A review by readingwithmrscastle
The Other Side: Stories of Central American Teen Refugees Who Dream of Crossing the Border by Juan Pablo Villalobos

2.0

Just finished this one and I’m sad to say I’m disappointed. I wanted to love this book-these true, heartbreaking, stories of risk, hope, survival....but I just could not. The stories all end abruptly. The stories were composed through interviews however, whether because of the way the author wrote them or the translation they come across as first person narratives. The structure is poor, as is the translation. On a positive note, the author includes an “updated glance” at the kids who the stories are about. I’d give this one ⭐️⭐️.5 and that’s generous and based on the courage these kids have had through everything they’ve gone through. I would have also liked to see the profits used to help kids through the immigration system and to aid in their trips to America so they don’t have to rely on illegal means.