Beast Rider

Reach for this book when your teenager is beginning to ask complex questions about global migration, social justice, or the human stories behind the headlines of the border crisis. It is a powerful tool for developing deep empathy in readers who are ready to look past statistics to the faces of the individuals making the perilous journey north. The story follows twelve-year-old Manuel as he leaves his home in Oaxaca to find his brother in the United States, riding the dangerous freight trains known as The Beast. This is a visceral, honest look at resilience and the meaning of home. While the subject matter is heavy, including encounters with gangs and physical injury, it serves as a vital bridge for families to discuss privilege, human rights, and the lengths people will go for love and survival. It is best suited for mature middle schoolers and high school students who can process realistic depictions of hardship followed by a nuanced, hopeful resolution.