We Were Here
We Were Here by Matt de la Peña is a reprint edition published by Random House Children’s Books on September 14, 2010. This young adult novel follows Miguel, who finds himself in a group home after being sent to juvenile detention. Tasked with journaling his thoughts, Miguel grapples with his troubled past, including a strained relationship with his mother. As he contemplates running away to Mexico, he unexpectedly forms connections with fellow runaways Rondell and Mong, leading to a journey filled with challenges and self-discovery.
Readers will encounter themes of family, friendship, and the struggles faced by orphans and foster children as Miguel navigates his path from Stockton to the beaches of Venice and ultimately to the Mexican border. The narrative explores the complexities of running away and the realization that escape often leads back to unresolved issues. With 384 pages, this edition presents a poignant exploration of youth and resilience in an unforgiving world.
Official synopsis Publisher
Newbery Award-winning author Matt de la Peña’s We Were Here is a “fast, funny, smart, and heartbreaking” novel [Booklist].
When it happened, Miguel was sent to Juvi. The judge gave him a year in a group home—said he had to write in a journal so some counselor could try to figure out how he thinks. The judge had no idea that he actually did Miguel a favor. Ever since it happened, his mom can’t even look at him in the face. Any home besides his would be a better place to live.
But Miguel didn’t bet on meeting Rondell or Mong or on any of what happened after they broke out. He only thought about Mexico and getting to the border to where he could start over. Forget his mom. Forget his brother. Forget himself.
Life usually doesn’ t work out how you think it will, though. And most of the time, running away is the quickest path right back to what you’re running from.
From the streets of Stockton to the beaches of Venice, all the way to the Mexican border, We Were Here follows a journey of self-discovery by a boy who is trying to forgive himself in an unforgiving world.
“Fast, funny, smart, and heartbreaking…The contemporary survival adventure will keep readers hooked.”-Booklist
“This gripping story about underprivileged teens is a rewarding read.“-VOYA
“A furiously paced and gripping novel.“-Publishers Weekly
“A story of friendship that will appeal to teens and will engage the most reluctant readers.”-Kirkus Reviews
An ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Readers
An ALA-YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
A Junior Library Guild Selection
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