We Are Not from Here

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

pick

This book was published in 2020 and received the 2021 Pure Belpre Honor. This book is a touching and heartbreaking chapter book about trying to cross the US/Mexico border. This book tackles hard topics in a beautiful way, and I would definitely use this book in my classroom.

WriterAtHeart

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

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A beautifully heartbreaking story about 3 siblings and their journey to the United States.

43 likes

Daisey

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

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Emotionally this is the toughest book I‘ve read or listened to in a while. These three teenagers face incredibly difficult decisions and a dangerous journey. There are no easy answers in this story, but it is an important perspective to consider.

Late #YABuddyRead and last minute #Guatemala listen for #FoodAndLit. #audiobook

Daisey @TheAromaofBooks This was also my book 13 #BookSpin for September. 3y

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 3y

44 likes2 stack adds2 comments

megnews

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

#YABuddyRead

vonnie862 I cried like a baby with this one. 3y

megnews @vonnie862 very emotional! 3y

megnews I feel like there‘s not. As a parent, if I knew my kids would face death if I didn‘t flee, I‘d flee to wherever I thought I could find safety. 3y

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mrp27 I think there‘s always choices. The thing is what choice will bring a favorable result and in this story there are no favorable results regardless of your choices. Not sure that makes sense. Either way, I don‘t blame anyone for trying to make a choice that will bring them survival. Great pick, glad I was finally able to read this one. 3y

megnews @mrp27 I am so glad I read this. 3y

TheBookHippie @megnews I‘d flee. I have in a different situation and would again. Especially if in this position. 3y

JaclynW @mrp27 This makes sense to me. It is like you lose something significant with either choice. Such a tough decision to make. My heart breaks for anyone in this position. Our sense of survival really does kick in I think in these situations. 3y

JaclynW @vonnie862 @megnews I also cried a lot with this book. Very emotional. Impossible choices and situations. I am so glad to have read this book. It really made an impact. @mrp27 @thebookhippie 3y

24 likes1 stack add8 comments

megnews

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

#YABuddyRead

megnews Deep down perhaps not. But in the moment they have to wonder if it will be worth what they‘re going through and it also becomes just about being safe, even if there‘s nothing else for them there. 3y

mrp27 It definitely changes for them in the moment as they begin to contemplate if it‘s worth it. In many ways it ms a double edged sword they face death no matter what. 3y

JaclynW I think the characters' dreams do slightly alter along the way but the flame still flickers and is what drives them in the end I believe. It is such a difficult journey - physically, mentally, emotionally. Definitely a double edged sword @mrp27 @megnews 3y

megnews @JaclynW yes I think I‘m the beginning it‘s a dream of how America will be better and by the end it‘s “we can‘t go back” because it‘s so bad that anything is better that going back. 3y

JaclynW @megnews yep 3y

19 likes5 comments

megnews

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

#YABuddyRead

megnews I think they and fellow travelers are compassionate until they can‘t be anymore. When they reach the choice for compassion that tips them over into endangering themselves, they choose self. I cannot judge them for this. 3y

mrp27 This aspect tore me up. They had to dehumanize themselves to survive. Yet another sacrifice they had to make to take the journey. 3y

Roary47 I agree @mrp27 There comes a time when in a survival situation you have to dehumanize. Hope for the best for the other, but only they will care about their own outcome. 3y

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TheBookHippie Fight flight takes over a lot and dehumanise is how to survive. It just is. 3y

TheBookHippie @megnews I think that too who am I to judge. 3y

JaclynW @TheBookHippie Exactly!! A human instinct that we would all probably fall into when placed in similar situations. Survival. Protecting your own. This was hard to watch, but like you all said, understandable and you can't judge them. @megnews @mrp27 @roary47 3y

14 likes6 comments

megnews

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

#YABuddyRead

megnews The same apparatus that takes them to safety could kill them on the way. 3y

mrp27 It‘s both their biggest danger and their biggest hope. 3y

megnews @mrp27 yes! 3y

TheBookHippie What can kill you can save you. 3y

JaclynW Yes to all of the above!! 3y

11 likes5 comments

megnews

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

#YABuddyRead

megnews Physically they push themselves beyond what they‘re capable. “Just one more step.” I don‘t believe I could do it. Emotionally they witness so many difficult things. It will stay with them forever. 3y

mrp27 Before reading this I never really thought about the mental toll they face from the things they witness but also just to complete the journey. I‘ve only ever thought about the physical toll. 3y

mrp27 And yes, the physical and mental scars from their journey will stay with them forever. This is where I think about the parents from the book, I‘m Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. 3y

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megnews @mrp27 I agree. For adults seeing such things would be difficult to process, let alone for kids. I can see why Pulga went into shock and shut down. In addition, not knowing who to trust would make you so paranoid I think. So many taking advantage of those on the journey. 3y

