A timely novel gives a face to the immigrants that struggle to get from Central America into the United States. Jamie’s cousin, and best friend, Miguel is murdered by the local gang in Guatemala: the Alphas. They will come for Jamie and his cousin Ángela next unless they find a way to escape. Together the two frightened teens take the only road available to them; they ride a truck out of Guatemala into Mexico. From there they head on a long and arduous journey full of dangerous gangs, violence, and a few kind allies to find their way to the safety of the United States. The teens team up with others, including a dog named Vida, to find Jamie’s older brother in the United States. Throughout their journey Jamie draws the landscapes and people and even earns money for his pencil illustrations. Alexandra Diaz seamlessly intertwines Spanish phrases into the book including resources such as a glossary, an author’s note, further reading suggestions, and a bibliography at the end of the novel. amo |
Title: The Only Road
Author: Alexandra Diaz
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books
Copyright: 2016
Original Language: English (Spanish edition available)
ISBN:978-1-4814-5750-7
Hardcover pages: 320
Age range: 8-12
Genre: Fiction based on current events
Book setting: Guatemala, Mexico, United States
Author’s ethnicity: Cuban
Author’s residence: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Awards; 2017 Pura Belpre Author Honor
Subjects: Artwork, Dogs, Drawing, Family, Gangs, Immigration, Travel, Violence |