- Table View
- List View
Charlie Hernández & the League of Shadows (Charlie Hernández #1)
by Ryan Calejo&“A perfect pick for kids who love Rick Riordan.&” —Booklist (starred review)&“A winner for all kids, but it will be especially loved by Latinx and Hispanic families.&” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) The Lightning Thief meets the Story Thieves series in this middle grade fantasy inspired by Hispanic folklore, legends, and myths from the Iberian Peninsula and Central and South America.Charlie Hernández has always been proud of his Latin American heritage. He loves the culture, the art, and especially the myths. Thanks to his abuela&’s stories, Charlie possesses an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the monsters and ghouls who have spent the last five hundred years haunting the imaginations of children all across the Iberian Peninsula, as well as Central and South America. And even though his grandmother sometimes hinted that the tales might be more than mere myth, Charlie&’s always been a pragmatist. Even barely out of diapers, he knew the stories were just make-believe—nothing more than intricately woven fables meant to keep little kids from misbehaving.But when Charlie begins to experience freaky bodily manifestations—ones all too similar to those described by his grandma in his favorite legend—he is suddenly swept up in a world where the mythical beings he&’s spent his entire life hearing about seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Hispanic folklore and into his life. And even stranger, they seem to know more about him than he knows about himself.Soon, Charlie finds himself in the middle of an ancient battle between La Liga, a secret society of legendary mythological beings sworn to protect the Land of the Living, and La Mano Peluda (a.k.a. the Hairy Hand), a cabal of evil spirits determined to rule mankind. With only the help of his lifelong crush, Violet Rey, and his grandmother&’s stories to guide him, Charlie must navigate a world where monsters and brujas rule and things he couldn&’t possibly imagine go bump in the night. That is, if he has any hope of discovering what&’s happening to him and saving his missing parents (oh, and maybe even the world).No pressure, muchacho.
Charlie Hernández & the Castle of Bones (Charlie Hernández #2)
by Ryan Calejo&“Well worth it for ravenous fans of quest stories.&” —Kirkus Reviews&“A highly recommended adventure series&” —School Library JournalInspired by Hispanic folklore, legends, and myths from the Iberian Peninsula and Central and South America, this bold sequel to Charlie Hernández & the League of Shadows, which Booklist called &“a perfect pick for kids who love Rick Riordan&” in a starred review, follows Charlie as he continues on his quest to embrace his morphling identity.Charlie Hernandez still likes to think of himself as a normal kid. But what&’s normal about being a demon-slaying preteen with an encyclopedic knowledge of Latino mythology who can partially manifest nearly any animal trait found in nature? Well, not much. But, Charlie believes he can get used to this new &“normal,&” because being able to sprout wings or morph fins is pretty cool.But there is a downside: it means having to constantly watch his back for La Mano Peluda&’s sinister schemes. And when the leader of La Liga, the Witch Queen Jo herself, is suddenly kidnapped, Charlie&’s sure they&’re at it again.Determined to save the queen and keep La Liga&’s alliances intact, Charlie and his good friend Violet Rey embark on a perilous journey to track down her captors. As Charlie and Violet are drawn deeper into a world of monstruos and magia they are soon left with more questions than answers—like, why do they keep hearing rumors of dead men walking, and why is Charlie suddenly having visions of an ancient evil: a necromancer priest who&’s been dead for more than five centuries?Charlie&’s abuela once told him that when dead men walk, the living run in fear. And Charlie&’s about to learn the truth of that—the hard way.
Oh, Rats!
by Tor SeidlerWhen a hawk snatches up an adventurous squirrel named Phoenix, he’s ready to kiss his tail goodbye. But what should have been a death sentence becomes the beginning of a sweeping big-city adventure in this captivating novel by National Book Award–nominated author Tor Seidler.Phoenix is a pretty big deal in his neck of the woods: The biggest in his litter with the most lustrous fur and by far the bushiest tail, he’s one of the most sought-after squirrels in New Jersey—which makes his kidnapping by hawk even more dramatic. Luckily, the hawk doesn’t have the best grip. Unluckily, he drops Phoenix on a freshly-tarred street in downtown Manhattan. Now stripped of his gorgeous golden-brown coat, Phoenix looks like nothing more than a common sewer rat. Fortunately for Phoenix, it’s not a pack of sewer rats that find him (they’re a notoriously surly bunch), but rather wharf rats. Taken in by siblings Lucy and Beckett, Phoenix is welcomed into a rat pack living in abandoned piers on the Hudson. But when they learn of plans to demolish the piers, Phoenix is swept up in a truly electrifying scheme to stop the humans from destroying his new friends’ home.
