Property of Nobody

by Khristina Chess

Perfect for fans of We Are Not From Here—this searing novel introduces an unaccompanied minor from Honduras who flees murdering coyotes, only to become ensnared by human traffickers.

Freedom is not free.

After his father is executed by smugglers, Teódulo escapes and continues the harrowing journey toward the United States alone. He’s hunted. A debt is owed. At the border, violent cartel members capture him and force him into brutal labor because everybody pays to cross, one way or another.

He doesn’t speak English. He doesn’t know where he is, and his jailers beat, threaten, and abuse him. They say he’ll be arrested if he tries to run. He’s illegal. Nobody cares about him. Nobody is missing him or will mourn his death.

The American dream is a nightmare.

Gripping and haunting, Property of Nobody is an unflinching look at the dark underbelly of immigration, human trafficking, organized crime, and the desperation of children caught in this web.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2024

About the author

Khristina Chess is the award-winning author of several young adult novels, including The Cutting Edge of Friendship, Hollow Beauty, The Delinquent Hero, Junior Missing, and Unquiet Riot. She tackles tough teen topics and writes binge-worthy books across multiple genres, including contemporary, thriller, mystery, and adventure.

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

Reviews

[Ellen Symons · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.