New Arrival/New American Books

Written by Erika L. Sanchez
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers

Perfect Mexican daughters do not go away to college. And they do not move out of their parents’ house after high school graduation. Perfect Mexican daughters never abandon their family. But Julia is not your perfect Mexican daughter. That was Olga’s role. Then a tragic accident on the busiest street in Chicago leaves Olga dead and Julia left behind to reassemble the shattered pieces of her family. And no one seems to acknowledge that Julia is broken, too. Instead, her mother seems to channel her grief into pointing out every possible way Julia has failed. But it’s not long before Julia discovers that Olga might not have been as perfect as everyone thought. With the help of her best friend Lorena, and her first kiss, first love, first everything boyfriend Connor, Julia is determined to find out. Was Olga really what she seemed? Or was there more to her sister’s story? And either way, how can Julia even attempt to live up to a seemingly impossible ideal?

Primary ISBN: 9781524700485
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback
Middle Grade, Age 10 or older

Community Represented: Mexican/Mexican American

Themes: Family Relationship: Parents, Generation: 1st, Generational Differences: Dating, Generational Differences: Gender Roles, Immigrant: Education, Multiracial Identity, Trauma & Healing: Death of Family or Friend

Setting: United States (Chicago IL), Mexico

Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: 1st Generation

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

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