The Everything I Have Lost

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to question the infallibility of the adults in their lives or is struggling with the heavy secret of a family member's mistakes. Written as a series of diary entries, it follows Julia as her family flees the violence of Juarez for a new life in El Paso. Beyond the immigration narrative, this is a deeply moving exploration of a young girl realizing that her father's 'business' is actually criminal, and her mother's love is complicated by enabling behavior. It is a vital resource for middle schoolers navigating the loss of childhood innocence, the weight of family loyalty, and the resilience required to build a sense of self in a new country. It validates the confusing mix of love and shame that comes with a troubled home life.