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No Place on Earth
From the Newbery Honor-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All, comes a moving novel with a touch of magic, where two boys find themselves in each other's dreams and slowly help one another face the real world.
Since moving to Yellowstone National Park for his mom's job, Gustavo Santos Costa has had a lot on his mind.
For bison stampedes. Did you know that bison can run three times faster than the average person? Why do people always stand so close to boiling hot springs?! the bad dreams. Why have they only gotten worse since the move?
And that’s all before Gus somehow meets his classmate Kordell inside his dreams. While Gus avoids sleeping (and nightmares) at all costs, Kordell finds that dreams seem to be a welcome escape from his real life . . . until one day, they're no longer enough. With the connection between the boys, Gus may be the only person who can help Kordell. But when most things already feel too big to take on, how can Gus find the courage to be there for his friends?
In this powerful novel from the Newbery Honor-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All, two boys confront their fears—and their dreams—to save themselves and each other.
Since moving to Yellowstone National Park for his mom's job, Gustavo Santos Costa has had a lot on his mind.
For bison stampedes. Did you know that bison can run three times faster than the average person? Why do people always stand so close to boiling hot springs?! the bad dreams. Why have they only gotten worse since the move?
And that’s all before Gus somehow meets his classmate Kordell inside his dreams. While Gus avoids sleeping (and nightmares) at all costs, Kordell finds that dreams seem to be a welcome escape from his real life . . . until one day, they're no longer enough. With the connection between the boys, Gus may be the only person who can help Kordell. But when most things already feel too big to take on, how can Gus find the courage to be there for his friends?
In this powerful novel from the Newbery Honor-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All, two boys confront their fears—and their dreams—to save themselves and each other.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2026
About the author
Andrea Beatriz Arango
6 books255 followersAndrea Beatriz Arango is the author of Newbery Honor Book Iveliz Explains It All and the Pura Belpré Honor Book Something Like Home. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where she first became a teacher. She then spent a decade in the United States working in public schools and nonprofits. When she’s not busy writing about middle schoolers and their families, you can find her hoping to spot manatees at the beach. Andrea lives in Puerto Rico with her family and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
E ARC provided by Netgalley
Gustavo is devastated that he has to leave his family, especially his father, in Puerto Rico when his mother takes a job in Montana at Yellowstone National Park. In addition to missing family, he struggles with anxiety that his family treats as inconsequential, and is petrified of the variety of wild animals in his new home. His sister Lorena doesn’t seem to mind, and his mother is very excited about her new job. Gardiner, where he attends school, is small, but the kids at school are nice. He meets Kordell, a Black student, who has been showing up in his dreams. He is also part of the Bison Brigade conservation and survival group that Gustavo joins because his father is hoping that time in Montana will help him “man up” and not suffer from “chapines” (a feeling like there are fish in his stomach). Gustavo like the leader of the group, Ranger Rob, who says that the group is a safe space and doesn’t seem to mind when he has to wear women’s hiking boots because he has narrow feet, a BIG change from the way Gustavo’s family approaches matters. Gustavo is asked to play Dungeons and Dragons with a group from school, which is helpful since he misses his friends in Puerto Rico, with whom he plays video games. As Gustavo’s dreams start to intersect more with Kordell’s, he learns that their family situations are similar, with their parents being separated and Kordell struggling with depression, but also learns that his mother has taken Kordell’s mother’s job. While this causes a rift, the boys are able to work through their differences, and Gustavo is emboldened to tell his parents that he needs to be in therapy.
Strengths: Gustavo’s longing for Puerto Rico (which is much warmer than Montana) and the inclusion of a lot of Spanish phrases will be appreciated by students who either are experiencing homesickness, or want to understand classmates who are. The Yellowstone setting is intriguing. There is a bit of magical realism, as Gustavo had a great grandmother who was “sensitive” and had some experiences with dreams. The chapters from Kordell’s point of view are in verse. The stress over parents separating and divorcing is not addressed in middle grade literature enough, and seeing how both boys handle their situations differently is instructive. The author’s note addresses the state of mental health challenges facing Latine students, and there are a lot of positive examples of tweens talking through problems and advocating for themselves. It was good to see that there were some positive experiences in Montana, and Gustavo was willing to split his year between Montana and his father in Puerto Rico after his father faced his own toxic masculinity.
Weaknesses: When I described this book to my daughter, she agreed that moving to Yellowstone National Park would be very cool, and most middle school students would embrace this experience with a lot more positivity! I would rather have seen more information about this very cool area of the world, and seen Gustavo have amazing adventures there.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who liked or have enjoyed books about children navigating mental health issues like Stout’s Making Plans for Nigel Binty, Lumsden’s and Pieplow’s Confessions of a Mango, LaRocca’s Mirror to Mirror, Lerner’s A Work in Progress, Baron’s The Gray, Pyron’s Octopus Moon, or Piontek’s Better With Butter, or Arango’s other works, It’s All or Nothing or Something Like Home. I already have so many books about children working through mental health issues that I may not purchase this, especially since the books I have on the topic do not circulate well.
Gustavo is devastated that he has to leave his family, especially his father, in Puerto Rico when his mother takes a job in Montana at Yellowstone National Park. In addition to missing family, he struggles with anxiety that his family treats as inconsequential, and is petrified of the variety of wild animals in his new home. His sister Lorena doesn’t seem to mind, and his mother is very excited about her new job. Gardiner, where he attends school, is small, but the kids at school are nice. He meets Kordell, a Black student, who has been showing up in his dreams. He is also part of the Bison Brigade conservation and survival group that Gustavo joins because his father is hoping that time in Montana will help him “man up” and not suffer from “chapines” (a feeling like there are fish in his stomach). Gustavo like the leader of the group, Ranger Rob, who says that the group is a safe space and doesn’t seem to mind when he has to wear women’s hiking boots because he has narrow feet, a BIG change from the way Gustavo’s family approaches matters. Gustavo is asked to play Dungeons and Dragons with a group from school, which is helpful since he misses his friends in Puerto Rico, with whom he plays video games. As Gustavo’s dreams start to intersect more with Kordell’s, he learns that their family situations are similar, with their parents being separated and Kordell struggling with depression, but also learns that his mother has taken Kordell’s mother’s job. While this causes a rift, the boys are able to work through their differences, and Gustavo is emboldened to tell his parents that he needs to be in therapy.
Strengths: Gustavo’s longing for Puerto Rico (which is much warmer than Montana) and the inclusion of a lot of Spanish phrases will be appreciated by students who either are experiencing homesickness, or want to understand classmates who are. The Yellowstone setting is intriguing. There is a bit of magical realism, as Gustavo had a great grandmother who was “sensitive” and had some experiences with dreams. The chapters from Kordell’s point of view are in verse. The stress over parents separating and divorcing is not addressed in middle grade literature enough, and seeing how both boys handle their situations differently is instructive. The author’s note addresses the state of mental health challenges facing Latine students, and there are a lot of positive examples of tweens talking through problems and advocating for themselves. It was good to see that there were some positive experiences in Montana, and Gustavo was willing to split his year between Montana and his father in Puerto Rico after his father faced his own toxic masculinity.
