Reviews

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader copy.

We Are All We Have is a hard hitting YA novel about immigration, asylum, ICE and how government agencies pursue illegals and the ramifications surrounding the seizure of them. This story is told from the perspective of a young woman who goes on the run with her younger brother when their mother is detained by ICE. This is a great novel for young teenagers who want to expand their minds on what life can be like for immigrants their age.

jesspages's review

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emotional reflective

4.25

cakt1991's review

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hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

We Are All We Have is a hard-hitting, if short and concise contemporary, capturing the reality of the impact on families during the “Muslim immigration ban” during the previous presidential adminstration, but also more broadly about the immigrant experience in general, and how it reflects the desire for survival, freedom, and the hope for better, as it always has, even if the powers that he choose to ironically and selectively politicize it.

But I appreciate that, while there are some deep themes, Marina Budhos avoids making her characters into martyrs for the sake of the cause. Rania’s family is dealing with the consequences of xenophobic policy, but she’s also a typical flawed, messy teenage girl, giving into impulsiveness and selfishness at times. However, she’s also a good sister, looking after her younger brother, Kamal, and she’s very much at the crossroads of navigating the typical teen challenges, while also having to grow up fast to deal with her family’s situation.

I also enjoy the road-trip aspect as they attempt to navigate their tenuous circumstances and find happiness and clarity where they can. It also forms the perfect structure for the book, keeping the momentum going.

This is a beautiful, moving, and hopeful read, and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA contemporaries.

ilana_banana's review

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hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Content Warnings

bookhaunt's review

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emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

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