La Línea

Author: Ann Jaramillo

Miguel and his younger sister Elena desperately struggle to escape poverty in southern Mexico and to join their parents in California in ESL teacher Ann Jaramillo's frst novel. Fear of starvation and a longing for family drives these two teenagers through the dark gauntlet of illegal immigration. Violence, corruption and narrow escapes keep the ordeal fast-paced and gripping. The siblings survive the journey and face further disappointment through deportation. Compelling and suspenseful, the story exemplifes the plight of countless people, destitute and looking for better lives across the border. While the media argues over the big picture of illegal immigrants in terms of jobs, employers, security, fences and amnesty, Jaramillo looks at the issue from ground level through the eyes of two children with few options. It's a perilous adventure best saved for at least junior high school-age students.

Year Released: 2006

Grades 6-12