An award-winning, moving, and timely story about the families of
undocumented workers by renowned author Julia Alvarez.
After Tyler's father is injured in a tractor accident, his family is
forced to hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm
from foreclosure. Tyler isn't sure what to make of these workers. Are
they undocumented? And what about the three daughters, particularly
Mari, the oldest, who is proud of her Mexican heritage but also
increasingly connected to her American life. Her family lives in
constant fear of being discovered by the authorities and sent back to
the poverty they left behind in Mexico. Can Tyler and Mari find a way to
be friends despite their differences?
In a novel full of hope, but with no easy answers, Julia Alvarez weaves
a beautiful and timely story that will stay with readers long after they
finish it.
Winner of the Pura Belpré Award
Winner of the Américas Award
An NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
"A must-read." --Kirkus Reviews
"Communicates in compassionate and expressive prose the more difficult
points of perhaps the most pressing social issue of our day." --San
Antonio Express-News
"This timely novel, torn right from the newspaper headlines, conveys a
positive message of cooperation and understanding." --School Library
Journal
"The plot is purposive, with messages about the historical connections
between migrant workers today and the Indians' displacement, the
Underground Railroad, and earlier immigrants seeking refuge. . . . The
questions raised about the meaning of patriotism will spark debate."
--Booklist
"A tender, well-constructed book." --Publishers Weekly