Weaknesses: When I described this book to my daughter, she agreed that moving to Yellowstone National Park would be very cool, and most middle school students would embrace this experience with a lot more positivity! I would rather have seen more information about this very cool area of the world, and seen Gustavo have amazing adventures there.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who liked or have enjoyed books about children navigating mental health issues like Stout’s Making Plans for Nigel Binty, Lumsden’s and Pieplow’s Confessions of a Mango, LaRocca’s Mirror to Mirror, Lerner’s A Work in Progress, Baron’s The Gray, Pyron’s Octopus Moon, or Piontek’s Better With Butter, or Arango’s other works, It’s All or Nothing or Something Like Home. I already have so many books about children working through mental health issues that I may not purchase this, especially since the books I have on the topic do not circulate well.
September 18, 2026
I listened to the audiobook version of this story, and it was well done with some sound effects to indicate the dream sequences. Gustavo is a middle schooler who comes to live in Yellowstone National Park after his mom moves there from Puerto Rico with him and his sister while his parents are "on a break." He befriends Kordell, who also lives in the park with his dad--Kordell's mom recently separated from his dad and moved to a different national park to work.
The book goes pretty heavily into mental health issues of middle school boys, and especially Latino boys, in Tavo's case. Lots of anxiety and depression are talked about, along with different families' ways of dealing (or not) with mental health issues.
Overall, this book didn't work for me--I wasn't excited to find out what was going to happen, and I found myself confused over the dream sequences and how the boys controlled who was appearing in their dreams... I am still confused about it and really even whether Tavo and Kordell were actually friends.
And what was up with this title? It just didn't fit anything in the book and is pretty nondescript.
The book goes pretty heavily into mental health issues of middle school boys, and especially Latino boys, in Tavo's case. Lots of anxiety and depression are talked about, along with different families' ways of dealing (or not) with mental health issues.
Overall, this book didn't work for me--I wasn't excited to find out what was going to happen, and I found myself confused over the dream sequences and how the boys controlled who was appearing in their dreams... I am still confused about it and really even whether Tavo and Kordell were actually friends.
And what was up with this title? It just didn't fit anything in the book and is pretty nondescript.
August 27, 2026
Another great middle grade novel that sees a young Gustavo forced to move and live in Yellowstone National Park with his mom and sisters while his parents navigate a divorce. Depressed, Gustavo begins having weird dreams involving buffalo and meets another boy in this alternate dream universe. I loved the mental health rep in this book, the way the two boys bond in both the real and dream worlds and their mutual 'broken' home states. Great on audio with special effects and perfect for fans of books like Buffalo dreamer by Violet Duncan.
September 17, 2026
It's SO RARE to find a middle grade novel with emotionally intimate male friendships. Thank god this exists.
This reminded me of Darcie Little Badger's novels, in terms of tone (thoughtful), setting (natural), and genre (magical realism). That said, Little Badger's writing leans more lyrical; No Place on Earth is more approachable for the average reader.
It also reminded me of Dear Mothman by Robin Glow, but, like, a lot less emotionally devastating.
This reminded me of Darcie Little Badger's novels, in terms of tone (thoughtful), setting (natural), and genre (magical realism). That said, Little Badger's writing leans more lyrical; No Place on Earth is more approachable for the average reader.
It also reminded me of Dear Mothman by Robin Glow, but, like, a lot less emotionally devastating.
September 11, 2026
Gustavo's life has changed quite a bit in a short time. His parents separate. His mom gets a job in Yellowstone National Park, and he has to leave his dad, friends, and other loved ones in Puerto Rico, because he's going with his mom and sister.
Yellowstone is quite different from his home. There's no ocean. It's a lot colder. And there are a lot of things to worry about--and Tavo worries a lot. His anxiety seems to jump from one worry to the next, especially in an unfamiliar place with dangers, with tourists who don't follow the rules, and more. He also now attends a small school.
On the first day, he recognizes someone from a strange dream he had, and that kid seems to recognize him too. Why are they showing up in each other's dreams? How will Tavo adjust to Yellowstone? Can he create a new life in such a different place?
I was eager to read this book for a few reasons, including that I grew up in Montana and have lived there most of my life. I've been to Yellowstone multiple times.
It's clear the author either has been through Livingston, Bozeman, and Paradise Valley, or she did her research well. There are details one doesn't usually see unless they've been to those places.
However, there were other details that people living in the area would know. For instance, hiking alone without bear spray is not something one should do in bear country. It's dangerous. It bothered me that detail was omitted, because every year, there are tourists who don't follow safety protocols, and sometimes it ends with an animal being euthanized, while other times it ends with someone being hurt.
Overall, it was a wonderful book, and if I hadn't been a Montanan, I likely wouldn't have been bothered by the details about hiking in bear (and mountain lion and moose and bison) country.
I really like the author's descriptions of anxiety and depression. The matter-of-fact way they are described removes the "scary" descriptions some kids have heard before picking up this book. It allows children words to describe their feelings and challenges, and it can help them feel less alone. Many people have depression and/or anxiety, but it's not talked about enough.
This book should be in every upper elementary and middle school library.
Yellowstone is quite different from his home. There's no ocean. It's a lot colder. And there are a lot of things to worry about--and Tavo worries a lot. His anxiety seems to jump from one worry to the next, especially in an unfamiliar place with dangers, with tourists who don't follow the rules, and more. He also now attends a small school.
On the first day, he recognizes someone from a strange dream he had, and that kid seems to recognize him too. Why are they showing up in each other's dreams? How will Tavo adjust to Yellowstone? Can he create a new life in such a different place?
I was eager to read this book for a few reasons, including that I grew up in Montana and have lived there most of my life. I've been to Yellowstone multiple times.
It's clear the author either has been through Livingston, Bozeman, and Paradise Valley, or she did her research well. There are details one doesn't usually see unless they've been to those places.
However, there were other details that people living in the area would know. For instance, hiking alone without bear spray is not something one should do in bear country. It's dangerous. It bothered me that detail was omitted, because every year, there are tourists who don't follow safety protocols, and sometimes it ends with an animal being euthanized, while other times it ends with someone being hurt.
Overall, it was a wonderful book, and if I hadn't been a Montanan, I likely wouldn't have been bothered by the details about hiking in bear (and mountain lion and moose and bison) country.
