We Are Not from Here

Jenny Torres Sanchez's 'We Are Not from Here' is a powerful young adult novel that follows three Guatemalan teenagers, Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña, as they are forced to flee their homes due to escalating violence. Their journey takes them through Mexico on the dangerous train system known as La Bestia, as they desperately seek refuge and a new beginning in the United States. The book unflinchingly portrays the immense peril, grief, and resilience inherent in the migrant experience, weaving in elements of magical realism to elevate their epic quest. It's a visceral, deeply moving story that offers a crucial perspective on the human cost of border crossings and the enduring strength of friendship and hope.

Pulga has his dreams. Chico has his grief. Pequeña has her pride. And these three teens have one another. But, none of them have illusions about the town they've grown up in and the dangers that surround them. Even with the love of family, threats lurk around every corner. And when those threats become all too real, the trio knows they have no choice but to run: from their country, from their families, from their beloved home. Crossing from Guatemala through Mexico, they follow the route of La Bestia, the perilous train system that might deliver them to a better life -- if they are lucky enough to survive the journey. With nothing but the bags on their backs and desperation drumming through their hearts, Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña know there is no turning back, despite the unknown that awaits them. And the darkness that seems to follow wherever they go. In this striking portrait of lives tonr apart, the plight of migrants at the US southern border is brought to light through poignant, vivid storytelling. An epic journey of danger, resilience, heartache, and hope. --