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The Other Side of the Ocean: An Undocumented Love Story Inspired by Real Events
Inspired by true events—a thoughtful, timely, and emotionally compelling story about coming of age, coming out, and coming into your own…
So much of who I was had to be hidden. I wondered how it would feel to let that part of me be on full display. Maybe I'd be given the chance to feel. To forget. Or even to breathe…
For most sixteen year olds, life is all about friends, fun, and family. But for Matt Franco, it's different. Because Matt and his family are undocumented immigrants—like many other Brazilian emigres in his town. And that means he can't get a job, he can't get a driver's license, and as for college? Get real. But Matt is also carrying a burden much closer to his own heart.
Matt is gay.
And right now, he's the only one who knows it. But that changes when handsome, kind-eyed, and charming transfer student James Alberte walks into class. Because James isn't just some queer teen crush. He's everything Matt could ask for—and it's James' love, strength, and support that helps Matt finally come out to the world.
Unfortunately, love doesn't necessarily make Matt's situation any easier. He's still stranded by his immigrant status, with a future that seems headed for a dead end. And if he's ever going to be happy, Matt will have to decide what he wants, where he's headed—and who he is at heart.
It won't be simple. And it certainly won't be easy.
But when it comes to life, love, and everything in between, what is?
The author of The Whispers of the Fallen and Henderbell series offers a moving, heartfelt story perfect for fans of Adam Silvera's More Happy Than Not.
Praise for The Other Side of the Ocean:
"This novel is brilliantly executed, threaded through with linguistic gems and deeply rooted in both Brazilian culture and the mind of a teenage boy ... Heartfelt and authentically grounded; a must-read." — Kirkus, Starred Review!
"Drawing from events in his own life, Netto infuses the narrative with heartbreaking realness. While primarily a romance, this novel's observations on immigration and citizenship seem more relevant and realistic with each passing day...Recommend to readers searching for realistic LGBTQ+ romance novels and fans of Jenny Torres Sanchez's We Are Not From Here (2020)." — Booklist, Starred Review!
"J.D. Netto's timely and illuminating story captures the longing, joy, and heartache of being young, an immigrant, undocumented, queer - and in love." — Alex Sanchez, LAMBDA Award-winning author of Rainbow Boys and You Brought Me the Ocean
"A deeply moving story that sheds light on the reality of so many undocumented teenagers in America.." — Sasha Alsberg, #1 NYT Bestselling Author of The Androma Saga and Breaking Time duology
So much of who I was had to be hidden. I wondered how it would feel to let that part of me be on full display. Maybe I'd be given the chance to feel. To forget. Or even to breathe…
For most sixteen year olds, life is all about friends, fun, and family. But for Matt Franco, it's different. Because Matt and his family are undocumented immigrants—like many other Brazilian emigres in his town. And that means he can't get a job, he can't get a driver's license, and as for college? Get real. But Matt is also carrying a burden much closer to his own heart.
Matt is gay.
And right now, he's the only one who knows it. But that changes when handsome, kind-eyed, and charming transfer student James Alberte walks into class. Because James isn't just some queer teen crush. He's everything Matt could ask for—and it's James' love, strength, and support that helps Matt finally come out to the world.
Unfortunately, love doesn't necessarily make Matt's situation any easier. He's still stranded by his immigrant status, with a future that seems headed for a dead end. And if he's ever going to be happy, Matt will have to decide what he wants, where he's headed—and who he is at heart.
It won't be simple. And it certainly won't be easy.
But when it comes to life, love, and everything in between, what is?
The author of The Whispers of the Fallen and Henderbell series offers a moving, heartfelt story perfect for fans of Adam Silvera's More Happy Than Not.
Praise for The Other Side of the Ocean:
"This novel is brilliantly executed, threaded through with linguistic gems and deeply rooted in both Brazilian culture and the mind of a teenage boy ... Heartfelt and authentically grounded; a must-read." — Kirkus, Starred Review!
"Drawing from events in his own life, Netto infuses the narrative with heartbreaking realness. While primarily a romance, this novel's observations on immigration and citizenship seem more relevant and realistic with each passing day...Recommend to readers searching for realistic LGBTQ+ romance novels and fans of Jenny Torres Sanchez's We Are Not From Here (2020)." — Booklist, Starred Review!