I really like the author's descriptions of anxiety and depression. The matter-of-fact way they are described removes the "scary" descriptions some kids have heard before picking up this book. It allows children words to describe their feelings and challenges, and it can help them feel less alone. Many people have depression and/or anxiety, but it's not talked about enough.
This book should be in every upper elementary and middle school library.
September 4, 2026
“And for the first time, I wonder if the problem isn’t my emotions, but the fact that my family won’t let them exist.”
I just finished NO PLACE ON EARTH. It’s all about a young boy, Gustavo, trying to understand his feelings while his family calls them “chapines” and refuses to name what he is going through. Andrea Beatriz Arango has written an important story about anxiety, family, and resilience.
What’s immediately distinctive about this middle-grade book is how the author writes Gustavo’s real-world scenes in prose and switches to verse for his vivid, shared lucid dreams with his classmate Kordell. I felt this perfectly captures the boundary between reality and the subconscious mind, and yet reading this story is completely fluid.
The story begins in Puerto Rico and moves to Yellowstone National Park when Gustavo’s mother takes a new job there, a huge move his parents decide is best.
“I hate goodbyes. I hate new things. And moving to the middle of a giant forest two months into sixth grade is pretty much one of the worst things I can imagine happening to me.”
Indeed, moving to the wild, rocky snow covered mountains with boiling hot springs, steep narrow roads and wildlife wandering around heightens everything Gustavo feels. And it truly seems as if the setting becomes a character itself.
It’s what Gustavo goes through every day with his “chapines” that got to me. It is so honest and raw. We see how Gustavo's father pushes him to be a tough “Machustavo.” We experience his nightmares with him and how he creates scenarios and possibilities, aptly called Gustavo’s Brain. I didn't just sympathize with him; I felt like I truly got to know him.
There is hope as Gustavo and Kordell build a friendship that takes a lot of effort and that breaks down the expectations placed on both boys. There is also a brilliant, sort of serious humor here because of how Gustavo’s panicking brain spirals into darkly funny, extreme possibilities. And there’s an unexpected, beautiful perspective from The Bison at the end.
I love this book! NO PLACE ON EARTH handles mental health with the absolute highest level of care.
I just finished NO PLACE ON EARTH. It’s all about a young boy, Gustavo, trying to understand his feelings while his family calls them “chapines” and refuses to name what he is going through. Andrea Beatriz Arango has written an important story about anxiety, family, and resilience.
What’s immediately distinctive about this middle-grade book is how the author writes Gustavo’s real-world scenes in prose and switches to verse for his vivid, shared lucid dreams with his classmate Kordell. I felt this perfectly captures the boundary between reality and the subconscious mind, and yet reading this story is completely fluid.
The story begins in Puerto Rico and moves to Yellowstone National Park when Gustavo’s mother takes a new job there, a huge move his parents decide is best.
“I hate goodbyes. I hate new things. And moving to the middle of a giant forest two months into sixth grade is pretty much one of the worst things I can imagine happening to me.”
Indeed, moving to the wild, rocky snow covered mountains with boiling hot springs, steep narrow roads and wildlife wandering around heightens everything Gustavo feels. And it truly seems as if the setting becomes a character itself.
It’s what Gustavo goes through every day with his “chapines” that got to me. It is so honest and raw. We see how Gustavo's father pushes him to be a tough “Machustavo.” We experience his nightmares with him and how he creates scenarios and possibilities, aptly called Gustavo’s Brain. I didn't just sympathize with him; I felt like I truly got to know him.
There is hope as Gustavo and Kordell build a friendship that takes a lot of effort and that breaks down the expectations placed on both boys. There is also a brilliant, sort of serious humor here because of how Gustavo’s panicking brain spirals into darkly funny, extreme possibilities. And there’s an unexpected, beautiful perspective from The Bison at the end.
I love this book! NO PLACE ON EARTH handles mental health with the absolute highest level of care.
October 4, 2026
Gustavo mostly enjoys his life in Puerto Rico, especially online gaming with his two besties. He doesn't enjoy being anxious all the time, what his dad calls his "chopines" (sp?) because they are like fish swimming around in Gustavo's stomach. He's really upset when his parents decide to separate, and his mother accepts a job in Yellowstone National Park, and is going to take Gustavo and his older sister with her. Gustavo's anxieties explode with all the new possible catastrophies inherent in the Yellowstone wildlife and climate, and he has nightmares every single night, which make him exhausted at school. Classmate Kordell is also struggling with separated parents and depression, but he's excellent at lucid dreaming, so he loves escaping into dreams in which he's at one with the bison and elk. He is not happy when anxiety-ridden Gustavo starts appearing in his dreams, though, and Gustavo is just confused. With many starts and stops, they come to terms with each other, but eventually Kordell's depression wins out--and it's only Gustavo who can save him.
This was lovely, and makes such good points about mental health and the toxic masculinity that makes it a weakness to name it and seek help, on Gustavo's side. On Kordell's side, his parents really blew it when they decided to put the choice of where he lived on his shoulders, making him choose between them. Hopefully they get that sorted out. The descriptions of the land were nice, and the dreamscapes sounded lovely. I do wish the author had added a caveat that people should not try in real life what Kordell and Gustavo did in their dreams, with the wildlife--way too dangerous! It did make me wonder if Kordell has some Native American heritage, though, with how he thinks about the animals and the land. I think he was described as being Black? I would just be interested to know where his feelings about the bison came from, as they did sound Indigenous to me, or inspired by indigenous peoples. But overall, I really enjoyed this one.
This was lovely, and makes such good points about mental health and the toxic masculinity that makes it a weakness to name it and seek help, on Gustavo's side. On Kordell's side, his parents really blew it when they decided to put the choice of where he lived on his shoulders, making him choose between them. Hopefully they get that sorted out. The descriptions of the land were nice, and the dreamscapes sounded lovely. I do wish the author had added a caveat that people should not try in real life what Kordell and Gustavo did in their dreams, with the wildlife--way too dangerous! It did make me wonder if Kordell has some Native American heritage, though, with how he thinks about the animals and the land. I think he was described as being Black? I would just be interested to know where his feelings about the bison came from, as they did sound Indigenous to me, or inspired by indigenous peoples. But overall, I really enjoyed this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
No Place on Earth addresses several important topics that are not discussed enough, especially when it comes to teen boys. I really appreciated the way the book explores mental health, anxiety, and depression, because young men, especially young Latino boys, need to see that they are not alone and that it is okay to talk about their struggles and ask for help. The book also does an important job of addressing male toxicity and machismo culture, showing how these expectations can affect how boys express emotions and handle challenges.
Many of the themes in this story are ones that my students will be able to relate to. Moving to a new place, adjusting to a different language and culture, making new friends while trying to maintain connections to old friends and a place of origin, can be incredibly stressful and emotionally complex. Seeing a character navigate those experiences provides an opportunity for young readers to feel seen and understood.
