Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
This was incredible. It’s a tough story, the journey from escaping sure danger in Guatemala to the United States, but these characters were so dear and I was very invested in what would happen to them. This is definitely for upper MG, not for the highly sensitive reader, but it is such an important story and so well done.
Wonderful story about two children who leave Guatemala in the middle of the night to escape the drugs and gangs to make a new life in America.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is the reality for so many. If they stay, they die. If they leave, they might live. So many people in the US don't know, or don't care about these stories
Heartbreaking, timely, and beautifully written. While much of the book is intense, there are also lighthearted moments and generous hearts that reveal a better side of humanity. Highly recommend for middle schoolers or any adult who wants to read about the modern migrant experience.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
While this is a timely book and definitely a window and mirror book, I definitely wasn't drawn into it. I only finished out of obligation as it's nominated for a state award. It wasn't until about 3/4 of the way through that I wanted to finish the book so I knew if they made it or not.
I just don't know with book, I am so torn. On one hand, I love how Diaz infuses empathy into the story of Jaime and Angela. The strength of the story is in these characters and their connection with each other and their families. However, despite depicting the dangers and horrors of fleeing one's country under threat of violence, the ending seemed almost unrealistically happy. I also wondered at a Cuban American author writing about the experience of Guatemalan refugees.
The Alphas run Jaime's small Guatemalan town, and everyone is right to be afraid of them. When Jaime's cousin Miguel is killed by them, and then Jaime and Miguel's sister Angela are "invited" to join, their parents scrap together as much money as possible and send them north. Jaime's older brother Tomas is working in New Mexico, and their only hope for a life worth living is to make it to him. But this means crossing two borders and the entire country of Mexico on their own. This is a harrowing journey and the descriptions are realistic and often graphic. Readers will not be able to rest until they make it to the end. Highly recommended for grades 5 & up, especially in today's political climate.