"J.D. Netto's timely and illuminating story captures the longing, joy, and heartache of being young, an immigrant, undocumented, queer - and in love." — Alex Sanchez, LAMBDA Award-winning author of Rainbow Boys and You Brought Me the Ocean
"A deeply moving story that sheds light on the reality of so many undocumented teenagers in America.." — Sasha Alsberg, #1 NYT Bestselling Author of The Androma Saga and Breaking Time duology
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2025
4 people are currently reading
2528 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Netto
20 books539 followersJ.D. Netto is a multi-genre bestselling author whose debut fantasy series, The Whispers of the Fallen, became an underground sensation upon its release. He is the founder of Saved by the Page, a movement that encourages readers to share how books have impacted their lives, with select stories compiled into an anthology published in 2018.
J.D. is also known for Henderbell: The Shadow of Saint Nicholas, a speculative fiction novel that explores the cursed bloodline of Father Christmas. His The Broken Miracle duology inspired an album featuring Paul Cardall, David Archuleta, and Tyler Glenn.
In 2022, he released The Echoes of Fallen Stars, a fallen angel fantasy centered on Lucifer’s lost gay son and the secret romance between Lucifer and the Creator. USA Today hailed the series as “a creation that every fantasy lover must have in their collection.”
Beyond fiction, J.D. has compiled his expertise in branding, storytelling, and design into You Are Not for Everybody: An Honest Conversation About Branding, Storytelling, and Narrative. Continuing to push creative boundaries, he is set to release The Other Side of the Ocean, a YA novel inspired by real events, tackling contemporary U.S. immigration issues.
In addition to writing, J.D. is the founder of J.D. Netto Creative, a boutique agency specializing in brand strategy, graphic design, and web design. His work has been featured in OK! Magazine and ABC News. He is represented by Susan Velazquez at JABberwocky Literary.
J.D. is also known for Henderbell: The Shadow of Saint Nicholas, a speculative fiction novel that explores the cursed bloodline of Father Christmas. His The Broken Miracle duology inspired an album featuring Paul Cardall, David Archuleta, and Tyler Glenn.
In 2022, he released The Echoes of Fallen Stars, a fallen angel fantasy centered on Lucifer’s lost gay son and the secret romance between Lucifer and the Creator. USA Today hailed the series as “a creation that every fantasy lover must have in their collection.”
Beyond fiction, J.D. has compiled his expertise in branding, storytelling, and design into You Are Not for Everybody: An Honest Conversation About Branding, Storytelling, and Narrative. Continuing to push creative boundaries, he is set to release The Other Side of the Ocean, a YA novel inspired by real events, tackling contemporary U.S. immigration issues.
In addition to writing, J.D. is the founder of J.D. Netto Creative, a boutique agency specializing in brand strategy, graphic design, and web design. His work has been featured in OK! Magazine and ABC News. He is represented by Susan Velazquez at JABberwocky Literary.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 7, 2025
A starred Kirkus review saying that this novel is brilliantly executed, threaded through with linguistic gems and deeply rooted in Brazilian culture and the mind of a teenage boy. Blurbs from authors whose writing I admire. An intriguing premise about an undocumented gay teen set in 2011. And yet …
While reading, I kept comparing his story to Daniel Aleman’s Indivisible and found The Other Side of the Ocean felt like a weaker version. Both main characters have a younger sister, both are gay, and their names, Mateus and Mateo, are nearly identical.
I didn’t connect to Matt as much as I hoped. The romance felt rushed (I felt like I barely knew James), the scenes with Matt’s dad didn’t go deep enough (especially the one where he tries to talk with his kids), and there were too many plot threads. The religious storyline felt like too much on top of everything else. Maybe with more revisions, a longer page count, and maybe a bit more focus on that Dreamers part (and less on the religious) this could have hit harder.
Don’t get me wrong, this is not a bad book. It’s a quick read, and I like the last chapters with the realistic ending the most. I just kept thinking it could have been more.
Kirkus and all those authors loved it, so maybe it’s just me. So therefore definitely check out other reviews!
Thank you JAB books for this ARC.
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While reading, I kept comparing his story to Daniel Aleman’s Indivisible and found The Other Side of the Ocean felt like a weaker version. Both main characters have a younger sister, both are gay, and their names, Mateus and Mateo, are nearly identical.
I didn’t connect to Matt as much as I hoped. The romance felt rushed (I felt like I barely knew James), the scenes with Matt’s dad didn’t go deep enough (especially the one where he tries to talk with his kids), and there were too many plot threads. The religious storyline felt like too much on top of everything else. Maybe with more revisions, a longer page count, and maybe a bit more focus on that Dreamers part (and less on the religious) this could have hit harder.