Roary47 Im having trouble with this question because of the heartbreak. They couldn‘t trust anyone, people took advantage, and I‘m wondering how they even had the mental ability to sleep. I agree with Pulga shutting down it wasn‘t a surprise! Everyone I know that has a similar story is the sweetest, strongest, and hardest working. This opened my eyes to see why. 3y

megnews @Roary47 yes they were afraid to sleep or slept in shifts. So scary 3y

TheBookHippie Some of the kids I mentor still sleep in shifts in their houses. Or all together. None of it really leaves for good. Gratitude for the tiniest things are results I see. Like a pencil or paper. 3y

TheBookHippie To answer the question they just do it. 3y

megnews @TheBookHippie yes, I would imagine that‘s ptsd being still fort of stuck in certain self preserving behaviors. I recall an immigrant from Kenya who got down on the floor crying and thanking God for the public housing apartment I showed him to lease. He was thankful for every scrap of food. I never heard someone say thank you so much. 3y

TheBookHippie @megnews Yup. We all should practice that daily. I include myself here. 3y

JaclynW @megnews As I was reading this book I kept thinking about the serious PTSD that every one of these people probably experience after. It would stay with you forever. Those images, experiences, feelings just don't evaporate. To survive something like this shows what a person is made of. Recent pictures this week from the Haiti people trying to enter the US have my attention. The cruelty they have faced once they finally get here is awful. 3y

JaclynW To answer the question, I agree that they just do it. They just keep pushing forward. Pushing forward because they know what is behind them and they just can't live like that any more. The are hopeful people who just want a chance at life. @megnews @thebookhippie @mrp27 @roary47 3y

megnews @JaclynW yes I think you basically have to turn your mind off and just be a body that keeps on moving. It‘s that basic will you survive. 3y

JaclynW @megnews To see all of that transform in the story is quite something. So very raw. I definitely felt it. 3y

10 likes14 comments

megnews

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

#YABuddyRead

megnews I think the US because they know people who have gone there. It is known as a better place. I don‘t think today‘s immigrants believe the streets are paved in gold anymore and know they‘ll face hard work but better paying work than they could find at home as well as safety. Throughout the years people have come to the US because of religious persecution, to escape danger, and for a better quality of life. I don‘t think much has changed. 3y

mrp27 Again I agree. I don‘t think people choose to come here anymore for streets paved with gold but for peace (from wars) safety and opportunities they can‘t get in their home countries. I don‘t recall reading in the book any thoughts the characters had about their future in the US, just the thought to flee from the danger they were in. 3y

Roary47 Agreed. While they didn‘t mention it directly it was a chance at something better. A place they could be safer. We saw snippets of different locations around their hometown that had similar dangers and maybe aren‘t unheard of in the US, but maybe less frequent with better (not perfect) law enforcement. 3y

megnews @Roary47 right. At least law enforcement that you hope would investigate a rape or murder if reported. Many developing countries have police that are paid to look the other way which I‘m sure happens here too but seems a greater extent in some other places. Can‘t imagine. 3y

TheBookHippie @megnews it happens here too it‘s actually rampant where I live. However it isn‘t all it‘s just most. I would never ever call the police. Ever. However it is safer to live here than most other countries people are fleeing from. Depends who you are here. They may still not be safe, but the chances are better still. It‘s so disheartening. 3y

11 likes5 comments

megnews

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

#YABuddyRead

megnews They sacrifice ever seeing their families again. I‘m sure their mothers were distraught. I don‘t know what they told their mothers about why they left. The true explanation would let them know they had no other choice. And they may have expected it to happen someday anyway since so many leave for better lives. 3y

mrp27 I'm their families feel mixed feelings. Hopeful for a better life for their children and so sad to let them go. They sacrificed so much, their lives, mental and physical well being, families, and also their culture. (edited) 3y

Roary47 I‘m sure this was hard on their families. Emotionally for sure. I know there are lots of stories like this, but I had a student that left and didn‘t see her mom for about 10 years. I hope that over time their families could join them in ideally a safer route. 3y

JaclynW As a mother, this tore me apart!!! I think I would understand but at the same time be totally heartbroken. The worry would kill me I think. @megnews @mrp27 @roary47 What a tough choice. These teens did not leave because they had issues with their families. They loved their mother. To leave that behind!! It shows the fear and horrible life situations they live in daily. I envisioned that when they made it, they found a way to bring the mom to US. 3y

10 likes4 comments

megnews

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

#YABuddyRead

megnews Technically they could have told. They would have then almost assuredly been retaliated against and killed. Is that a choice I‘d want to make? No. 3y

mrp27 Agreed, not a choice I would have wanted to make. Face death, have your family face death or be forced to live a life that you don't want and still face death. Impossible choices. 3y