Love to Everyone
by Hilary McKayThe Penderwicks meets Warhorse in this charming story about a girl who is fighting for her independence during World War I, from award-winning author Hilary McKay. <p><p>Clarry Penrose finds the good in everyone. Even in her father, who isn’t fond of children, and especially girls. He doesn’t worry about her education, because he knows she won’t need it. Her grandparents, who care for her in the summers, assume that she’ll play nicely and do what she’s told. It’s the early twentieth century, after all, and the only thing girls are expected to do is behave. But Clarry longs for a life of her own. She wants to dive off cliffs and go swimming with her brother Peter and cousin Rupert. And more than anything, she wants to get an education. She helps Peter with his homework all the time, so why can’t she manage it by herself? When war breaks out, Clarry is shocked to find that Rupert has enlisted, but she focuses on her schoolwork. Then Rupert is declared missing, and Clarry is devastated. Now she must take a momentous step into the wide world—for if she misses this chance, she may never make it. <p><p>From award-winning author Hilary McKay comes an inspirational, funny, and heartwarming story about a girl who dares to open doors that the world would rather keep closed.
Dork Diaries 14: Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever (Dork Diaries #14)
by Rachel Renée RussellNikki Maxwell&’s summer is packed with drama in this fourteenth installment of the #1 New York Times bestselling Dork Diaries series!Nikki and her bandmates are looking forward to an AWESOME summer on tour as the opening act for the world famous Bad Boyz! Nikki is a little worried when her frenemy, MacKenzie Hollister, weasels her way into a social media intern position with the tour. But she has a total MELTDOWN when she learns that MacKenzie is her new roommate! Will Nikki survive her dream tour as it quickly goes from AWESOME to AWFUL?!
Search for Treasure (The Islanders #2)
by Mary Alice MonroeThe sequel to New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe&’s The Islanders, an &“exciting, tender, and absolutely wonderful&” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) story of friendship, loss, and the healing power of nature.Jake Potter is back on Dewees Island for another summer with his beloved grandmother, Honey. This time, Jake is excited that his dad will be there as he continues to recover from his injuries sustained in Afghanistan. But Jake also knows they both need get used to a new normal, which isn&’t easy. Jake also discovers that his two best friends, Macon and Lovie, are struggling as well. Macon is adjusting to being a big brother, while Lovie is navigating a new relationship with her dad, who has long been absent in her life. To cheer everyone up, Jake decides that the trio needs a new mission, just like they had the previous summer in saving the turtles. He discovers that his dad loved spending time in an old tree fort on the island, and there is a special treasure box hidden somewhere nearby. Jake just knows if he can find it, maybe his dad will be happy again—and he knows Macon and Lovie are the perfect fellow treasure hunters! Their search leads them to discover there might be actual buried treasure somewhere on Dewees, all while they battle some unwelcome guests on the island, of both the two- and four-legged kind! On the three friends&’ biggest quest yet, they realize that the treasures they really want in life were with them all along.
Legacy (Keeper of the Lost Cities #8)
by Shannon MessengerIllusions shatter—and Sophie and her friends face impossible choices—in this astonishing eighth book in the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series.Sophie Foster wants answers. But after a lifetime of lies, sometimes the truth is the most dangerous discovery. Even the smallest secret comes with terrifying new responsibilities. And Sophie&’s not the only one with blank spots in her past, or mysteries surrounding her family. She and her friends are part of something much bigger than they imagined—and their roles have already been chosen for them. Every clue drags them deeper into the conspiracy. Every memory forces them to question everything—especially one another. And the harder they fight, the more the lines blur between friend and enemy.
Our Wayward Fate
by Gloria ChaoA teen outcast is simultaneously swept up in a whirlwind romance and down a rabbit hole of dark family secrets when another Taiwanese family moves to her small, predominantly white midwestern town in this remarkable new novel from the critically acclaimed author of American Panda, which The Wall Street Journal called “weepingly funny.” <P><P>Seventeen-year-old Ali Chu knows that as the only Asian person at her school in middle-of-nowhere Indiana, she must be bland as white toast to survive. This means swapping her congee lunch for PB&Js, ignoring the clueless racism from her classmates and teachers, and keeping her mouth shut when people wrongly call her Allie instead of her actual name, pronounced Āh-lěe, after the mountain in Taiwan. Her autopilot existence is disrupted when she finds out that Chase Yu, the new kid in school, is also Taiwanese. Despite some initial resistance due to the “they belong together” whispers, Ali and Chase soon spark a chemistry rooted in competitive martial arts, joking in two languages, and, most importantly, pushing back against the discrimination they face. But when Ali’s mom finds out about the relationship, she forces Ali to end it. <P><P>As Ali covertly digs into the why behind her mother’s disapproval, she uncovers secrets about her family and Chase that force her to question everything she thought she knew about life, love, and her unknowable future. Snippets of a love story from nineteenth-century China (a retelling of the Chinese folktale The Butterfly Lovers) are interspersed with Ali’s narrative and intertwined with her fate.
Dead Moon Rising (Last Star Burning)
by Caitlin SangsterSev must decode her mother&’s last words to find the cure to Sleeping Sickness before Dr. Yang can use it to blackmail the world into submitting to his rule in this thrilling finale to the Last Star Burning trilogy.Sev finally knows where to find the cure to Sleeping Sickness. The only problem is that she&’s trapped in an endless sleep herself after refusing to give up her secrets to Dr. Yang. Howl is determined to save Sev, but he has no idea where Dr. Yang is keeping her. When he runs into a group fleeing Port North on a mission of their own, he has no choice but to follow and hope they can get him back to the mountains before it&’s too late. June, infected with SS by the very people she calls family, has now become the one thing she most fears. She&’s supposed to be Port North&’s insurance that Howl and Sev return with the cure, but June has other ideas. And Tai-ge, reunited with the Reds, is airlifted to the City now overrun by SS. He&’s charged with getting the factories running again by any means necessary—no matter how many Sephs stand in his way. There&’s only one thing strong enough to unite people who have been fighting for years, and Sev holds the key to it inside her mind. If she can&’t reach the cure in time, there may not be anyone left to save.
Switching Goals: Saving The Team; Sabotage Season; Win Or Lose; Hat Trick; Shaken Up; Settle The Score; Under Pressure; In The Zone; Choosing Sides; Switching Goals; Homecoming; Fans In The Stands (The Kicks)
by Alex MorganFrom FIFA World Cup Champion, Olympic gold medalist, and bestselling author Alex Morgan comes the tenth book in an empowering and fun-filled middle grade series that inspired the streaming original series, The Kicks!After Devin assists on Frida’s first ever goal in a tough game against the Panthers, Frida is convinced Devin is her good luck charm. So, when she lands an audition for a commercial, she begs Devin to come with her. Devin’s not super interested in hair and makeup but as she waits backstage for Frida, an agent spots her and says she’d be perfect to model for an athletic wear photo shoot. Devin’s not so sure. The playoffs are coming and the Kicks need her more than ever. But the money is enough to buy brand-new soccer cleats, or maybe even a ticket back to Connecticut to visit Kara! At first Devin feels like a fish out of water on set, but as soon as the camera starts clicking, she’s a natural. When her modeling and soccer schedules start to conflict, Devin feels like she’s letting her team down in all the chaos. She knows she has to choose between soccer and modeling, but with everyone talking about her playing in college and the rest of the Kicks obsessing over a fortune telling app, it feels like Devin has to choose her whole future right now too. Is soccer the goal Devin really wants to keep going for? Or will she shift her eye to another prize?
Homecoming (The Kicks)
by Alex MorganFrom FIFA World Cup Champion, Olympic gold medalist, and bestselling author Alex Morgan comes the eleventh book in an empowering and fun-filled middle grade series that inspired the streaming original series, The Kicks!Devin is finally on her way to Connecticut to visit her best friend, Kara, and she couldn&’t be more excited! Not only that, but the Kicks have just made it into the playoffs! Except Devin&’s good fortune seems to have run out. First, the airport sends her luggage to Albuquerque. Then, when she finally gets to hang out with Kara, all they do is fight. And what&’s worse, Devin thinks her parents are planning to move them back to Connecticut! Devin&’s not sure what to make of her unfortunate homecoming. Are she and Kara even friends anymore? Is Devin ready to leave all her friends behind again to move back to Connecticut? And can she get her head back in the game in time to win the Kicks&’s first playoff match?
