“This memorable coming-of-age story will awaken readers to the overlooked struggles of immigrants.” —Kirkus Reviews
Nora is on a desperate journey far away from home. When her father leaves their beloved Mexico in search of work, Nora stays behind. She fights to make sense of her loss while living in poverty—in wait of her father’s return and a better day.
When the letters and money stop coming, Nora decides that she and her mother must look for him in Texas. After a frightening experience crossing the border, the two are all alone in a strange place. Nora must find the strength to survive while aching for small comforts: friends, a new school, and her quinceañera.
* Booklist Top Ten First Novels for Youth * YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers * Amelia Bloomer List * TAYSHAS Reading List Pick *
“Thoroughly engaging and thought-provoking. An excellent choice for a book discussion group or a class conversation starter about immigration, prejudice, or gangs.” —Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
“A vivid and unsparing look at the life of an illegal teenage girl who comes to the U. S. from Mexico in search of her father. Faith, family, and friendship are all features of this unforgettable individual life. An important novel that deserves a wide readership.” —Michael Cart, author of Young Adult Literature: From Romance to Realism
Bettina Restrepo received a BS from the University of Texas at Austin and is the author of a picture book, Moose and Magpie. She worked as an internal auditor in the Hispanic supermarket Fiesta Mart, which is portrayed in this book. There she examined firsthand the challenges in the nuances of life for illegal immigrants. Bettina lives with her family in Frisco, Texas, and is the daughter of Colombian and German immigrants.