Don’t get me wrong, this is not a bad book. It’s a quick read, and I like the last chapters with the realistic ending the most. I just kept thinking it could have been more.
Kirkus and all those authors loved it, so maybe it’s just me. So therefore definitely check out other reviews!
Thank you JAB books for this ARC.
Follow me on Instagram
August 12, 2025
Great story! Coming of age, LGBT, undocumented immigrant issues, family issues, alcoholism, domestic violence, religious oppression. It was very enjoyable!
May 7, 2025
Thank you JD for the beta reading, such an honor!
I loved this book so true and intense, so honest, yeah I think this is the perfect adjective, honest, meant ad relatable. Thanks for this work of art, it feels so good to feel seen and represented! ❤️🩹
Writing a more detailed review soon, I wrote this instinctively now cause I know I’d forget to review it otherwise, but I hope to update this soon.
I loved this book so true and intense, so honest, yeah I think this is the perfect adjective, honest, meant ad relatable. Thanks for this work of art, it feels so good to feel seen and represented! ❤️🩹
Writing a more detailed review soon, I wrote this instinctively now cause I know I’d forget to review it otherwise, but I hope to update this soon.
March 10, 2025
Thanks JD Netto for a copy of this book to review!
Inspired by true events—a thoughtful, timely, and emotionally compelling story about coming of age, coming out, and coming into your own…
^from the publisher!
This book had me tearing up, laughing, and everything in between. What an incredible coming-of-age story and the author put some of his real life experiences with immigration, along with experiences of his loved ones, into this book.
This book takes place over the course of a school year, about Matt and his friends (who call themselves the Forbidden Fortress) who are undocumented teens in their senior year. Matt notices a new boy, James, and starts to be friendly with him. Things go from there….and SO MUCH HAPPENS in this book. Don’t be fooled by the 280 page count. There is family dynamics, found family, religion, abuse, conversion therapy discussion, immigration, first love, and SO MUCH MORE.
Also - there is a scene in the park that had me wiping away tears from my eyes, and JD created art from it. The green beanie got me. It is stunning. The found family is so important along with the sweet and tender romance. I was in love from the very first page.
Don’t miss this one out in June!
Inspired by true events—a thoughtful, timely, and emotionally compelling story about coming of age, coming out, and coming into your own…
^from the publisher!
This book had me tearing up, laughing, and everything in between. What an incredible coming-of-age story and the author put some of his real life experiences with immigration, along with experiences of his loved ones, into this book.
This book takes place over the course of a school year, about Matt and his friends (who call themselves the Forbidden Fortress) who are undocumented teens in their senior year. Matt notices a new boy, James, and starts to be friendly with him. Things go from there….and SO MUCH HAPPENS in this book. Don’t be fooled by the 280 page count. There is family dynamics, found family, religion, abuse, conversion therapy discussion, immigration, first love, and SO MUCH MORE.
Also - there is a scene in the park that had me wiping away tears from my eyes, and JD created art from it. The green beanie got me. It is stunning. The found family is so important along with the sweet and tender romance. I was in love from the very first page.
Don’t miss this one out in June!
April 8, 2025
Spoilers ahead.....
If you're looking for a heartfelt, emotional, and incredibly real story, The Other Side of the Ocean is one to keep on your radar. As an early reader, I can tell you this book dives deep into what it means to grow up as both an undocumented immigrant and a closeted gay teenager in America — and it does so with honesty and heart.
The story follows Mateus (Matt) Franco, a 16-year-old Brazilian kid living in the U.S. He’s trying to keep a low profile because of his undocumented status, all while quietly wrestling with his sexuality. It's a lot for any teen to handle, and Netto doesn’t shy away from showing those struggles. Enter James Alberte — the new guy at school who is sweet, genuine, and unexpectedly shakes up Matt’s world. What starts as friendship slowly turns into something more, and watching Matt begin to open up and find the courage to be himself is both touching and inspiring.
Even though this book is fictional, it’s based on real events, and you can feel that authenticity in the writing. Netto’s storytelling is raw and vulnerable in the best way — you’ll probably laugh, cry, and maybe even pause to reflect on how much people go through behind the scenes.
This book is definitely for fans of contemporary YA with depth. Whether you’ve lived through some of these experiences or not, The Other Side of the Ocean is the kind of story that sticks with you.
Highly recommend adding it to your TBR!