Fans in the Stands (The Kicks)
by Alex MorganFrom FIFA World Cup Champion, Olympic gold medalist, and bestselling author Alex Morgan comes the twelfth and final book in an empowering and fun-filled middle grade series about soccer and friendship.There&’s only two games separating the Kicks from the regional championship title. And with the Kentville Kangaroos boys&’ team also on their way to the championship, Devin can&’t contain her excitement for her friends! That is until Steve, Devin&’s crush, admits that he doesn&’t think girl soccer players are as good as the boys. Devin&’s certain that the only want to prove him wrong is to work hard and player harder, like she&’s always done. Instead, the Kicks and the Kangaroos place a bet: Whoever can get the most fans in the stands at their games is clearly the better team. But when their plans to bring in spectators puts both of their championship games in jeopardy, Devin has to make a choice. Is beating the boys worth risking the title the Kicks have played so hard for?
What the Dog Knows Young Readers Edition: Scent, Science, and the Amazing Ways Dogs Perceive the World
by Cat WarrenIn this young readers edition of the New York Times bestseller, Cat Warren and her canine companion, Solo, teach readers that the nose knows no bounds when it comes to working together, being persistent, and helping others. <P><P>Solo has a fine nose and knows how to use it, but he’s only one of many thousands of scent-detection dogs all over the United States. That’s a group that includes cadaver dogs, tracking, trailing, and apprehension dogs; dogs that can locate unmarked graves of Civil War soldiers; and even dogs that can find drowning victims more than two hundred feet below the surface of a lake. All these dogs love to use their noses. They think their job is simply the best, most interesting game they’ve ever played! <P><P>What good working dogs can do may seem magical or mysterious, but What the Dog Knows shows the science, the rigorous training, and the skilled handling that underlie these amazing abilities.
Meena Meets Her Match (The Meena Zee Books)
by Karla Manternach Rayner AlencarGraduates of the Ramona Quimby series will adore Meena Zee as she navigates the triumphs and challenges of family, friendship, and personal secrets in this charming middle grade debut.Meena’s life is full of color. She wears vibrant clothes, eats every shade of the rainbow, and plucks eye-catching trash from the neighborhood recycling bins. But when Meena’s best friend, Sofía, stops playing with her at recess and she experiences an unexpected and scary incident at breakfast, nothing can fight off the gray. That’s when Meena comes up with a plan to create the BEST and most COLORFUL Valentine’s Day Box in the class. With the help of her cousin, Eli, and her stuffed zebra, Raymond, Meena discovers that the best way to break through the blah is to let her true colors shine.
Never Fear, Meena's Here! (The Meena Zee Books)
by Karla ManternachMeena discovers the secret to being a good friend and big sister in this superpower-filled sequel to Meena Meets Her Match that&’s perfect &“for Junie B. graduates&” (Kirkus Reviews).Meena&’s life is more colorful than ever. When she finds a mysterious ring that seems to give her powers, Meena sets out to prove that she&’s a superhero. The trouble is, her best friends might not believe her, Meena&’s little sister wants to be more than just a sidekick, and worst of all, an incident at school makes everyone think Meena is the one who needs to be saved. But even heroes need help from their friends sometimes. If Meena can figure that out, she might just discover her true powers…and theirs!
Born Just Right (Jeter Publishing)
by Jordan Reeves Jen Lee ReevesFrom tween advocate for limb difference and founder of Project Unicorn Jordan Reeves and her mom, Jen, comes an inspiring memoir about how every kid is perfect just the way they are. When Jordan Reeves was born without the bottom half of her left arm, the doctors reassured her parents that she was “born just right.” And she has been proving that doctor right ever since! With candor, humor, and heart, Jordan’s mother, Jen Lee Reeves, helps Jordan tell her story about growing up in an able-bodied world and family, where she was treated like all of her siblings and classmates—and where she never felt limited. Whether it was changing people’s minds about her capabilities, trying all kinds of sports, or mentoring other kids, Jordan has channeled any negativity into a positive, and is determined to create more innovations for people just like her. Her most famous invention, aptly called Project Unicorn, is a special prosthetic (that shoots glitter!) made with the help of a 3-D printer. A real-life superhero, Jordan is changing the world with her foundation, Born Just Right, which advocates and celebrates kids with differences, and helps them live their best possible life—just like Jordan is today!
Call of the Wraith: The Blackthorn Key; Mark Of The Plague; The Assassin's Curse; Call Of The Wraith (The Blackthorn Key #4)
by Kevin SandsChristopher Rowe is back and there are more puzzles, riddles, and secrets to uncover in this fourth novel of the award-winning Blackthorn Key series.Christopher Rowe has no idea who he is. After being shipwrecked in Devonshire, he wakes up alone, his memories gone. Villagers tell him he was possessed by an unseen evil, and only became conscious after being visited by the local witch. As Christopher tries to get his bearings, he realizes his current state may be far from coincidence. Dark events have been happening in this corner of Britain—village children are disappearing without a trace. There are whispers that the malevolent ghost of the White Lady has returned to steal the children away, one by one, and consume their souls. Thankfully, friends Tom and Sally find Christopher and help him reconnect with his unique skills and talents, even as his memories elude him. But as motives and secrets are revealed, Christopher finds himself in a desperate race to reclaim his memories and discover the missing children before it’s too late.
Angor Reborn (Trollhunters #6)
by Richard Ashley HamiltonJim faces off against Angor Rot in this all-new epic story based on the hit Netflix series Trollhunters—from the limitless imagination of acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and DreamWorks Animation.When presented with one more task from Merlin, Jim Lake, Jr., isn’t too worried. How bad could bathing in a magical elixir be? It almost sounds soothing. Hopefully he’ll be able to relax and get away from it all. Oddly enough, it does transport him, just not in the way he imagined. Suddenly Jim finds himself in the cold, dark woods and he’s not alone. The recently resurrected Angor Rot is there with a score to settle. To make matters more complicated, Jim has suddenly grown taller, stronger, and is sporting some very Troll-like hair, eyes, and teeth. All of this leaves him questioning Merlin’s magic, trying to get a handle on his new body, and wondering how he’ll get away from Angor Rot. Talk about an awkward stage! This book includes full-color glossy inserts with images from the show! DreamWorks Trollhunters © 2018 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.
The Way of the Wizard (Trollhunters #5)
by Richard Ashley HamiltonJim prepares to fight a Troll civil war in this all-new epic story based on the hit Netflix series Trollhunters—from the limitless imagination of acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and DreamWorks Animation.Jim and the Trollhunters team have finally found the wizard Merlin, but at a terrible cost. One of their beloved Troll friends has fallen in battle. Jim must now come to terms with true, lasting death for the first time in his young life. But there is little time to mourn—Jim must reclaim his fighting spirit because a civil war is about to commence among the various underground Troll communities. If not controlled, it will spill into the human world. Once again the fate of the entire planet rests on Jim’s shoulders. Will he be able to shoulder these epic responsibilities? This book includes full-color glossy inserts with images from the show! DreamWorks Trollhunters © 2018 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.
The Battle
by Karuna RiaziThe game begins again in this gripping follow-up to The Gauntlet that&’s a futuristic middle eastern Zathura meets Ready Player One!Four years after the events of The Gauntlet, the evil game Architect is back with a new partner-in-crime—The MasterMind—and the pair aim to get revenge on the Mirza clan. Together, they&’ve rebuilt Paheli into a slick, mind-bending world with floating skyscrapers, flying rickshaws run by robots, and a digital funicular rail that doesn&’t always take you exactly where you want to go. Twelve-year-old Ahmad Mirza struggles to make friends at his new middle school, but when he&’s paired with his classmate Winnie for a project, he is determined to impress her and make his very first friend. At home while they&’re hard at work, a gift from big sister Farah—who is away at her first year in college—arrives. It&’s a high-tech game called The Battle of Blood and Iron, a cross between a video game and board game, complete with virtual reality goggles. He thinks his sister has solved his friend problem—all kids love games. He convinces Winnie to play, but as soon as they unbox the game, time freezes all over New York City. With time standing still and people frozen, all of humankind is at stake as Ahmad and Winnie face off with the MasterMind and the Architect, hoping to beat them at their own game before the evil plotters expand Paheli and take over the entire world.
The Purr-fect Scoop: Sunday Sundaes; Cracks In The Cone; The Purr-fect Scoop; Ice Cream Sandwiched (Sprinkle Sundays #3)
by Coco SimonSierra tries to find a way to balance all of the activities in her life in this third delicious book in the Sprinkle Sundays series from the author of the Cupcake Diaries series!Sierra does lots of things. She’s captain of the softball team, the director of the school play, and she’s on Student Council, but her favorite thing to do is work at the ice cream shop with her best friends Tamiko and Allie. But when her parents decide to foster three kittens and their mama, Sierra’s life gets a lot more catty! Can Sierra do it all—and maybe find homes for the cats, too?
