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“Chrístine’s navigation of their identity will resonate with teens who feel insecure and find belonging difficult. An accessible graphic novel for high schoolers seeking a character they can relate to and a safe space to read about mixed heritage and identity.”
—School Library Journal, Starred Review

¡Ay, Mija!: My Bilingual Summer in Mexico

Written by Christine Suggs
Illustrated by Christine Suggs
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Sixteen-year-old Christine takes their first solo trip to Mexico to spend a few weeks with their grandparents and tía. At first, Christine struggles to connect with family they don’t yet share a language with. Seeing the places their mom grew up—the school she went to, the café where she had her first date with their father—Christine becomes more and more aware of the generational differences in their family.

Soon Christine settles into life in Mexico, eating pan dulce, drawing what they see, and growing more comfortable with Spanish. But when Mom joins their trip, Christine’s two worlds collide. They feel homesick for Texas, struggle against traditions, and miss being able to speak to their mom without translating. Eventually, through exploring the impacts of colonialism in both Mexico and themselves, they find their place in their family and start to feel comfortable with their mixed identity.

Primary ISBN: 9780316591966
Publication Date: April 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Age 12 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Dallas, TX), Mexico (Mexico City)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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