I also liked the inclusion of both English and Spanish throughout the story, as well as the use of text conversations. For today’s teens, digital communication is such a major part of how they connect with one another, so this made the story feel more authentic and reflective of their lives.
While I did feel that the story became a little slow at times and could have used a stronger hook to draw teen boys in from the beginning, I still think this is an important book. The lucid dreaming element was interesting, but I’m not sure it alone would be enough to immediately capture reluctant teen readers. However, I would absolutely recommend this book and see it as one that could be a meaningful match for certain students (especially those who may be struggling with identity, belonging, mental health, or the challenges of navigating multiple cultures.)
Many of the themes in this story are ones that my students will be able to relate to. Moving to a new place, adjusting to a different language and culture, making new friends while trying to maintain connections to old friends and a place of origin, can be incredibly stressful and emotionally complex. Seeing a character navigate those experiences provides an opportunity for young readers to feel seen and understood.
I also liked the inclusion of both English and Spanish throughout the story, as well as the use of text conversations. For today’s teens, digital communication is such a major part of how they connect with one another, so this made the story feel more authentic and reflective of their lives.
While I did feel that the story became a little slow at times and could have used a stronger hook to draw teen boys in from the beginning, I still think this is an important book. The lucid dreaming element was interesting, but I’m not sure it alone would be enough to immediately capture reluctant teen readers. However, I would absolutely recommend this book and see it as one that could be a meaningful match for certain students (especially those who may be struggling with identity, belonging, mental health, or the challenges of navigating multiple cultures.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 stars
This middle grade novel features great characters and a few issues that seem ubiquitous in life but are far too often ignored in literature, especially for this audience. There's a lot to like in this heartfelt read.
Gustavo is not thrilled when he has to move with his mother and sister to Yellowstone National Park for his mom's new job. He misses his dad, Puerto Rico, the life he once had, and restful sleep. Gustavo is plagued by uncertainty, but it's more than that, readers come to learn. He is struggling with anxiety and with all of the challenges he's facing. What's wonderful about him is his strong desire to get help. An added challenge? His awareness that his family won't exactly support the kind of help he wants.
In his new environment, Gustavo connects with nature, with a few adults here and there who support him in new ways, and especially with a new friend, Kordell. It's not easy to find a thriving male friendship, particularly one that features openness about vulnerability and emotions, in middle grade lit. This book stands out not only for the open conversations about mental health but also for the charming tie between these two friends and the inventive way in which it arises.
I did have some minor pacing challenges, but I really enjoyed this content aand the book overall. I'll definitely be back for more from this author and am confident I'll have many occasions to recommend this one to students.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This middle grade novel features great characters and a few issues that seem ubiquitous in life but are far too often ignored in literature, especially for this audience. There's a lot to like in this heartfelt read.
Gustavo is not thrilled when he has to move with his mother and sister to Yellowstone National Park for his mom's new job. He misses his dad, Puerto Rico, the life he once had, and restful sleep. Gustavo is plagued by uncertainty, but it's more than that, readers come to learn. He is struggling with anxiety and with all of the challenges he's facing. What's wonderful about him is his strong desire to get help. An added challenge? His awareness that his family won't exactly support the kind of help he wants.
In his new environment, Gustavo connects with nature, with a few adults here and there who support him in new ways, and especially with a new friend, Kordell. It's not easy to find a thriving male friendship, particularly one that features openness about vulnerability and emotions, in middle grade lit. This book stands out not only for the open conversations about mental health but also for the charming tie between these two friends and the inventive way in which it arises.
I did have some minor pacing challenges, but I really enjoyed this content aand the book overall. I'll definitely be back for more from this author and am confident I'll have many occasions to recommend this one to students.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
September 18, 2026
I think that this was a brave book. It is told through the voices of two Grade 6 boys who have family troubles, deal with childhood depression and anxiety and are minorities in their small school. That's a lot to background to take on, but Arango juggles it all beautifully. Gustavo leaves Puerto Rico with his mother and sister to live in Yellowstone Park where his mother has a new job. His parents are "taking a break," but Gustavo thinks it is his fault. He suffers from anxiety and is constantly creating scary narratives in his head during the day and has nightmares at night. HIs father expects him to 'man up' and face his fears. He is also missing his best friends and their gaming sessions and is nervous about living in English. Kordell is a classmate who suffers from depression and the only Black child in the small school. His parents are also separated and he creates a safe lucid dream place to escape his life. The boys meet up in Kordell's world, as Gustavo is a "sensitive," like his great grandmother. The school counsellor tries to help both boys, but the adults in their lives do not realize the extent of the boys' mental health issues and things come to a head when Kordell runs away to live with his spirit animals, the park bisons. This is very good writing and she has tackled tough topics. Good middle school readers would probably appreciate both the unusual narrative method and the topics. It was also good to see boys' mental health and the difficulties of living in another language addressed so well. I will read her previous books, which I missed earlier.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, NetGalley, for the eArc.
This middle-grade novel features elements of magical realism. Gustavo's parents are taking a break from each other, with his dad remaining in Puerto Rico and Gustavo, his older sister, and his mom moving to Yellowstone National Park. Gustavo lives with anxiety, leading to nightmares most of the time he sleeps. Gustavo misses his friends, his school, his father, and his life in Puerto Rico. Add to that his being the new student in a small school where one cannot hide, low confidence in his English, and the fact that he keeps falling asleep in class due to his lack of good sleep, and you have the crux of the story.
Kordell is chosen to be Gustavo's buddy at school, and a tentative friendship begins to develop between the boys as they open up to each other. They find themselves in each other's dreams and also find that they are more alike than different. Emotional health, gender stereotypes, cultural expectations, and divorce are all woven into Gustavo's story. The adults in the novel are supportive and understanding.
This may be one of those good books that kids may not pick up on their own. This is a good resource for counselors, parents, and teachers looking for a story that kids in a new setting, kids with family upheaval, and kids dealing with anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges will be able to identify with and realize that they are not alone.
This middle-grade novel features elements of magical realism. Gustavo's parents are taking a break from each other, with his dad remaining in Puerto Rico and Gustavo, his older sister, and his mom moving to Yellowstone National Park. Gustavo lives with anxiety, leading to nightmares most of the time he sleeps. Gustavo misses his friends, his school, his father, and his life in Puerto Rico. Add to that his being the new student in a small school where one cannot hide, low confidence in his English, and the fact that he keeps falling asleep in class due to his lack of good sleep, and you have the crux of the story.
Kordell is chosen to be Gustavo's buddy at school, and a tentative friendship begins to develop between the boys as they open up to each other. They find themselves in each other's dreams and also find that they are more alike than different. Emotional health, gender stereotypes, cultural expectations, and divorce are all woven into Gustavo's story. The adults in the novel are supportive and understanding.