If you're looking for a heartfelt, emotional, and incredibly real story, The Other Side of the Ocean is one to keep on your radar. As an early reader, I can tell you this book dives deep into what it means to grow up as both an undocumented immigrant and a closeted gay teenager in America — and it does so with honesty and heart.
The story follows Mateus (Matt) Franco, a 16-year-old Brazilian kid living in the U.S. He’s trying to keep a low profile because of his undocumented status, all while quietly wrestling with his sexuality. It's a lot for any teen to handle, and Netto doesn’t shy away from showing those struggles. Enter James Alberte — the new guy at school who is sweet, genuine, and unexpectedly shakes up Matt’s world. What starts as friendship slowly turns into something more, and watching Matt begin to open up and find the courage to be himself is both touching and inspiring.
Even though this book is fictional, it’s based on real events, and you can feel that authenticity in the writing. Netto’s storytelling is raw and vulnerable in the best way — you’ll probably laugh, cry, and maybe even pause to reflect on how much people go through behind the scenes.
This book is definitely for fans of contemporary YA with depth. Whether you’ve lived through some of these experiences or not, The Other Side of the Ocean is the kind of story that sticks with you.
Highly recommend adding it to your TBR!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2025
A face can tell an entire story in a matter of seconds. And eyes are great at telling secrets
Thank you, J.D for the ARC copy, I absolutely loved reading this book!
I remember when J.D. first came out with the concept of last year, and after reading that first draft, I knew that the final manuscript would be worth the wait—and I was not disappointed.
The Other Side of the Ocean is inspired by true events from 2011 surrounding the mass deportation of immigrants. Somehow J.D. was able to build and go through so many life-changing events in this quick read that I honestly wouldn’t be complaining if it ran a little longer.
The novel follows the story of Matt, a Brazilian teen navigating his senior year as an undocumented immigrant who is also fighting his queer identity. While reading it, I was reminded of the Aristotle and Dante series by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, mostly because of the realness of events and emotions you get from the characters as they all come to terms with their dreams and identity.
Whether you’re gay, undocumented, or struggling with your identity, this book has something that everyone can relate to no matter what your life is like, and I think that’s what makes it an even better option for your next read.
Also props to J.D. for designing and drawing the cover for this book, it came out so well! I can’t wait for physical copies so I can add it to my collection!
Thank you, J.D for the ARC copy, I absolutely loved reading this book!
I remember when J.D. first came out with the concept of last year, and after reading that first draft, I knew that the final manuscript would be worth the wait—and I was not disappointed.
The Other Side of the Ocean is inspired by true events from 2011 surrounding the mass deportation of immigrants. Somehow J.D. was able to build and go through so many life-changing events in this quick read that I honestly wouldn’t be complaining if it ran a little longer.
The novel follows the story of Matt, a Brazilian teen navigating his senior year as an undocumented immigrant who is also fighting his queer identity. While reading it, I was reminded of the Aristotle and Dante series by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, mostly because of the realness of events and emotions you get from the characters as they all come to terms with their dreams and identity.
Whether you’re gay, undocumented, or struggling with your identity, this book has something that everyone can relate to no matter what your life is like, and I think that’s what makes it an even better option for your next read.
Also props to J.D. for designing and drawing the cover for this book, it came out so well! I can’t wait for physical copies so I can add it to my collection!
June 11, 2025
This was a tough one to start this week given the protests and ICE kidnappings across the country, but I’m so glad I stuck with it.
Matt lives life below the radar, trying to lie low due to being undocumented and struggling with his sexuality. He escapes through his art and his close knit group of friends who all struggle with what will happen when they turn 18 and can’t get a driver’s license, a job or apply to college legally. Everything changes when James, a new student, enrolls in their school and joins their friend group. James was brutally outed by religious zealots at his last school and just wants to start fresh. He and Matt have an undeniable attraction that quickly grows into something more.
There’s a LOT of storylines going on in this one - Matt and James relationship/coming out story, effects of alcoholism, immigration issues, religion/homophobia with mentions of conversion therapy - but Netto carries them all through to the end successfully. This is a fantastic YA novel that explores adult themes that are so very appropriate to current events.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Matt lives life below the radar, trying to lie low due to being undocumented and struggling with his sexuality. He escapes through his art and his close knit group of friends who all struggle with what will happen when they turn 18 and can’t get a driver’s license, a job or apply to college legally. Everything changes when James, a new student, enrolls in their school and joins their friend group. James was brutally outed by religious zealots at his last school and just wants to start fresh. He and Matt have an undeniable attraction that quickly grows into something more.
