Aleman’s narrative joins the ranks of heart-wrenching stories of migrant families who have been separated.Īn ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away.Ī gut-wrenching look at how addiction affects a family and a town.Įmory Ward, 16, has long been invisible. Mateo’s self-awareness and inner monologue at times make him seem older than 16, and, with significant turmoil in the main plot, some side elements feel underdeveloped. He talks himself out of choosing a safer course of action, a decision that deepens the story. Kimmie is half Korean (her other half is unspecified) and Adam is Italian American Mateo feels disconnected from them, less American, and with worries they can’t understand. Mateo’s relationships with his friends Kimmie and Adam (a potential love interest) also suffer repercussions as he keeps his situation a secret. The adults around Mateo offer support to him and his 7-year-old sister, Sophie, however, he knows he is now responsible for caring for her and the bodega as well as trying to survive junior year-that is, if he wants to fulfill his dream to enter the drama program at the Tisch School of the Arts and become an actor. The Garcias live in fear until the day both parents are picked up his Pa is taken to jail and his Ma to a detention center. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up unsuccessfully seeking his Pa at his New York City bodega. Mateo’s life is turned upside down the day U.S. YA)Ī Mexican American boy takes on heavy responsibilities when his family is torn apart. (glossary of Afrikaans and Zulu words and expressions) (Fiction. Subtle parallels between Emily’s family and apartheid South Africa provide great depth and meaning to this somber, sensitive, exquisitely narrated story for mature readers.
Tragically, Emily’s world is torn apart, but Buza helps provide the glue that holds her together. in too many pieces” when she discovers her mother is having an affair and suspects Mr. Emily and Sarah are soon distracted with ragamuffin Streak and retarded Otis Mallory.
Out of nowhere, the rootless Mallorys arrive in their bedraggled camping trailer, bringing danger and discontent. Ignored by her selfish mother and detached father, Emily turns to the old Zulu night watchman Buza, who comforts her with his stories of courage and strength. Emily compares her family to Johannesburg-an illusion held together with dust. Twelve-year-old tomboy Emily lives in Johannesburg with her older sister Sarah and their self-absorbed, sparring parents. A spring visit from a vagabond family ends in disaster for two white girls and their family in apartheid South Africa in 1966.
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