Roary47 I also agree. There wasn‘t much in way of options for them. They might have been able to tell and run, but the family they left behind would have likely paid for that route too. 3y

JaclynW Agreed. No options. No choice. 3y

9 likes4 comments

megnews

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

Posting #YABuddyRead early as I have a memorial service to attend this afternoon.
I recognize undocumented immigration to the US can be a contentious issue and I don‘t think this novel was written to solve a problem. As readers, we have the unique opportunity to step into a character‘s shoes and world for a brief period of time. As we answer, I ask that we use that lens.
Angry words have never changed minds. Be kind.

rubyslippersreads, Daisey, Johanna414, TheBookHippie, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, JaclynW, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, AbigailJaneBlog, Roary47, Tracyantoon

megnews Technically Pequena could choose to raise her baby and marry Rey. Consequences would be living in and raising your child in danger. Is this really a choice any of us would want to make? Had she stayed I don‘t see any other way she could handle it. Rey wouldn‘t take no for an answer. She‘d only be putting herself or family in danger with any other choice. 3y

mrp27 I agree! Undocumented immigration is complex, multi layered and to reduce it to a simple idea that people just want a free ride in the U.S. is a gross injustice to the issue. All three characters stories broke my heart but for me I felt Pequena's was the worst. She was faced with unbearable decisions. She was obviously in a no win situation, either choice would lead to a miserable existence or deadly outcome. 3y

Butterfinger Whoa! I've never seen you warn others. All of our discussions have always been with people who have empathy to others. I hate that I can't join. I couldn't get a hold of the book. 3y

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megnews @Butterfinger having seen one person‘s review and feeling I know there are persons on both sides of the issue, I wanted a place where all could discuss without feeling judged and I think when we focus on these individual characters‘ plight as opposed to looking at the whole complex issue we could have a more productive conversation. I hope my warning didn‘t push people away from the conversation. My hope was to do the opposite. When we never ⬇️ 3y

megnews ⬆️have civil conversations on things we disagree on we have no chance at coming to any viable solution. 3y

Butterfinger I completely understand. 3y

Roary47 Thank you for the warning. I‘ve thought about leaving buddy reads because I‘ve felt attacked a few time just because my discussion struck a cord I didn‘t mean to pull. I hope you didn‘t mean my review. I know I‘m close to the topic, but I‘ve also seen both sides. Back to the question. I feel like running was the only way out. It seemed like he wouldn‘t have taken no for an answer and at least by getting out she had a chance. 3y

megnews @Roary47 I enjoy discussing books with you and wouldn‘t want to lose you or anyone else. It was your review but you have a different perspective living in a border state. I think a solution needs to be found as it‘s been in limbo for so long. I also think it‘s wrong the way the US govt has had quotas over the years to keep America white. I have a lot of conservative family that spews soundbytes but isn‘t and doesn‘t want to be educated on ⬇️ 3y

megnews Topics. I also think we have to face the fact that our agricultural economy depends on immigration. Few Americans want these jobs and I can‘t imagine the cost of food if workers were paid decent wages. I just think we get further in understanding when we listen. I know I have. 😊 3y

megnews @Roary47 to be clear, I didn‘t want you or anyone to feel attacked for a differing opinion. 3y

Roary47 @megnews thank you and I‘m sorry if I ever gave that impression. 💛 3y

TheBookHippie Where I live we have a huge migrant population they all work the fields here or did before trump and covid. I‘m in the schools so my opinion is not going to be stated other than until you have to chose to do this to save your life, you really can‘t have an authority on it. I thank you for the disclaimer. Our system has been always broken on these issues under every single president. All policy is pretty bad. I think immigrants are always welcome. (edited) 3y

megnews @TheBookHippie I agree on both counts. The system has always been broken. And You can‘t imagine what you‘d do until faced with it and I thank God every day I‘m not. It‘s a common human characteristic that you want better for yourself and your family. 3y

JaclynW I am so grateful to have read this book. I really learned a lot from reading each of the characters' stories. I do think that listening to individual stories really makes an impact and can change people's thoughts on these controversial issues. It puts us in their shoes and we wonder what we would do. That goes a long way to understanding and making real change. I think we can all relate as humans. @megnews @thebookhippie @mrp27 @roary27 3y

JaclynW @thebookhippie @megnews I agree that our system and policies are broken and a long way off from being great. It seems like no administration can figure this out. I do agree that people should always be welcome. To me, that is what America is. The problems are deeper than I think most people want to face/take on. I don't think most people WANT to leave their homes, families, countries BUT when their lives are on the line, any of us would do --> 3y

JaclynW Just about anything for safety, security, LIFE. 3y

mrp27 @JaclynW I agree. We‘re all human here trying to survive and nobody should be judged for how they do it or why. We can all relate as humans or we should all try to relate. 3y

megnews @JaclynW I agree. I think most people would prefer to stay in their homelands near family if only their own governments could make it safe to live there and there were ways to get ahead. It has to be difficult to leave behind everything and everyone you know. 3y

JaclynW @mrp27 Exactly! 3y

JaclynW @megnews So very difficult I would think! 3y

14 likes20 comments

megnews

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

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Truly heartbreaking. Should be required high school reading.

