Are you looking for some of the best YA books to read for high school students? I know that it can be difficult to find YA books that are engaging and make students actually want to read. Why is it that it doesn’t seem cool to hold a book after the age of 10!? Check back here as I provide a detailed review of the best YA books to read – from what you could use it to teach, to any sketchy parts that may cause an issue in class.
This week, I’m reviewing a book that is one of my new favorites. It combines everything that immediately pulls me in: suspense, compelling storytelling, imagery that touches my soul (I’m dramatic, ok?), and the backdrop is a country so rich in natural beauty but absolutely devastated by violence and instability. Let me introduce you to a book that you simply CANNOT MISS!
Title: We Are Not From Here
Author: Jenny Torres Sanchez
“A ripped-from-the-headlines novel of desperation, escape, and survival across the U.S.-Mexico border.”
Genre: Young adult, contemporary fiction, survival, realistic fiction, social justice
Rating: I wish I could give this more than 5 stars!
Description/Summary:
The three teens have the love of their families, but the violence of their hometown has plunged them into an impossible situation where their only option is to run. After secretly escaping from the only homes they have ever known with nothing but backpacks and broken hearts, Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña discover that the unknown of what awaits them might be even more terrifying than what they are running from.
As they begin the unbelievable route to some semblance of safety via a train system so perilous and menacing it is known as La Bestia, the reader is plunged into twists and turns that redefine what it means to cling to hope.
Memorable Quote: “And even though we are afraid, even though the fear is right there beneath the surface, it’s a different kind of fear. It’s a fear with hope. And hope matters…”
Why I loved it:
I could not put this book down. It is one of those books that I wish I could get everyone to read. Yep, it’s THAT good.
Inspired by true events, Jenny Torres Sanchez beautifully, but tragically educates people who do not understand why someone would cross the border illegally. Not only was this a story that kept me guessing, laughing, crying, and cheering, but I audibly GASPED on three different occasions. There are twists that you will not believe.
I also loved this text because there were so many various skills to teach with it. The figurative language and symbolism were UNREAL – and everyone knows that I am a sucker for a good symbol. Seriously, if you do not read another text this year, READ THIS. If you have a way to get it into the hands of your students – DO IT. It is informative, tragic, beautiful, and holds the possibility to prompt discussion on so many important topics such as social justice, immigration, racism, and resilience.
Note: On Amazon, it says that it is a “K-8th grade teacher’s pick.” However, I’m not so sure that it wouldn’t be a better fit for 7th-10th grade. It would be a great, high-interest novel for a world literature class, or even a social justice unit. There is SO much here that is relevant to what is going on in our world, today. I know my students would FLY through this novel – it is truly an engaging read that students will love.
Sketchy stuff:
This text tackles many current, relevant issues. Because of the nature of the setting, there are multiple mentions of gang violence. A couple of key characters witness someone bleed out from a shooting very early in the novel. Someone’s mother is killed in the market via a gunshot wound. There is a rape that results in pregnancy. Keep in mind, the rape is not detailed, but the reader is sure that it is rape. There’s also mention of sexual assault, general violence against children, and racism. There are 3 “F” words in the novel, as well. With all of that being said, all of the violence serves a teachable purpose and spurs reflection in the reader. The bad language does NOT detract from the literary quality of the text. I would have no problem teaching this in my 9th and 10th-grade classroom, but you know your students best. Keep in mind what may be triggering for some students.
What it would be great for teaching:
- Resilience
- Immigration
- Symbolism
- Theme
- Figurative Language + Literary Analysis
Where to read it: I read SO many books for FREE through my favorite apps: Libby and Hoopla! I actually listened to the audiobook version (which was GREAT!) on the Libby App. But you can always purchase the book on Amazon, one of my favorite, small local book stores here, or from Barnes and Noble.
When you read We Are Not From Here, you HAVE to let me know what you think! In the meantime, you can check out some other fun reading suggestions here! Check back next week as I detail more of the best YA books to read!
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