fix tractors, shovel manure, and take care of calves in our state. Illustrated by New England cartoonists in a variety of styles, each short chapter describes aspects of life as an immigrant farm worker in Vermont: crossing the southern border, struggling with English, adapting to winter, growing gardens, raising children, dealing with health crises, and working long hours.

​

We invite Barre residents to take part in Vermont Reads by picking up a free copy of The Most Costly Journey and reflect on its themes of migration, farming, mental health, cartooning, family, labor movements, and the Latinx experience, among others.