The Trouble with Shooting Stars
by Meg Cannistra<P><P>Wonder meets Mary Poppins in this heartfelt debut novel about magic, healing, and the importance of family. <P><P>Twelve-year-old Luna loves the nighttime more than anything else. It’s when no one gives her “that look” about the half mask she has to wear while healing from a disfiguring car accident. It’s also the perfect time to sit outside and draw what she sees. <P><P>Like the boy and girl from the new family next door…zipping out of the window in a zeppelin and up to the stars. At first she thinks she’s dreaming. But one night they catch her watching. <P><P>Now Luna spends her nights on adventures with them, as they clean full moons, arrange constellations, and catch jars of stardust. She even gets to make a wish on a shooting star they catch. <P><P>But Luna learns that no wish is strong enough to erase the past—as much as she may hope to.
Soaring Earth: A Companion Memoir to Enchanted Air
by Margarita EngleIn this powerful companion to her award-winning memoir Enchanted Air, Young People’s Poet Laureate Margarita Engle recounts her teenage years during the turbulent 1960s. <P><P>Margarita Engle’s childhood straddled two worlds: the lush, welcoming island of Cuba and the lonely, dream-soaked reality of Los Angeles. But the revolution has transformed Cuba into a mystery of impossibility, no longer reachable in real life. Margarita longs to travel the world, yet before she can become independent, she’ll have to start high school. Then the shock waves of war reach America, rippling Margarita’s plans in their wake. Cast into uncertainty, she must grapple with the philosophies of peace, civil rights, freedom of expression, and environmental protection. <P><P>Despite overwhelming circumstances, she finds solace and empowerment through her education. Amid the challenges of adolescence and a world steeped in conflict, Margarita finds hope beyond the struggle, and love in the most unexpected of places.
Dream Within a Dream
by Patricia MacLachlanA young girl finds herself—and so much more—during a summer stay with her grandparents in this tender novel from Newbery Award–winning author Patricia MacLachlan. <P><P>When Louisa (short for Louisiana) is sent to stay with her grandparents for the summer, she’s not looking forward to it. While her brother is determined to find a way to stay on Deer Island forever, Louisa would rather be off having adventures with their globetrotting ornithographer parents. She’s a writer, and there’s nothing on all of Deer Island to write about—right? <P><P> Louisa quickly discovers that small doesn’t necessarily mean quiet, and the island has plenty of scope for the imagination. It also has George, the boy who helps her see the world in a whole new light. The end of summer is coming fast, and Louisa must decide what she really wants: travel the world with her parents, or stay on Deer Island with the people she’s only just learning to love?
La encrucijada (The Crossroads)
by Alexandra DiazJaime y Ángela descubren lo que es vivir como inmigrantes indocumentados en los Estados Unidos en la continuación de El único destino, libro ganador del premio Pura Belpré Honor.Jaime Rivera pensó que después de cruzar México y entrar en Estados Unidos, lo peor había quedado atrás. No podía ser muy dificil comenzar en una escuela nueva. Pero lo es. Y no solamente porque casi no habla inglés. Mientras que su prima hermana Ángela se adaptó rapidamente e hizo nuevos amigos y se envolvió en actividades después de clases, Jaime siente que este lugar extraño no es su “hogar.” Su hogar de verdad es con sus padres, con abuela y con el resto de su familia y no en este lugar donde hay más cactus y ganado que personas y donde él siente que no puede ser él mismo—un muchacho de Guatemala. Cuando llegan malas noticias de sus padres en Guatemala sentimientos de impotencia y culpa atormentan a Jaime. La violencia de las pandillas en Guatemala significa que no puede regresar. Pero tampoco está seguro de que se quiera quedar. Los Estados Unidos no son la maravilla que todos le habían dicho que era, especialmente si no tienes papeles, si estás indocumentado. Pero cuando las cosas lucen sombrias la esperanza llega de lugares inesperados: un muchacho callado en el autobús, una maestra de música, un viejo que trabaja en el rancho. Con su cuaderno de dibujar siempre en sus manos Jaime comienza a usar sus dibujos para demostrar lo que significa ser un ciudadano de verdad.