Genre: Biography
# of Pages: 322
RAC: Yes
Reyna Grande was born in Mexico and when she was very young her father left for the U.S. in the hopes of making his dreams come true and providing a better life for his family. A few years later, he sent for their mother and Reyna and her siblings were heartbroken to be left behind. Over the years they endured neglect and abuse at the hands of family. Eventually, their father returned and agreed to sneak them across the border. Reyna was only in 5th grade at this time and had a tough time keeping up, but they were able to get across and begin school. By now her parents had split up and she was living with the father she hardly knew and his new woman. Life was still not perfect as she struggled to make her father proud and nothing she did ever seemed to bring any reaction except harsh criticism or beatings. Will she ever manage to achieve her goal of going to college and becoming a writer or are there too many environmental roadblocks in her way?
This true story is very powerful and accurate depicting the lives of many immigrants to the U.S. and their families who are often separated for years at a time while they are trying to immigrate. The description of life in Mexico also helps readers understand why so many people were immigrating to the U. S. and leaving families behind. There are many disappointments for Reyna and her siblings, but she never loses hope and never lets go of her dreams.
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