#YABuddyRead

mrp27 Agreed! 4y

TheBookHippie It is here. 3y

megnews @TheBookHippie that‘s great! 3y

TheBookHippie @megnews All honors English have to read it. 3y

34 likes4 comments

Roary47

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

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4✨ I have very conflicting thoughts on this book. As a citizen of a boarder town, seeing statistics of costs, and also personally knowing immigrants it is a hard topic. The heartbreak of loss in the journey to find something better. Leaving behind family that can‘t make the trek. Children getting separated from their parents. These are all the hard truths faced in this book, but this is only one side of the issue with no one answer to a solution.

11 likes

megnews

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

#FirstLineFridays
#YABuddyRead

ShyBookOwl

TheBookHippie One of the young teachers I work with escaped Guatemala as a child. I‘ve been thinking of her whole reading. 4y

megnews @TheBookHippie a few former clients immigrated from Guatemala. This is adding a whole other layer of appreciation to what they may have gone through, both in Guatemala and their journey. 4y

TheBookHippie @megnews Agree. 4y

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megnews

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

Next #YABuddyRead discussion Sat 9/18

rubyslippersreads, Daisey, Johanna414, TheBookHippie, BarbaraJean, mrp27, JaclynW, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks, AbigailJaneBlog, Tracyantoon

Deblovestoread Hoping to join in this one. Sorry I've been MIA lately for discussions. 4y

BarbaraJean I have to pass on the YA pick for September, but please tag me for future months! 4y

megnews @BarbaraJean will do! 😊 4y

See All 8 Comments

megnews @Kdgordon88 no problem! 4y

Roary47 I just got this I‘m in. 4y

megnews @Roary47 yay! 4y

ravenlee I started this one today and it‘s not for me. I haven‘t been able to read really difficult books the past few years, unfortunately, I just don‘t have the emotional bandwidth. I wish I could read it, but right now I can‘t. 4y

megnews @ravenlee I get it. I‘m almost done and it‘s been a really tough one. 4y

31 likes8 comments

vonnie862

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

pick

Not an easy read. It was heart wrenching. It left me devastated. I loved it!
5⭐
#immigration #survival #audiobook

15 likes1 stack add

betsyhaddox

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

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This book... well, it‘s just such an emotional read. You follow three kids/young adults try to get to the US to escape a violent life. The challenges and violence they see along the way... I mean, this is a must-read, because it makes the struggle of fighting for your life, and fighting for a better life so tangible. Don‘t forget your tissues in this one.

2 likes

Lovesbooks87

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

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What a powerful and heartbreaking story. This book was about three teen friends who live in dangerous Guatemala. When there are threats against all three of them they decided that it is time to finally flee the country and make the journey to America. When they follow the route of La Bestia a train system that they hope brings them to a better life they have no idea the heartbreaking things that they will face along the journey to a better life!

Lovesbooks87 #bookspinbingo space 4 5y

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rsteve388

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

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What a phenomenal story,. A heartbreak story as three children flee Guatamala and head North towards the US. They face numerous challenges and hardships as they make their way on la Beastia (The Beast) a train that heads north on the way to the United States.

This story should be mandatory reading for everyone who doesn't have an understanding of what being an immigrant is like, especially as the US is complicit in human rights violations.

17 likes

rsteve388

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

So I am listening to an audiobook on this beautiful Sunday and am wondering who would like some #LitsyLove I have responded to everyone who has sent me a letter, so now I figure I'll write to folks I haven't written to before. Any takers??

#LitsyLove

CoffeeNBooks I'd like a #LitsyLove note! 5y

rsteve388 I will send you one! I'll write it up right now. 5y

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💗💗💗 5y

18 likes3 comments

BookNightOwl

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

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One of my favorite reads of this year!!! This tugged at all the heart strings. I cried and I smiled reading this book.

We are not from here is about 3 kids who want to leave the lives behind in Guatemala and head to the United States. It talks about the dangers they face in their own country. It talks about the dangers they encounter in trying to come into the States. I have never read a book like this one. A true eye opener.

47 likes

Zbayardo

We Are Not from Here | Jenny Torres Sanchez

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I know this is a work of fiction but I also know there are many stories like this and other stories yet to be told that are very much real and sadly nothing fictional about them. And still so many other stories that will never be told because they‘re lost in death somewhere in the middle of the desert. I hear you, Pulga. I hear your scream & that of all those just wanting a chance at the best and beautiful life that we all want.
#favoriteread2020

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