This may be one of those good books that kids may not pick up on their own. This is a good resource for counselors, parents, and teachers looking for a story that kids in a new setting, kids with family upheaval, and kids dealing with anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges will be able to identify with and realize that they are not alone.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Young teens Gustavo and Kordell may seem different on the outside but they are all too alike in some devastating ways. Both are navigating mental heath issues and both must stand by helplessly as their parents separate. They both dream nearly every night, too. Gustavo has terrifying nightmares; Kordell creates dreamscapes filled with the beauty and the beasts of Yellowstone National Park, where both boys now live. When they meet in their dreams, Kordell is angry and Gustavo is confused. They form a conflict-ridden partnership of sorts that ultimately helps them both cope with unpleasant emotions - anxiety for Gus, depression for Kordell - and the unwanted changes in their lives. Eventually this partnership grows into genuine friendship.
I enjoyed No Place On Earth but didn't find myself dying to get back to the book each day to see what would happen, how the mysteries would unfold and whether the boys would get the help they needed. The book was more of a gentle, slightly detached read for me rather than one that gripped me and wouldn't let go. I think the themes it explores are much-needed in the middle grade space, particularly with male main characters. And the mix of prose and verse kept things interesting. It may be a great way to get boys reading and easing their way into novels in verse.
I enjoyed No Place On Earth but didn't find myself dying to get back to the book each day to see what would happen, how the mysteries would unfold and whether the boys would get the help they needed. The book was more of a gentle, slightly detached read for me rather than one that gripped me and wouldn't let go. I think the themes it explores are much-needed in the middle grade space, particularly with male main characters. And the mix of prose and verse kept things interesting. It may be a great way to get boys reading and easing their way into novels in verse.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
No Place on Earth is a fantastic middle grade novel, with a sensitive boy main character - a type of hero more young readers need to see in stories.
Set-Up:
Gustavo is 11, living in Puerto Rico with his mom, dad, and older sister. Mom and dad decide to "take a break" from their marriage, leading to Mom and the kids relocating to Yellowstone National Park for an exciting new job for mom in the park. Gustavo has been struggling with anxiety about everything for a while, and his old-school father thinks he needs to simply toughen up. When he gets to Yellowstone, his previously worrisome dreams seem to overlap with another boy in the area, Kordell, who is also having a hard time. Gustavo struggles retaining his friendships with close buddies back home, and with how to get his parents to support him and understand what he needs.
Thoughts:
I really enjoy Arango's writing style, and this book is another hit. Gustavo and his family are so realistic, and I loved how everyone grew in realistic ways. The youth mental health rep in this book (anxiety and depression) is well done and such a crucial topic for tween / teen readers now. My only criticism of the book is that I wanted more Yellowstone! The setting is given some descriptions and there is a club of sorts Gustavo joins focused on the national park, but I think young readers would enjoy more adventure and action in nature.
Set-Up:
Gustavo is 11, living in Puerto Rico with his mom, dad, and older sister. Mom and dad decide to "take a break" from their marriage, leading to Mom and the kids relocating to Yellowstone National Park for an exciting new job for mom in the park. Gustavo has been struggling with anxiety about everything for a while, and his old-school father thinks he needs to simply toughen up. When he gets to Yellowstone, his previously worrisome dreams seem to overlap with another boy in the area, Kordell, who is also having a hard time. Gustavo struggles retaining his friendships with close buddies back home, and with how to get his parents to support him and understand what he needs.
Thoughts:
I really enjoy Arango's writing style, and this book is another hit. Gustavo and his family are so realistic, and I loved how everyone grew in realistic ways. The youth mental health rep in this book (anxiety and depression) is well done and such a crucial topic for tween / teen readers now. My only criticism of the book is that I wanted more Yellowstone! The setting is given some descriptions and there is a club of sorts Gustavo joins focused on the national park, but I think young readers would enjoy more adventure and action in nature.
September 1, 2026
I'm a huge fan of Andrea Beatriz Arango's work; I LOVE her previous middle grade novels. So I was a bit surprised when this one didn't land for me in the same way. Like her other books, she explores anxiety and depression with this one. Gustavo has anxiety, and moves from Puerto Rico to Yellowstone National Park with his mother and older sister, when his parents decide to take a break. His family is very dismissive of his anxiety, and his dad is constantly on his case to "man up," essentially. Then he meets another kid that lives at Yellowstone, named Kordell, in his dreams. Kordell has depression. Together, they dream about elk and bison.
So I enjoyed the focus on mental illness and toxic masculinity. I liked the setting. But the dream sequences just felt off to me. Maybe it's because the audiobook had some jingling bells and this audio narration during the dream sequences that felt very New Age to me. But maybe I just don't love novels that rely so much on dreams. But there are other books centering dreams I have enjoyed. Hmmm. I don't know quite why this one felt different. I felt a little more distanced from the characters, too. I would still recommend this one! I'd be interested to chat with anyone else who's read it.
So I enjoyed the focus on mental illness and toxic masculinity. I liked the setting. But the dream sequences just felt off to me. Maybe it's because the audiobook had some jingling bells and this audio narration during the dream sequences that felt very New Age to me. But maybe I just don't love novels that rely so much on dreams. But there are other books centering dreams I have enjoyed. Hmmm. I don't know quite why this one felt different. I felt a little more distanced from the characters, too. I would still recommend this one! I'd be interested to chat with anyone else who's read it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An upcoming MG coming-of-age story by @andreabeatrizarango you won’t want to miss.
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Since moving to Yellowstone National Park for his mom’s job, Gustavo can’t quiet his racing thoughts or his worsening nightmares. As he tries to avoid sleep altogether, he discovers something impossible: he and his classmate Kordell are meeting inside their dreams. While dreams feel like an escape for Kordell, they become increasingly dangerous, and Gus may be the only one who can help. Facing his fears head-on, Gus must find the courage to show up for a friend when everything already feels overwhelming.
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I loved the blend of prose and poetry, along with the dual point of view. It added so much emotional depth to the story. The last 20% absolutely wrecked me; I cried straight through it. Books like are essential for young readers, especially because they create space to talk about hard, real topics like divorce, mental health, and navigating huge life changes in a way that feels honest and accessible. This one is giving Newbery vibes. Grab it when it releases August 25!
CW: emesis, divorce, depression, anxiety, toxic masculinity, parental abandonment
🦬
Since moving to Yellowstone National Park for his mom’s job, Gustavo can’t quiet his racing thoughts or his worsening nightmares. As he tries to avoid sleep altogether, he discovers something impossible: he and his classmate Kordell are meeting inside their dreams. While dreams feel like an escape for Kordell, they become increasingly dangerous, and Gus may be the only one who can help. Facing his fears head-on, Gus must find the courage to show up for a friend when everything already feels overwhelming.
