About This Book
This gripping young adult novel follows siblings Sara and Emiliano as they are forced to flee their home in Ciudad Juárez due to a violent cartel. Their perilous journey across the U.S. border is driven by a desperate hope for safety, a better life, and a chance to bring their pursuers to justice. However, their arrival in the United States unveils new, unexpected dangers, challenging their resilience and their bond. The book explores themes of immigration, survival, family loyalty, and the complex realities faced by those seeking refuge. It is suitable for ages 12-18 and offers a powerful, thought-provoking narrative for discussion.
To escape the violent cartel that is after them in Ciudad Juárez, siblings Sara and Emiliano flee across the border, seeking a better life in the United States and hoping to bring their pursuers to justice, only to discover that an even greater danger awaits them.
Concepts
Fear & BraveryResilience & PerseveranceLove & FamilyJustice & FairnessLoneliness & BelongingSelf-Confidence & IdentityEmpathy & KindnessHonesty & IntegrityGood vs. EvilFreedom & IndependenceImmigrationMovingBeing DifferentFinancial HardshipSibling RivalryPeer PressureFamily & SiblingsSurvival & Wilderness
Discussion Prompts
1
What challenges do Sara and Emiliano face both in Ciudad Juárez and after crossing the border?
2
How do the siblings rely on each other throughout their journey? What does their relationship teach us about family?
3
The book is titled "Illegal." What does this title make you think about, and how does the story challenge or confirm those ideas?
4
What does it mean to seek "justice" in a situation like Sara and Emiliano's?
5
If you were in their situation, what emotions do you think you would feel, and what would you hope for?
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