Gr 3–7—This novel in verse explores family separation, deportation, and detention at the U.S.-Mexico border
through the eyes of Betita Quintero. Betita loves to write, and it's through her words that readers experience the
abounding emotions of a fourth grade girl trying to understand her family's situation. Salazar trusts her readers with
complex issues, and while the story doesn't provide the closure they may expect, Betita finds hope and her own kind
of happiness in the end. A potent book with many opportunities for discussion.

An interesting story about immigration. I think it will help children and adults understand the myriad of steps and horrors that immigrants go through to get into the United States from Mexico. ( )

I have to start with books written in prose pose a real problem for me when I'm rating them for a broad audience as not every person likes to read in this particular format. Despite that initial hesitation, I have to say that yes, it is beautiful, despite the horrors described. Yes, it uses imagery to make it more relatable to a child's imagination. You really get a feel for our little leading lady's hardships. You really feel the awful conditions they have to endure, and the strength of their voices when united as one. It really emphasizes how one little spark can ignite change.


**copy received for review; opinions are my own - Read for Cybil's Middle Grade Fiction, Round Two ( )

Extremely well written, and tells a painful truth about the inhumane treatment of immigrants by the United States. Betita's family fled North and were accepted on an asylum visa, but then things went terribly wrong, and 9 YO Betita is detained with her pregnant mother after her father is deported. Some of the things that happen in this book -- they are held in cages, sleeping on concrete floors, no access to clear water, unsanitary conditions, rotting food, sexual abuse of another young girl, separation from parents. Several traumatic experiences, including the vicious beating of a young organizer, and the terrible fear for her mother when the baby arrives unexpectedly. It's an intense book. However, Betita's picture poems help her to tell her story and help to draw attention to the plight of the detainees, which ultimately frees them, and there are a great many loving adults who find ways to make the best of an appalling situation. ( )

This book was heavy and impactful. A novel in verse filled with beautiful words describing horrible moments. I would highly recommend this book to any age that is interested in learning about this topic but there are quite a few triggers related to the treatment of people in detention centers (mainly from children and women perspectives). This book pulls at the heartstrings.

I listened to this book and at first, the narrator was good but the moment the story goes to the detention center the narrator hit a groove and was truly AMAZING.

The audiobook is about three hours and packs a punch. Have tissues ready and prepare to have your inner social justice warrior feel the call to make a difference in relation to the issues tackled in this book.
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