🐟
I loved the blend of prose and poetry, along with the dual point of view. It added so much emotional depth to the story. The last 20% absolutely wrecked me; I cried straight through it. Books like are essential for young readers, especially because they create space to talk about hard, real topics like divorce, mental health, and navigating huge life changes in a way that feels honest and accessible. This one is giving Newbery vibes. Grab it when it releases August 25!
CW: emesis, divorce, depression, anxiety, toxic masculinity, parental abandonment
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Life's complicated for Gustavo and Kordell, two 11-year-olds who both live within Yellowstone National Park. Both Gustavo and Kordell have mental health challenges, and their lives overlap in other ways, too. They keep finding each other within a dreamscape while sleeping. Kordell wants to be there, and has learned to build a dreamscape where he can feel close to the buffalo and other animals of Yellowstone. Gustavo struggles with nightmares and anxiety, and when he starts showing up in Kordell's animal-friendly dreamscape, his fears influence the dreamscape. It repeatedly flips from tranquility to terror for Gustavo.
Both boys have parents who are in the process of breaking up, and are affected by parental moves, decisions over where to live and who to be with, and worries about how to cope.
I enjoyed the hopefulness of this novel, and it is hopeful in spite of being a story about loss. Kordell and Gustavo gain things, too--better understanding of themselves, friendship, and hope for things to become better. There is a theme of recognizing mental health challenges, learning to speak about emotions, and embracing therapy that's very needed. It's especially powerful that these are are tween boys of color on the path of positive mental health growth, given that there aren't many books with that specific representation of minority groups.
Both boys have parents who are in the process of breaking up, and are affected by parental moves, decisions over where to live and who to be with, and worries about how to cope.
I enjoyed the hopefulness of this novel, and it is hopeful in spite of being a story about loss. Kordell and Gustavo gain things, too--better understanding of themselves, friendship, and hope for things to become better. There is a theme of recognizing mental health challenges, learning to speak about emotions, and embracing therapy that's very needed. It's especially powerful that these are are tween boys of color on the path of positive mental health growth, given that there aren't many books with that specific representation of minority groups.
September 7, 2026
Strong Puerto Rican representation, NIV and prose formats, Yellowstone National Park, and a heartfelt look at two boys experiencing either depression or anxiety are just a few of the positives about this new middle grade title from Arango (It’s All or Nothing, Vale and Something Like Home).
Gustavo and his immediate and extended family have always lived in Puerto Rico. Here he has two best friends who don’t seem to mind when he begins to dwell too much on the bad things that might happen or is too tired to focus due to nightmares, the sun and beach warm his body and heart, and family, even though they are certainly not perfect, is always around. But the fighting between his parents is increasing and they decide a “break” might help them think more clearly. But Gustavo had no idea the separation would lead to Yellowstone National Park for him, his older sister Lorena and his mom. Now the possibilities of bison, elk or wolf attacks, disappearing into a snow drift, falling off a cliff and a host of new fears has the fish stirring in his stomach even more (leading to labeling the anxious feeling “chapines” which is Spanish for trunkfish) and the nightmares have increased to the point that he is sleeping in class near daily and as a result, keeps being sent to see the school counselor. It is in those nightmares, however, that Gustavo, now dubbed Tavo, begins meeting classmate Kordell who uses his dream state to escape his depression. The boys strike up a friendship and begin to find the kind of common ground that may lead to healing for both.
Arango’s Gustavo and Kordell are very different sixth grade boys with several commonalities-mental health struggles and divorce/separation of parents. Readers are certain to find either some hope in reading about their eventual, successful navigation of those serious life scenarios or some insight into classmates who may be facing similar challenges. Also included is a parent who represents the all too common resistance to counseling/therapy, seeing it as useless and promoting the idea that anxiety is just immaturity, all in their mind and can be simply dismissed if the sufferer just tries harder. Some will recognize the “real men don’t cry” mentality that is so dangerous. Amid the serious topics, Arango also includes some relief by adding plenty of information about the wildlife and beauty of Yellowstone National Park, parents who are working to help their children, and a very cool idea that two people could meet inside each others’ dreams and communicate.
No Place on Earth should be strongly considered by libraries serving grades 4-7 that have high circulation in novels with more serious themes such as divorce and mental health struggles and those who have enjoyed Arango’s earlier works.
*Profanity: none
*Sexual content: None, but Kordell does walk into his home and see his mom hugging another man which forms the foundation for his parents’ divorce.
*Violence: Imagined animal attacks and disasters in nature only
*Representation: Gustavo’s family is Hispanic, Kordell is Black; counseling presented as a positive tool in managing mental health issues; two families experiencing divorce/separation
*LBGTQ+: none
Thanks for the eARC, NetGalley, Edelweiss and Random House.
Gustavo and his immediate and extended family have always lived in Puerto Rico. Here he has two best friends who don’t seem to mind when he begins to dwell too much on the bad things that might happen or is too tired to focus due to nightmares, the sun and beach warm his body and heart, and family, even though they are certainly not perfect, is always around. But the fighting between his parents is increasing and they decide a “break” might help them think more clearly. But Gustavo had no idea the separation would lead to Yellowstone National Park for him, his older sister Lorena and his mom. Now the possibilities of bison, elk or wolf attacks, disappearing into a snow drift, falling off a cliff and a host of new fears has the fish stirring in his stomach even more (leading to labeling the anxious feeling “chapines” which is Spanish for trunkfish) and the nightmares have increased to the point that he is sleeping in class near daily and as a result, keeps being sent to see the school counselor. It is in those nightmares, however, that Gustavo, now dubbed Tavo, begins meeting classmate Kordell who uses his dream state to escape his depression. The boys strike up a friendship and begin to find the kind of common ground that may lead to healing for both.
Arango’s Gustavo and Kordell are very different sixth grade boys with several commonalities-mental health struggles and divorce/separation of parents. Readers are certain to find either some hope in reading about their eventual, successful navigation of those serious life scenarios or some insight into classmates who may be facing similar challenges. Also included is a parent who represents the all too common resistance to counseling/therapy, seeing it as useless and promoting the idea that anxiety is just immaturity, all in their mind and can be simply dismissed if the sufferer just tries harder. Some will recognize the “real men don’t cry” mentality that is so dangerous. Amid the serious topics, Arango also includes some relief by adding plenty of information about the wildlife and beauty of Yellowstone National Park, parents who are working to help their children, and a very cool idea that two people could meet inside each others’ dreams and communicate.
No Place on Earth should be strongly considered by libraries serving grades 4-7 that have high circulation in novels with more serious themes such as divorce and mental health struggles and those who have enjoyed Arango’s earlier works.