There’s a LOT of storylines going on in this one - Matt and James relationship/coming out story, effects of alcoholism, immigration issues, religion/homophobia with mentions of conversion therapy - but Netto carries them all through to the end successfully. This is a fantastic YA novel that explores adult themes that are so very appropriate to current events.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2025
4.5 stars
This book might be set in 2011, but unfortunately it is still really relevant in 2025 with the current status of immigration in the United States. Matt and his friends are all undocumented, living with the constant fear of being sent back to Brazil. Matt has the additional worry about being gay and being accepted. This is one of those stories that is hard to put down becuase Netto has created such rounded, believable characters, characters that you really come to care about by the end.
If you're looking for a powerful immigration story featuring a strong cast of characters, definitely check this one out!
This book might be set in 2011, but unfortunately it is still really relevant in 2025 with the current status of immigration in the United States. Matt and his friends are all undocumented, living with the constant fear of being sent back to Brazil. Matt has the additional worry about being gay and being accepted. This is one of those stories that is hard to put down becuase Netto has created such rounded, believable characters, characters that you really come to care about by the end.
If you're looking for a powerful immigration story featuring a strong cast of characters, definitely check this one out!
June 6, 2025
This is an incredibly important book on queer undocumentation from a Brazilian American perspective. I really enjoyed Matty's voice throughout and the ways in which the writer deftly brings up issues of living undocumented in the 2010's as well as coming-out.
My favorite parts of the novel were Matty and James' relationship that I strongly resonated with. Matty's friends or The Forbidden Fortress group was extremely well written. The banter within the group was relatable and really added to the pacing of the story. I found myself wanting more of both of these things.
The novel also does a great job of addressing other complex issues such as conversion therapy, religious homophobia, queer found family, and others. Netto does a strong job juggling all these subplots while keeping the core of the story true until the end.
I highly recommend this YA novel especially as undocumentation and immigrant rights are arguably even more important now in the 2020's than they have been in the 2010's.
Thank you to JAB Books for the eARC.
My favorite parts of the novel were Matty and James' relationship that I strongly resonated with. Matty's friends or The Forbidden Fortress group was extremely well written. The banter within the group was relatable and really added to the pacing of the story. I found myself wanting more of both of these things.
The novel also does a great job of addressing other complex issues such as conversion therapy, religious homophobia, queer found family, and others. Netto does a strong job juggling all these subplots while keeping the core of the story true until the end.
I highly recommend this YA novel especially as undocumentation and immigrant rights are arguably even more important now in the 2020's than they have been in the 2010's.
Thank you to JAB Books for the eARC.
July 12, 2025
This was a beautiful but difficult book to read.
They go through so much, Matt and his family came from Brazil and stay after their visa expired and have had to live with the fear of being deported, add that Matt is gay and his dad is highly homophobic.
But Matt has good friends and meets a wonderful boy called James who is there for him and Matt was there for him too, and stood up for him in front if his parents, they had a beautiful relationship.
They go through so much, Matt and his family came from Brazil and stay after their visa expired and have had to live with the fear of being deported, add that Matt is gay and his dad is highly homophobic.
But Matt has good friends and meets a wonderful boy called James who is there for him and Matt was there for him too, and stood up for him in front if his parents, they had a beautiful relationship.
July 3, 2025
I’m not adding this book to my list of books read because I DNF it, and it’s not because it is a bad book at all. The writing style just truly didn’t capture my attention at all. I tried three separate times to read this book and I just could not get into it. I only read about 20% the concept is really cool but for some reason it just didn’t hook me. Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
August 5, 2025
a cute little gay, YA novel that feels topical in today’s immigration landscape (or should i say, hellscape?) i feel like this book made me really appreciate the reason why these kids are called “dreamers,” and why DACA was so powerful.
i also caught myself squealing here and there because the old tumblr girl in me who will never die thought the kiddos falling in love was cute
i also caught myself squealing here and there because the old tumblr girl in me who will never die thought the kiddos falling in love was cute
July 19, 2025
I wanted to like this book more than I did, but overall it was a cute story and an important topic (especially right now). I just don’t think I particularly like this author’s writing style, and the book felt a bit rushed because it tried to do too much with too small a page count.
August 27, 2025
I found this to be a powerful story and one I’d would recommend. I do think it could be stronger by digging in a little deeper and extending the book the smidge (it’s quite short!), but I did still enjoy it.
March 14, 2025
I beta read this years ago and I wholeheartedly recommend it. A beautiful, beautiful book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews