A young boy gets detained by ICE while crossing the border from Mexico to the United States in this timely and unflinching novel by award-winning author Alexandra Diaz.

The bed creaks under Santiago’s shivering body. They say a person’s life flashes by before dying. But it’s not his whole life. Just the events that led to this. The important ones, and the ones Santiago would rather forget.

The coins in Santiago’s hand are meant for the bus fare back to his abusive abuela’s house. Except he refuses to return; he won’t be missed. His future is uncertain until he meets the kind, maternal María Dolores and her young daughter, Alegría, who help Santiago decide what comes next: He will accompany them to el otro lado, the United States of America. They embark with little, just backpacks with water and a bit of food. To travel together will require trust from all parties, and Santiago is used to going it alone. None of the three travelers realizes that the journey through Mexico to the border is just the beginning of their story.

“The author’s clear-eyed, compassionate writing serves as a much-needed wake-up call to readers.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“A must-have for all middle-grade collections.” —Booklist, Starred Review

“Diaz’s crucial narrative shines a disconcerting light on the plight of children in U.S. detention centers along the southern border.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“A part of the [immigration] story all Americans need to learn.” —School Library Connection, Highly Recommended