*Profanity: none
*Sexual content: None, but Kordell does walk into his home and see his mom hugging another man which forms the foundation for his parents’ divorce.
*Violence: Imagined animal attacks and disasters in nature only
*Representation: Gustavo’s family is Hispanic, Kordell is Black; counseling presented as a positive tool in managing mental health issues; two families experiencing divorce/separation
*LBGTQ+: none
Thanks for the eARC, NetGalley, Edelweiss and Random House.
September 25, 2026
4.75 rounded to 5
This was such a cute story about speaking up for yourself, accepting your mental health issues and being their for friends.
I really enjoyed all the Spanish throughout this book, and that I was able to see how much I knew vs what I was absolutely clueless about.
I liked our MMC, he was real, likeable, and had a great character arc. I liked watching him learn to accept his anxiety for what it was, learning how to stand up for himself with his family, and learning how to show up for a friend with other mental health issues themselves.
I also enjoyed the magical elements in this one, the dream sharing was ne of my favorite parts, I would have loved to see a bit more of the sharing at the end, but it still was wrapped up well without it, I just personally wanted it lol.
Would recommend to both young and older readers and anyone who know someone with anxiety/depression/or another mental health issue.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children's Books | Random House Books for Young Readers for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This was such a cute story about speaking up for yourself, accepting your mental health issues and being their for friends.
I really enjoyed all the Spanish throughout this book, and that I was able to see how much I knew vs what I was absolutely clueless about.
I liked our MMC, he was real, likeable, and had a great character arc. I liked watching him learn to accept his anxiety for what it was, learning how to stand up for himself with his family, and learning how to show up for a friend with other mental health issues themselves.
I also enjoyed the magical elements in this one, the dream sharing was ne of my favorite parts, I would have loved to see a bit more of the sharing at the end, but it still was wrapped up well without it, I just personally wanted it lol.
Would recommend to both young and older readers and anyone who know someone with anxiety/depression/or another mental health issue.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children's Books | Random House Books for Young Readers for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gustavo and Kordell are two middle school boys both dealing with their parents separating and you can feel how heavy that is for them.
Gustavo has to leave Puerto Rico when his mom takes a job at Yellowstone, and everything shifts including his home, his routine, his sense of safety and sense of belonging.
His sleep gets worse, the nightmares come in strong, and it’s clear his body is carrying what he doesn’t always have words for. Kordell is going through his own thing too, being asked to choose which parent to live with while trying to make sense of his grief.
Their friendship slowly becomes a lifeline. There’s something really powerful about the way the book explores dreams especially Gustavo learning about that ancestral connection and how healing can come through culture, connection, and being understood.
This is a story a lot of kids will see themselves in, especially those dealing with divorce or big emotions that show up in quiet ways, like being exhausted at school. Soft, real, and full of heart.
Gustavo has to leave Puerto Rico when his mom takes a job at Yellowstone, and everything shifts including his home, his routine, his sense of safety and sense of belonging.
His sleep gets worse, the nightmares come in strong, and it’s clear his body is carrying what he doesn’t always have words for. Kordell is going through his own thing too, being asked to choose which parent to live with while trying to make sense of his grief.
Their friendship slowly becomes a lifeline. There’s something really powerful about the way the book explores dreams especially Gustavo learning about that ancestral connection and how healing can come through culture, connection, and being understood.
This is a story a lot of kids will see themselves in, especially those dealing with divorce or big emotions that show up in quiet ways, like being exhausted at school. Soft, real, and full of heart.
September 15, 2026
Gustavo is not happy that his mother and father are trying to have some time apart. He is especially not happy that to do this, his mother has moved he and his sister to Yellowstone National Park, from their home in Puerto Rico. He misses his friends. He misses his father. He misses his old home.
Meanwhile, his mother and sister fully embrace the beauty of Yellowstone, but all he feels is anxiety about every little thing, such as the wild bison, and the deer, and just about everything that is unusual.
He makes friends with Kordell, who is in his dreams, as well as in his class in real life. This freaks him out a little bit, as it should.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I want to throttle the adults around him for not noticing the problems that Gustavo is having. I want them to help him. I want to help him, myself.
This would probably be a good book for kids facing new fears when moving to a new place. We all get anxiety from time to time.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book came out in August 2026.
Meanwhile, his mother and sister fully embrace the beauty of Yellowstone, but all he feels is anxiety about every little thing, such as the wild bison, and the deer, and just about everything that is unusual.
He makes friends with Kordell, who is in his dreams, as well as in his class in real life. This freaks him out a little bit, as it should.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I want to throttle the adults around him for not noticing the problems that Gustavo is having. I want them to help him. I want to help him, myself.
This would probably be a good book for kids facing new fears when moving to a new place. We all get anxiety from time to time.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book came out in August 2026.
September 20, 2026
(Actual rating: 4.25)
Andrea Beatriz Arango continues to be one of my favorite authors. Her poetical prose flows so smoothly and also beautifully captures incredibly difficult real life traumas and natural events. Although the first book that I read from her, Iveliz Explains It All, continues to be my hands-down favorite. I still enjoyed this one though I would rank it third out of the three books that I have read from her. I don't remember if the previous books I’ve read by her delve into magical realism which this book did. That gave the narrative a different taste. In this book, she explores an all too real aspect of machismo in the Latine culture and its profound impact on the main character as he deals with anxiety that should be clinically treated. Arango did an excellent job exploring this and also helping the main character realize certain things about himself, about his father, and about how he should continue moving through the world.
Andrea Beatriz Arango continues to be one of my favorite authors. Her poetical prose flows so smoothly and also beautifully captures incredibly difficult real life traumas and natural events. Although the first book that I read from her, Iveliz Explains It All, continues to be my hands-down favorite. I still enjoyed this one though I would rank it third out of the three books that I have read from her. I don't remember if the previous books I’ve read by her delve into magical realism which this book did. That gave the narrative a different taste. In this book, she explores an all too real aspect of machismo in the Latine culture and its profound impact on the main character as he deals with anxiety that should be clinically treated. Arango did an excellent job exploring this and also helping the main character realize certain things about himself, about his father, and about how he should continue moving through the world.
September 18, 2026
No Place on Earth drew me in with its unusual idea of two boys connecting through their dreams, but what stayed with me was the emotional heart of the story. Gus and Kordell are dealing with very different fears and struggles, yet their unexpected connection gives them a way to understand each other and face things they might not have been able to handle alone.
I especially liked how the dream element adds a touch of magic without taking away from the real emotions underneath. The story explores friendship, courage, fear, and the ways someone else’s presence can make difficult things feel a little less impossible.
The Yellowstone setting also adds something special to the story, creating a memorable backdrop for Gus’s journey. Overall, this felt like a thoughtful and heartfelt read about two young people discovering that they don't have to face everything by themselves.
