La Linea

by Ann Jaramillo

Miguel's life is just beginning. Or so he thinks. Fifteen-year-old Miguel leaves his rancho deep in Mexico to migrate to California across la linea, the border, in a debut novel of life-changing, cliff-hanging moments.
But Miguel's carefully laid plans change suddenly when his younger sister Elena stows away and follows him. Together, Miguel and Elena endure hardships and danger on their journey of desperation and desire, loyalty and betrayal. An epilogue, set ten years after the events of the story, shows that you can't always count on dreams--even the ones that come true.

Genres: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, School, Family, Adventure, Cultural

144 pages, Hardcover

First published April 4, 2006

About the author

Ann Jaramillo teaches English as a Second Language to Mexican-American seventh and eighth graders in Salinas, California, many of whom are migrants. LA LINEA is her first book.

Reviews

[AGastolek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compelling story of fifteen year old Miguel and twelve year old Elena, two siblings on a gruesome journey from Mexico to California. Risking their lives, encountering thieves, gangs, police, thirst, hunger, physical danger, wild animals, border patrols and desert storms, the children manage to reach their destination. They cross la linea and reunite with their parents. The book is written by Ann Jarmillo who developed a deep appreciation for Mexican culture, language and complex family values. La Linea is a tribute to all those who define courage, determination and hope of a better life.

I find this book very factual and authentic. It is written from a perspective of children who face no option in their home town but to follow their parents north of la linea in search of more promising future and education. At the end, the dream life many times proves to be as hard as the life in Mexico. The author’s usage of both English and Spanish dialogues adds to the realism of the story. I believe that many students not only of a Mexican descent in grades 5-8 would find the story of La Linea compelling and captivating.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: This adventurous story of a brother and sister's amazing journey across the US/Mexico border is a fictional account based on real events. Ann Jaramillo weaves sibling rivalry, sacrifice, humor, irony, and drama into a tale that both informs and enlightens the reader about the dangerous journey that many Mexican Americans have taken to come to the United States. Spanish words are used within the text to tell the story in a way in which the Non-Spanish speaking reader can use word-solving strategies to figure out the meaning.

Audience: Fluent readers, grades 5-8

Uses: for read aloud (for pleasure), for cultural and historical enlightenment in Social Studies context, in Language Art for the appreciation of literary elements such as plot development, time elements, irony, and internal/external conflict. Introduction to Spanish language or Mexican culture.

Additional Notes: This book touches on issues such as rape and AIDS in a general context as Elena is urged cut her hair to look like a boy and to write that she had AIDS across her chest to hopefully keep her from being raped as she and her brother ride the dangerous rails northward.

[Lorea Roson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great book it gets more and more interesting towards the end. When they finally get to California, i almost get tears of joy and sadness because there friend wasn't able to make it (they think).

[Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it but it was boring-ish, not the most action packed.

[Alfredo Gasca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really didn’t know much but when I read the first few pages,I liked it. I enjoyed this book because it shows how immigrants try to get to a better place. I give it 4 stars because even though it’s exciting, there are some parts not too good. Miguel takes care of Elena, he is very supportive. Ann Jaramillo really expresses all of the character’s feelings. She really knows how to make the character feel at certain points. Read this book if you like suspense, adventure, or like to know how immigrants come. This book has everything you might want in a book, but I have to warn you, if you like romance, you might want to read a different book.
This book really got my attention because it allowed to be in the character’s shoes. Miguel along with his sister Elena, go on an adventure to go to the United States, well this isn’t easy for them, and they know it. As the brothers go trough the desert with very little items. The reason they are doing this is because they want to meet back with their parents in the United States.

[maja · Rating 3 out of 5]

so, what i think of the book is quite difficult to explain. we read it in school and i think there were definitely better books we could have read, but this one also didn't really disappoint me. how it started was good, but the ending was disappointing and boring for me, there could have been a better one. it was like the author just tried to end the book as fast as possible without having good ideas anymore. so, for me the book was okay but i wouldn't recommend it to read.

[Mari - loves to read · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was a hidden gem ❤️

[Zakary · Rating 5 out of 5]

La Linea by Ann Jaramillo is about a boy who is Mexican named Miguel who is trying to make his journey to the north to reconnect with his parents in California. Here is how his journey began, he first told his family he was going to the north by himself but his sister would like to go with him because of jealousy. Also, Miguel explains she can’t go with him. After of which, he goes to Don Clemente, who is the “El Chapo” of illegal immigration for money to cross the border. Then, Miguel takes the bus that goes to the border and meets Javier, who wants to cross the border to New York to support his family. While on the bus, Miguel and Javi become friends but they get encountered by a policeman named Morales. He tells everyone including Javi and Miguel to get off the bus to check if they are cleared to go to the north. Then Miguel points out Elena and Morales becomes suspicious of the two, so then they both including Javi all get sent back to San Jacinto. While on the bus back to San Jacinto, Javi comes up with a plan when they get checked and get off the bus. The plan worked, so then Miguel and Elena started to run towards the north and Javi eventually catches up with them and while on the journey they come up against a mata gente. They get food and water because the 3 of them all are hungry and thirsty. Then, the train comes to a complete stop and then Miguel,Elena, and Javi start to run towards the border but when Javi jumps out the car he rolls his ankle. Then Miguel and Elena help Javi to a safer place and Javi wants them to go the rest of the journey by themselves but Elena wants Javi to stay healthy and go with them. But Javi didn’t want to but they helped him even further but Javi got sick and his body started to fail him. So they eventually go to the north and rest is history.
The book has 3 main characters: Miguel, Elena, and Javi. Miguel is 15 years old, the oldest and the “weakest”, personality wise. Elena is the tough of the two. Elena is the caretaker of Miguel and his grandmother and she is a good farmer, unlike Miguel. Also, Elena was jealous and wanted to go with Miguel. Javi was kind of like a father figure because he helped them on their journey to the North. Javi told them the plan because he tried to illegally go to the north twice and he told him what to do and what not to do. He was like the “Moses” of trying to cross the border illegally. Miguel had 2 dreams though, the 1st was to play professional soccer and the 2nd dream was to go to cross the border and he accomplished his 2nd dream which was crossing the border.
The themes of this book would be family,and growing up. The theme of family is simple because Miguel and Elena still love each other even through the sacrifices on their way to the north. Also, this is because he wants to see and reconnect with his parents and his cousins want him to be with them after he gets to the north in 10 years. The other theme is growing up because since Javi has left the scene and puts Miguel in charge of Elena and the rest of the journey to the north. This is how Miguel felt like he is growing up and being the big and overprotective brother. Also, to the theme of family, Blood is thicker than water because Miguel and Elena are the blood. The water is Javi. This is because Miguel and Elena are going to be brother and sister forever through thick and thin, but Javier is being a father figure and trying to help them get across the border and he wants to go to north also but he wants them to go more than he wants himself to go. To the theme of Growing up Miguel is in charge and he is feeling like he can lead himself and Elena to the north without Javi’s guidance.
Despite the cut off 10 years the book is great. This book is good for all ages and I feel like you can learn also about the theme of chasing your dreams. My opinion on the book even though it is short it still is good. It is good because it gives a glimpse of Miguel and Elena’s journey to the North and to a better life. I hope there is a sequel to the book and if there is I’d be looking forward to it.

[Allison Sirovy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read but a read that is worthwhile. I hope people will take the time to read this book, especially those who believe “illegal” immigrants are the terrible people Trump and the GOP make them out to be. When it comes down to it, people are people, and we need to take care of one another no matter our country of origin since countries are arbitrary lines made by humans.

[Eduardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the book "La Linea" is a mind blowing,shocking, and upsetting book with full of unexpecting events. One of the most unforgettable moments would be when Miguel was in the bus on his way to El Norte and suddenly his sister was there with him without Miguel knowing that Elena was in the bus with him. Elena totally disobeyed Miguel and wanted to follow him because she didn't wanted to be alone with her grandma and now problems are going to be involved. Another event on the book was when Elena and Miguel were sleeping by the road, two boys came with a weapon and threatened Miguel that they were going to kill Elena if they didn't gave them money so Miguel gave them all his money he had and finally they were let go free and at that moment he saved his sisters life and that really made him think that they need to be more together because they are family. Another unforgettable moment was when Javier (the guy who helped the kids cross la Linea) during bad conditions and risky moments like one was when they were stuck in the middle of a sandstorm and they couldn't move or else they can get lost so they stopped and tried to wait for the next day to come to keep on moving. These were one of my best memorable moments of the book La Linea.
The main characters in this book are very unique and laws sense on the situations they face with throughout crossing the border. Miguel a boy who is Brave,caring,thoughtful,responsible, and dependent because in some situations in the book there were moments were he has to be responsible like taking care of his sister since Miguel is the oldest and in one part of the book he has to be dependent like right before he finds out his sister was there with him on the bus he was going to cross the border by himself and now thought the story he more cares about Elena and Javier since they are now part of their life. Elena is also Brave,caring, and sometimes irresponsible because she came with Miguel without him knowing and also borrowed money from Juan and knowing that they can't pay him back and it's not very safe for her to go there's a lot of risky moments on the train. Javier is also Brave,Caring,thoughtful,responsible, and respectful because he really treats Miguel and Elena like if they were his kids and wanted to help them out to cross the border,he thinks about others, and he knows what to do in situations. He is the main leader of the group and is in charge for them and he doesn't want anything to happen to them.
The themes for this book would be Loyalty,trustworthy, and Family because they really do show loyalty and can depend on each other and won't let themselves down and would help out each other at all cost. Trustworthy because they need to trust each other since this is a survival that can kill you if not working together as a group. Family because they are more like a family and family always comes first and help each other no matter how bad the situation is.
This book can give you so many emotions because there's moments where there's sadness, happiness, and shockingness which makes it a really good book to read. It's very entertaining to read even though it's short I really want to read more about their future. I really recommend reading this book it's very intense and really entertaining this will leave you with a shock in the ending. I'll rate this book a 4, tge reason why is because... Well you have to find out but read the book it's amazing.

[Jaanai Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

La Linea is a novel for people who lives in one place and wants to travel to another place or even somebody who likes interesting books. The story is based on Miguel who is 15 and his sister Elena who is 13, they decide to cross the boarder to be with their parents in California who left them when they were little.Miguel wants to travel by himself but somehow when he's on the bus Elena pops up, On the way they met a man name Javi who wanted to do something similar to them. They decide to ride the Manta Genta where they faced train gangs, people trying to rape Elena, thief's and Javi ending up hurting himself jumping off the train. When Javi got injured it slowed the trip down they had to move even slower take time to help him walk ect. Miguel made statements about leaving Javi in serious moments but Elena refuses to leave without him, she looks up to him a lot and even cares about him like actually family. Traveling with all the obstacles they knew they would need help so they went to Moises who helped people cross the boarder all the time. Board security found them they was taking a route to the desert and killed Moises, Javi was now back in charge. They barely had enough water left to last them through their trip Javi was hurt so he decided to put Miguel in charge and told them go on he's slowing down their trip he'll be right behind them.
Miguel wants to cross the boarder to be with his parents and become a famous soccer player. It was a either or situation so Miguel gave up his dream to go be with his parents. Elena wants to see the experience what its like to cross the boarder and see her parents she also wants to work on a farm she's very good at doing farm work even better then Miguel. Javi wants to cross the boarder to get a job and make money to send back to his family. They all wanted to do something useful and actually could be done within time.
The theme is sometimes you have to make sacrifices. In the story Elena does not want to go on without Javi but when she realizes when Javi says go on without him he's going to be right behind him that it was time to go and he said it for a good cause. The theme is also family is not just blood, because they just met Javi and he guided them like they were his own kids and protected them.
My honest opinion about the book is it was very realistic, Many of these events actually happen in real life many people lives in Mexico and cross the boarder to be with their family and live a better life. I feel as if the book was good but some things could have been done different. I dont like how in some parts of the book Elena did not listen to Miguel as her big brother she has to understand that if he's telling her something in a serious situation its for a good cause. I feel as if Javi is also a good person spite everything he took the time & also took risks to benifit their needs in very harsh moments.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book I read was la linea and it was written by Ann Jaramilo.It was published by Roaring Brook press in New milford, connecticut. My opinion of this book is good beause it talks about a illegeal fiffeen year old boy Miguel dreams about seeing his parents in calforina in the morning of this fifteen birthday he determined to go across the border to go north leaving his abuelia and his sister name Elena. mean while her sister Elena follow Miguel to go north with him. leaving abuleia alone at her rancho.later they are in danger across the la linea with no money and a storm out at the dessert.It was good book so the setting was in san jacitio, Mexico.The main character of the story are Miguel, Elena , and Javier. The story begin with miguel telling the story of his parents across the border to go to calforina so that he and her sister could have a better life in mexico. The conflict was that Elena, Javier and Miguel are at the middle of the dessert out of nowhere they are lost in the dessert . also they don't have anymore food or water to surivie in the dessert and they can't find there way to go north.Also a strong storm comes.I did not like how the conflict was resolved beause it did'nt gave more information about how did they surivie in the dessert and they didn't let us more about how they got to calforina and how they got out of that dessert.My favorite part of the story was that on the way go to norte they meet a man name javier who also wanted to go norte to work to help his children in Guatemala. Also who help risk his life in jail and in the dessert so that miguel and elena could across the border to see his parent at north. A powerful quote was "I even admire her sneakness" it was important beause in the begging of this story miguel hates her sister elena for leaving abuelia alone in her rancho to go north with him. so i think its important to forgive a person that you are fighting with him beause you have only one person that you have in your family.I think the theme that the author is trying to get across to her reader is that if you try so hard your dreams can come true beause the story talks about miguel's dream to across the border to be together with his parents again in calforina.This book reminds me about a movie by the name of under the same moon.It is similar beause its about a little boy who wanted to see her mother in calfiona . he across the border. later on his way this man helps him find her mother . and the man get caught by the police risk his life to save the boy. and the man goes to jail beause his a illege immgrant. I really recommand this book beause it talks about making your dreams come true.

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

La Linea is nominated for the Minnesota children's selection award, the Maud Hart Lovelace award. Because of this, I guess I was expecting more. Miguel and Elena have lived for years with their grandmother in San Jacinto, Mexico while their parents have lived in California. They dream of the day they will receive the call from their parents to join them, because they have raised enough money to bring them to California, although through illegal channels. The understanding is that Miquel will go first, as he is the eldest, but Elena is impatient and when he is called she makes a move to accompany him which endangers them both and ruins their original plans. Throughout the book they are faced with dangers and bumps along their road to "La Linea" or what we would call the boarder between the US and Mexico. Each of these moments in their trip should be frightening and tense, but Jaramillo does little to lead up to the moment or to reflect back, leaving each one to go by so quickly that the impact is minimal. I found little tension building during the story, little question of whether or not they would make it, a climax that was anti-climactic, and a denouement that was not at all satisfying. The characters learned little about life or themselves during their trip and showed an ambivalence toward both their new country and their old country that was quite odd. Their anger toward their parents, on top of this ambivalence, and the difficulty of their quest led me to question their motivation. Just why were they doing this? Was it worth it to them? I don't believe the author made this clear.

[Anayeli♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I piked this book because it is really interesting topping and because the cover is a really good interesting cover and because many of my friends told me it is a really good book.The genre of this book is a Fiction because it is kind of based on a really story but the story is made up with fake characters.When the book starts the setting is in San Jasinto and and when he try to cross the line he will be in California.The description if the main character is that he turned 15 years old and that he has a sister but his parents left them to go to California.The plot summary is that in his birthday his grandma gave him a note that his dad had givin him and he reads it and he gets really happy because it said to go to a Supermercado with Don.Clemente so that he can give him the money for him to pay the coyote to cross him to the other side to the United States and to buy the rest of the stuff he needs.The problem is that they had to ride the train called The Mata Gente because it is really dangerous and all the girls that go on the train get rapped and abused for so that they don't do that to Elena she has to cut her hair off and they were almost dieng until they got to a little town were they through food at the train. And they decided to go back with there grandma. They resolve the problem by going back with there grandma so that they don't die along the road. My oppinion about the book is that it is a good book after all and i really enjoy reading it aloght.

[Luke Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ann Jaramillo paints a wonderful, stirring portrait of what it's like to risk everything in order to cross national borders. Miguel is a fifteen year-old living in his central Mexican town. But his parents currently live in California. Leaving his abuela, and taking his life's savings, Miguel plots his journey dependent on the local Don. However, things become more complicated after his younger sister, Elena, follows him. Dodging gangs, corrupt police, Federales, and train hoppers, Miguel and Elena must make their way to the border on the "Mata Gente" - the people killer - the train that all migrants take. Jaramillo's descriptions of the dangers, and plot twists and turns keep the reader on their toes following Miguel and Elena through urban jungles, perilous train stops, and the foreboding desert that all immigrants must cross in order to make through the border.

Jaramillo's book is a great young adult novel and one that has many uses in the educational realm. Blending culturally relevant Spanish among a readable prose incorporates multi-cultural perspectives, and many of Miguel's challenges that he faces are some of the same ones young adults face in their everyday lives - including shouldering responsibility, and facing the consequences of decisions that are made.

Recommended ages: 7 grade and up (some violence and sexual implications)

[Wilfredo G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miguel is a 15 year old who lives in the town of San Jacinto, Mexico. When he was small his parents went to live in California, leaving him and his sister, Elena, behind. He had been anxious to go with his parents for many years, now the wait is over.
After Miguel realized he could’ve gone free all this time there was no time for thinking. It is going to be a tough trip, but even more with his tagalong sister with him. Crossing La Linea to the United States may sound fun. WRONG. It is filled with life threatening challenges such as thieves and Mother Nature. Miguel’s money is gone, and he needs to risk both his sister’s and his life hoping into a speeding train with a dream, the dream of crossing La Linea.
The story is full of action and adventure as you read throughout it. The author, Ann Jaramillo, made an awesome job organizing every single thing in the story precisely. The setting of the story is really believable, because nowadays people who cross the border are coming from small towns in Mexico, with nothing but their hopes. The characters in this story are well developed with their own personality and feelings about the main problem. If you like books that include adventure, and survival you would LOVE La Linea by Ann Jaramillo.

[Emily Nuttall · Rating 4 out of 5]

La Linea is a story about a boy named Miguel who eagerly awaits the day when his father will send money back to Mexico so that Miguel can join his parents in California. When Miguel finally gets an opportunity to make the journey to California, he is met with many surprises and challenges along the way. Among the first of many events, he realizes that his sister, Elena has attempted to make the journey as well. Miguel and Elena grow even closer as they travel the dangerous, life or death, journey to the border. After, experiences many tragedies along the way and making it across the desert, Miguel and Elena make it across the border. Elena realizes that the U.S. isn't as great as she'd hoped and she returns to Mexico. Although Miguel stays in the U.S. and goes to college, he continues to search for true meaning and purpose in his life. Some themes in this book are immigration, family, and identity. This book is most appropriate for older students because there are some extremely violent issues/scenes the book.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine little story, but I wish it had been better. The short chapters and first person narration may allow some weaker readers to find this book, especially if they are motivated by the story of teens enduring what too many must to get to el norte. Many teens will recognize stories told by family and friends. There's danger aplenty, although I don't remember more than passing profanity.

But it only gets three stars because the characters aren't realistic enough and I couldn't really feel connected to them. Miguel and Elana don't live and breath as much as say words. While it is an important and real story, it isn't written as powerfully as the source stories demand. The right audience will enjoy this, but I don't think it will have broad appeal.I'll have to check out Hobb's Crossing the Wire to see if he does a better job with a similar story.

[Dannielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

La Linea was a story about 15 year old Miguel who lives in Mexico and leaves to come to California to be with his parents. He must cross La Linea, the border, to get to them. He begins his journey only to find that his sister Elena has followed him. The two of them encounter dangers on both sides of the border. Since they are crossing illegally over the border into the United States the obstacles are big and most often deadly. Elena and Miguel lose their friend, fellow immigrant, and protector to thirst and sickness in the hot desert, and their guide is shot by militia members who patrol the U.S. side of the border. The novel concludes ten years after the journey, with a phone call between Miguel and his sister Elena. Ann Jaramillo does an excellent job of depicting what an illegal immigrant might go through and what many have gone through in crossing the border, La Linea, into the United States.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miguel is finally having the chance to cross La Linea to be with his father in America who left him behind in Mexico over six years ago. Unfortunately, his sister can’t live with being left behind by herself and hijacks his trip north. They face distressing dangers like train gangs, robbers, and Mata Gente. Along they way they need to be careful about who they can trust in order to survive and reach their dream. Appropriate for high school aged students, Jaramillo authentically tells the story of the perilous journey migrants face when traveling north to a better life. She elegantly captures the feelings and emotional struggles these children face as they journey toward the US. The ending is not all typical, and may leave the reader wanting to know more, but Jaramillo does an excellent job of capturing a real life issue that needs to be brought to light if teachers/students/cultures are to understand students of this Latino/a culture.

[Rebecca McPhedran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast one. I read it in an evening. This is the story of Miguel, who has high hopes of crossing the border into America. His parents left him behind seven years ago, and now it is time for him to join them in the unknown world of California. He has high hopes that the crossing will go well. Little does he know the many twists and turns his journey will take.
First, he finds that his sister has followed him, then there are robbers and police, and sleeping under the stars. This short book read like an episode to a television program, or a movie. I found myself rooting for the young kids throughout the whole thing. Who wouldn't want a better life? Who wouldn't want to cross a line, and become a better person. A better version of yourself? Who says we only cross one line in our lifetimes?

[Alexandra Salinas]

I really like this book is because it is about a boy named Miguel and his sister named Elena. They are trying to cross the border across to mexico. I can relate to this book because my family had cross the border.They had a rough time crossing over. I have heard story's about their journeys north across the border. This story changed the way I see people trying to have a better life in the U.S. I enjoyed this book because it was really inspired.It inspired me to read similar book about this things.

[Holly · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was not at all what I expected with a horrible ending going over a course of 20 years in a paragraph. It even bugged me more that the sister wanted to go so bad and then ended up going back to Mexico. It was pretty incredible, the journey they took, but crossing over illegally is wrong. People should just come over regularly and not become illegal citizens.

[Carmen Anaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main characters in "la linea" is Miguel trying to cross the border. When he turned fifteen and was ready to reunite with hes parents in California, but sister wants to come with even though shes too young. Hes been wait for this for six years now. Is Miguel going to make it crossing the desert and see his parents. With all the stories he has heard of how some people are never seen again.

[Klarissa Hanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

La Linea is about a brother and sister making an intense journey across the U.S. border from Mexico. They are only teenagers and have been waiting for years to travel to California where their mother, father, and twin siblings are waiting for them. Finally, their parents save up enough money to send to Don Clemente who will enable the safest path possible across the border. They experience several struggles along the way, especially in Mexico, and often cheat death and other misfortunes. Certain characters along the way enable their safe passage. Namely, Javier. Eventually, they make it across and reach their family. It doesn't seem to be as great as it was cut out to be. Elena was dissatisfied living in the U.S. and immediately went back to Mexico after graduating high school. Miguel stayed, but remembers his traumatic experiences every day. They both do. They stay in contact, but haven't seen each other in 10 years by the end of the book. Crossing la linea (or the border) for both of them was unforgettable experience that has shaped who they became as adults.

I really enjoyed this story and, personally, found it very relate-able. Growing up Hispanic in Georgia, I have always been around many illegal Hispanics from Central and Southern American countries, especially Mexico. I heard a few personal account from friends about their real-life experience about crossing the border. I feel that this is an extremely relevant issues in the U.S. today and that there is much that is needed to be done about immigration in the U.S. The experience of crossing the border is truly traumatic and very unpleasant overall. I feel that this book, though fiction, was very realistic and factual. Experiences like Elena's and Miguel's happen too often and most experience even worse things than they did. I would definitely recommend this book to youth in my future classroom because I believe it helps to develop cultural awareness in society. If we were more aware of each other's realities, this world would be a better place as we increase compassion and acceptance of others and their cultures and mindsets. My favorite part was Miguel's reflection at the end when he talked about how there are sever lineas everyone crosses in life, over and over again. That is really what life is full of.

Warnings: Death, violence, and mention of drugs and sexual assault.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miguel wakes up on his fifteenth birthday to a note from his parents telling him that he will soon be leaving his younger sister and grandmother to join them across la linea, the border between the US and Mexico, in California. As Miguel sets out on his journey North, to reunite with his parents whom he hasn't seen in many years, things get complicated when his younger sister Elena follows him. They join forces and endure many hardships on their journey.

I gave "La Linea" 3/5 stars, because while I found this novel inspiring and insightful, I found it hard to relate to. For myself at this time in my life it wasn't a book that caught my attention. I did find it fascinating that the story is based on the real events of her students' lives.

-There are some disturbing scenes involving sexual abuse
-There is some violence

[Emily Whalen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I think that it was a very eye-opening look into immigration. it included many tales that allowed me to see into the lives of an immigrant and all of the hardships that they have to go through. I never realized the extent of danger some people have to go through in order to get into the states. The weaving of spanish words and phrases into this book was something that i've never seen before - it was helpful that I know some spanish. Overall, I would recommend this to anybody, especially somebody who is looking to dissolve their past stigmas about immigration and immigrants in general

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

La Linea is a story about a boy who finally has the money sent from his father to be able to cross the border and join his family. However, he must leave his sister behind. This story is about his Journey across the border with unintended company. After they get there they wonder if it was all worth it.

I liked this book although it was hard to connect to their hardship. It made me sad how hard people had to work to come to the freedom of America and some cases find out it is not all they thought it was. I felt awful reading about all the horrors they went through.

Content Warning: Violence

[Jordan Georgeson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about a brother and a sister as they journey across Mexico to cross the border into the United States. They go through many challenges, between train gangs, dirty cops, and starvation and dehydration. They make many friends and enemies along their way.
I personally really liked the adventure in this story. At first it was very slow, then it picked up its pace and became very interesting. I loved the growing comradery between the two siblings as they traveled hard and far.
Content warning:
Death
violence
dishonesty

[juuliaannaaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