A review by btodd12
The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez

emotional sad medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

We hear a lot about the reasons people immigrate to the U.S. (and debate the legitimacy of each, as if we should judge such a personal and monumental decision for people we’ve never met), but I haven’t often heard about families who immigrate here seeking better education and related services for their disabled children.
This novel follows a family who legally immigrates to the Northeast specifically so their teenage daughter, Maribel - who suffered a TBI at her father’s construction work site - can attend a special school. The slow-moving relationship between Maribel & Mayor showed the depths of both of their characters. Maribel’s parents display their protectiveness time & time again, as well as the very real ways their daughter’s sudden disability shakes their marriage. Unfortunately, Maribel is also targeted and taken advantage of by another teen boy with sinister intentions. I enjoyed how the author made Maribel’s interactions with him the catalyst for other plot points.
Very well written (and narrated) book that left me emotional several times. 
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