I especially liked how the dream element adds a touch of magic without taking away from the real emotions underneath. The story explores friendship, courage, fear, and the ways someone else’s presence can make difficult things feel a little less impossible.
The Yellowstone setting also adds something special to the story, creating a memorable backdrop for Gus’s journey. Overall, this felt like a thoughtful and heartfelt read about two young people discovering that they don't have to face everything by themselves.
August 31, 2026
No Place on Earth is a tender and imaginative story about friendship, fear, and finding courage when life feels overwhelming.
I loved the idea of Gus and Kordell meeting through their dreams and gradually becoming a source of strength for one another. The dream element adds a touch of magic, but the emotions underneath feel very real especially the loneliness, uncertainty, and bravery involved in facing difficult experiences. The Yellowstone setting also gives the story a wonderful sense of adventure and wonder.
Overall, it’s a meaningful middle-grade read for children who enjoy magical stories with heart, especially those centered on friendship, courage, dreams, and learning that you don't have to face your fears alone.
I loved the idea of Gus and Kordell meeting through their dreams and gradually becoming a source of strength for one another. The dream element adds a touch of magic, but the emotions underneath feel very real especially the loneliness, uncertainty, and bravery involved in facing difficult experiences. The Yellowstone setting also gives the story a wonderful sense of adventure and wonder.
Overall, it’s a meaningful middle-grade read for children who enjoy magical stories with heart, especially those centered on friendship, courage, dreams, and learning that you don't have to face your fears alone.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so excited to get a hold of an advanced copy of No Place on Earth and after reading it, I can't wait to be able to hand it to the kids in my library. This book tackles so much in a relatively short novel. Gustavo and Kordell's friendship and individual struggles with mental health were done with care and understanding. The unique setting made allowed for my imagination to run wild, giving the dreamscapes an even bigger impact. The angst of an anxiety disorder mixed with cultural expectations, a pending divorce, and general adolescence was so accurate, I really felt the chapínos along with Gustavo.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
No Place on Earth is a lovely middle-grade book about becoming more comfortable in your brain and reaching out to others when you need help.
This book follows Puerto Rican tween Gustavo whose parents split up, causing him to relocate with his mother and sister to Yellowstone National Park. Gustavo struggles with nightmares and anxious thinking, and the move to the park is full of new and worrisome situations. However, Gustavo begins take control of his nightmares when he meets a classmate in his dreams. His classmate, Kordell, uses lucid dreaming to create beautiful and comforting "dreamscapes" which are both comforting and exciting landscapes, as well as escapes from the uncomfortable aspects of his life. Kordell helps Gustavo begin to name and manage his struggle with anxiety, while Gustavo helps reassure Kordell that he is loved--even when he is in a depressive episode.
My favorite part of this book was the first-person narration. I thought that Gustavo was very empathetic as a narrator, and his concerns about adults not being worried enough really reminded me of myself as a kid. The dream sequences, which are all written in-verse, are also distinct and beautiful. When they were used heavily at the end of the book, I was got a little teary.
This book follows Puerto Rican tween Gustavo whose parents split up, causing him to relocate with his mother and sister to Yellowstone National Park. Gustavo struggles with nightmares and anxious thinking, and the move to the park is full of new and worrisome situations. However, Gustavo begins take control of his nightmares when he meets a classmate in his dreams. His classmate, Kordell, uses lucid dreaming to create beautiful and comforting "dreamscapes" which are both comforting and exciting landscapes, as well as escapes from the uncomfortable aspects of his life. Kordell helps Gustavo begin to name and manage his struggle with anxiety, while Gustavo helps reassure Kordell that he is loved--even when he is in a depressive episode.
My favorite part of this book was the first-person narration. I thought that Gustavo was very empathetic as a narrator, and his concerns about adults not being worried enough really reminded me of myself as a kid. The dream sequences, which are all written in-verse, are also distinct and beautiful. When they were used heavily at the end of the book, I was got a little teary.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lots of big topics in this middle grade novel. Moving from Puerto Rico to Yellowstone National Park, as Mama and Pa are 'taking a break' from their marriage. Dealing with new places, new classmates, anxiety, depression, it's a lot to handle. The use of lucid dreaming as a tool was fascinating and effective. I liked the use of interspersed verse chapters.
The only thing that I would change is, the first chapters titled "Kordell," which turn out to be a new classmate, were a bit confusing. Not being a Spanish speaker, and with the novel peppered with Spanish phrases, I wasn't sure what Kordell signified until several chapters later. I think that needs another look.
The only thing that I would change is, the first chapters titled "Kordell," which turn out to be a new classmate, were a bit confusing. Not being a Spanish speaker, and with the novel peppered with Spanish phrases, I wasn't sure what Kordell signified until several chapters later. I think that needs another look.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In an elegant weaving of prose and poetry, “No Place on Earth” leads us through the life of Gustavo Santos Cosas and his family, from Puerto Rico to Yosemite. Dreams thick fight against culture, fight against the needs and understanding of a bright, sensitive 11yr old Gustavo and a new friend he meets at Yosemite. I love the writing, honest, clear and true of Andrea Beatriz Arango in all her books. She shows great respect and understanding of the young characters and their challenges in all of her books, especially Gustavo.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to Random House Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for the digital review copy. This book comes out on August 25th!
Sometimes a good middlegrade will make everything okay. This was the perfect book to pick up while I was having an anxiety attack.
I already knew Andrea Beatriz Arango's verse novels were great, but now I can safely say her prose is just as good (and there was some verse here as well!). Gustavo was such an easy character to root for. He was simply so relatable, and it was great to see him grow.
Sometimes a good middlegrade will make everything okay. This was the perfect book to pick up while I was having an anxiety attack.
I already knew Andrea Beatriz Arango's verse novels were great, but now I can safely say her prose is just as good (and there was some verse here as well!). Gustavo was such an easy character to root for. He was simply so relatable, and it was great to see him grow.
October 2, 2026
This is such a beautiful story about forming a friendship amid anxiety/depression and complicated family dynamics. The audiobook is especially cool because it has background audio during the dream sequences. This is a great read for middle schoolers, especially anyone who has had to move, has anxiety or depression, or had trouble sleeping. I'm also from Montana originally, so I appreciated my home state's presence in this book.
Thank you to Random House Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to read and review.
Thank you to Random House Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gustavo's life drastically changes when he moves with his mom and sister from Puerto Rico to Yellowstone National Park. He believes it's his fault that his parents separated because of his bad dreams and anxiety. One of his new classmates, Kordell, keeps appearing in his dreams, and their lives begin to overlap in the dream world and real life. This book had a lot of potential, but I wish it had focused just on Gustavo and not the intertwined dreams. ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
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