Property of Nobody

by Khristina Chess

Perfect for fans of We Are Not From Here, this searing novel introduces Teódulo, an unaccompanied minor providing a rare male perspective on immigration, as he flees from murdering coyotes, only to become ensnared by human traffickers.

After smugglers execute his father, Teódulo escapes and embarks on a harrowing journey to the United States alone. At the border, violent cartel members capture him and force him into brutal labor at a meat processing plant.

Everyone pays to cross—one way or another.

Freedom is not free.

He doesn’t speak English. He doesn’t even know where he is. His captors threaten and abuse him, wielding his "illegal" status as a weapon of silence. Nobody cares about him. Nobody is missing him or will mourn his death.

The American dream is a nightmare.

Property of Nobody offers a gripping, unflinching look into the dark underbelly of immigration, human trafficking, and the desperation of children caught in this web of global crime.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2024

About the author

Khristina Chess is an award-winning author of more than a dozen young adult novels, including The Cutting Edge of Friendship, The Delinquent Hero, and Junior Missing. Her novel about eating disorders, Hollow Beauty, was named a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She tackles tough teen topics and writes binge-worthy books across multiple genres, including contemporary, thriller, mystery, dystopian, and adventure.

Visit her online at www.khristinachess.com and on Twitter @KhristinaChess.

Reviews

[Ellen Symons]

4.5 stars. What a stunning story. Hard to read, as I'm sure it must have been hard to write--the emotional, psychological, and physical pain of the children in this story horrific yet true to life. I can't imagine the research involved, for all the places Khristina Chess took the reader. The book's both forthright and delicately written, a work of art. I had to put it aside now and then to bring my anxiety down, which as a reader, a safe adult who's never experienced human trafficking or forced labour, I have the privilege of being able to do. Thanks to Khristina Chess for helping me see, and for bringing home the message that helping even one person makes a difference. The cover art is amazing too.

[Joelle Tamraz]

A harrowing, deeply felt book about the journey of a teenage boy from Honduras to the United States. The author brings us into the intense pain and horrifying moments of his journey into human trafficking and debt bondage. Khristina Chess is an immensely talented writer who tackles difficult topics with deep feeling and sensitivity. Don't miss this riveting book!

[Tasja]

Very well written and brings awareness to this horrible topic. I wish nobody has to live a life such as this. It had me all wound up and it was hard to fall asleep after finishing this book. 5⭐️

[Kaitlyn Vincent]

4.5 stars. What an incredibly powerful story. It was difficult to read, as I'm sure it was to write—capturing the emotional, psychological, and physical pain of the characters in such a raw and honest way. The level of research it must have taken to portray the experiences in this book is impressive. It’s both direct and delicately written, truly a work of art. I had to take breaks at times to calm my anxiety, something I can do as a reader who’s never experienced such horrors. Thanks to [Author Name] for showing me this world and for reminding us that even helping one person can make a difference. The cover art is stunning as well.

[Karli]

A harrowing, deeply felt book about the journey of a teenage boy from Honduras to the United States. The author brings us into the intense pain and horrifying moments of his journey into human trafficking and debt bondage. Khristina Chess is an immensely talented writer who tackles difficult topics with deep feeling and sensitivity. Don't miss this riveting book!

[Clara]

I was unable to finish the story.