The Garden of Second Chances
Written by Mona Alvarado Frazier
Published by SparkPress
Juana’s life has taken a dark turn. Accused of her husband’s death, she’s now a seventeen-year-old mother, alone and undocumented in a prison cell. No one believes her when she claims she’s innocent, not even the prison staff or the gang leader in her block who torments her relentlessly.
Her only solace is in her baby, but as Juana struggles to survive the dangers lurking in prison, the threat outside grows even more terrifying. Her husband’s furious family wants to take the child away.
With no hope in sight, Juana discovers a glimmer of light in a small patch of earth in the prison yard. As she nurtures the plants, memories of her mother’s strength and resilience surface, pushing Juana to fight for her freedom and her daughter’s future. This is a story of courage, hope, and determination in the face of impossible odds.
Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: June 2023
Available As: Paperback, eBook
Young Adult , Age 13 or older
Community Represented: Mexican/Mexican American
Themes: Detention & Deportation, Discrimination: Immigration Status, Family Separation: By Detention, Format: Audiobook, Identity: Multilingual, Immigrant: Undocumented, Loss of Childhood, Mental Health, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Trauma & Healing, Trauma & Healing: Death of Family or Friend, Trauma & Healing: Physical Assault, Trauma & Healing: Self-Harm, Unaccompanied Minors
Setting: United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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