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
