Welcome to the monthly children’s book review feature with a focus on diverse books here at Bird Meets Worm! My team of reviewers—Joan Charles, Laurie Young, Sarah Orgill—and I are so excited to be championing books celebrating everything from gender diversity, people of color, the LGBTQ community to ethnic, cultural and religious minorities, people with disabilities and developmental challenges to controversial topics, unique family situations and anything and everything I did not include. It is to say we take a rightfully broad view of diversity! We aim to shine a light on books that bring both familiar experiences to those who do not often see themselves represented in books and new experiences to those looking to expand their worldview. Here at Bird Meets Worm we believe in the power of story to build empathy and thus a better world for you and me and everyone. Look for a new review on the second Wednesday of every month.
I AM NOT YOUR PERFECT MEXICAN DAUGHTER
By Erika L. Sánchez
Young Adult • 340 pages
Alfred A. Knopf • 2017
ISBN 978-1-5247-0058-5
Life has not been easy for Julia, the daughter of undocumented Mexican immigrants living on Chicago’s poverty-stricken South Side. Julia dreams of moving to New York City and becoming a writer. Her family is torn apart when her sister, Olga, is hit by a semi-truck and killed. Her grieving mother can’t understand why Julia wants to be a writer and live on her own. Her father works hard, but says little at home. And Julia’s best friend, Lorena, tries to help, but even Lorena doesn’t seem to understand the life Julia wants. Tension runs high and Julia feels like she will never fit in.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter deftly navigates issues that will resonate with teenagers. Depression, racism, immigration, poverty, gender, and sexuality all play roles in the novel, intersecting one another and creating layers of complexity for Julia. It's no wonder she is struggling.
This is the perfect book for a high school classroom. While the reading level is accessible, the twists of the plot line will leave YA readers wanting more. In my own experience as a high school English teacher, I have witnessed two of my current students begin reading I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter and immediately want to email the author to tell her how much they love the book. Another student said it was the best book she’s ever read.
High praise for Erika Sánchez!
Buy this book:
Barnes & Noble
Independent Bookstores
Reviewed by: Sarah Orgill