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cedarwishes's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
gileslibrarian6's review
5.0
True stories of Central American teenagers crossing the border to escape their circumstances-some inspiring, all sad. Readers get a glimpse of the journey’s hardships through freezer cells, river crossings, and more. Really makes you feel for these teens.
amdame1's review against another edition
4.0
True stories of teens from Central America trying to cross the border into the US. Vivid. Heartbreaking. Real.
This is a fairly short book - only 148 pages altogether so there may not be as many details as some would like but it is a glimpse into the travails and hardships that these teens faced leaving their countries and trying to get into the US. (And there is also a very terse follow-up of where they are now). Also includes a glossary and suggestions for further reading.
Recommended for grades 6-12
This is a fairly short book - only 148 pages altogether so there may not be as many details as some would like but it is a glimpse into the travails and hardships that these teens faced leaving their countries and trying to get into the US. (And there is also a very terse follow-up of where they are now). Also includes a glossary and suggestions for further reading.
Recommended for grades 6-12
booksteaandchocolate's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
iamrainbou's review against another edition
4.0
A nonfiction recollection of the lives and journeys of ten Central American immigrants. This is a very tough read that doesn’t let us look away from the reality of some many children and teenagers. The reasons for why they leave their countries are different; gangs, violence, poverty, homophobia, sexual assault, reconnecting with parents… But they all deserve the chance for a better life, they all have the right of a better life. This book is uncomfortable and raw, but so necessary when we refuse to see the stories of immigrant children.
beautifullybookishbethany's review against another edition
4.0
Based on interviews conducted in 2016, The Other Side is a non-fiction collection of accounts from minors who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border. It is moving, eye-opening, thought-provoking, and very timely, given how much conditions have worsened since 2016. I think this exactly what YA non-fiction should do, opening relatable views into different experiences and starting conversations! This includes stories from young people of various ages from several different Central American countries. We see the realities of what many of them are running from as refugees, harrowing journey to the border, and mixed experiences during and after crossing. It is well worth reading.
However, I do wish this was longer and included a little more discussion and context. At only 160 pages it is quite brief and feels less substantial than I would like. However, the short length and easy-reading narrative might make this ideal for classroom instruction! I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
However, I do wish this was longer and included a little more discussion and context. At only 160 pages it is quite brief and feels less substantial than I would like. However, the short length and easy-reading narrative might make this ideal for classroom instruction! I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
libscote's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this was an excellent introduction for teens about the experiences that cause people to cross the border illegally. Each little look illustrates something slightly different, and each will break your heart.
dungeonmasterteacher's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
This book was a little upsetting. It was originally written in Spanish, so I'm pretty sure US readers aren't the intended audience. It doesn't focus on US policy or make any direct call to action. The book just tells the border crossing stories of some teenagers. It makes it really clear just how dangerous crossing the border is, and how bad the gang violence is in some parts of Central America, especially in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. It also shows how inhumane the immigration centers are. What really stands out to me is what people are willing to do for hope of a better life.
This would be fine for ages 14+. It's not particularly explicit. It says enough to let you know things are bad, but it neither commodifies violence nor lingers on it to prove a point. There is a lot of mention of murder and sexual assault, but the book is not graphic at all. If anything the writing feels quite understated considering the subject matter.
This would be fine for ages 14+. It's not particularly explicit. It says enough to let you know things are bad, but it neither commodifies violence nor lingers on it to prove a point. There is a lot of mention of murder and sexual assault, but the book is not graphic at all. If anything the writing feels quite understated considering the subject matter.
lesley's review against another edition
3.0
A good introduction for young people about refugee experiences. Great for building the beginnings of understanding and empathy.
dylanisreviewing's review against another edition
This wasn't bad but I feel as if the stories were too short to make me feel much for them and I think some emotions got lost in translation.
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