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Sanctuary Somewhere
Seventeen-year-old Osmel dreams of being a meteorologist. His world is shattered when he finds out he is undocumented. Osmel fears his dreams for college and career are now impossible. Then, ICE begins raiding the orchards his family works in. Will Osmel and his family ever find safety and peace in the place they call home?
190 pages, Library Binding
Published April 16, 2019
2 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Brenna Dimmig
1 bookBrenna Dimmig is a writer and ENL educator. She studied journalism, creative writing, and Spanish at John Carroll University. She lived for several years in the Pacific Northwest as a Jesuit Volunteer. She worked for organizations including Catholic Family and Child Services and El Programa Hispano Católico, where she became familiar with the process of applying for DACA and U.S. Citizenship. She is passionate to share the stories of the families she came to consider her familia.
(source: Amazon)
(source: Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 17, 2019
When I picked this book out I chose it for two reasons, firstly because I assumed that it was written by a Dreamer, and secondly because for some reason I also assumed that it was written by a teenager. As soon as I realized that both my assumptions were incorrect it colored my view of the book completely and for that reason I was unable to appreciate it as much as I probably should have. I was so excited to think that a Dreamer was being published that my realization that this wasn’t true was a real letdown. I think it’s essential that we let the people who have firsthand experience of being undocumented tell their stories, maybe because of personal experience, maybe because of the continuous bias that stands against those of us who were or are undocumented, or maybe just because so many of us remain in the shadows and have no voice it feels like a slight that someone else gets to tell the story. (Although I know it isn’t meant that way, but publishers please seek out firsthand stories from Dreamers too, there are so many of them).
If I take myself, my family, and our collective experiences out of the equation and look at Sanctuary Somewhere more objectively I completely understand why the author wrote it. It’s written in such a way (long form freestyle poetry) that it’s easy to read and digest, and it’s deceptively simple. The wording feels simple at first glance, but the emotion conveyed all through the book is very deep. That said you will most likely read through it in less than an hour.
Osmel lives with his mother and sister next door to his uncle and aunt and their kids, goes to school with his friends, and works with his family in an orchard. Osmel is undocumented, as is most of his family, and some of his friends. He only finds this out via one of his aunts when he is 17. He also witnesses an uptick in ICE arrests and deportations, and while he holds onto his dreams of being a meteorologist he struggles with the two lives he feels like he is living.
Brenna Dimmig conveys the fear, the reluctance to talk about one’s immigration status, even with those close to us, and the difficulties associated with being both an undocumented immigrant while only knowing the US as home very well. This book is a great tool for teaching school children about Dreamers in general and for also teaching empathy. However I do feel that it only scratches the surface, and a lot is also missing (mainly the reason why some people are not eligible to apply for DACA, why there are more deportations now, the sacrifices that immigrant families make not only to come here but also to stay here, and the continuous rot of white supremacy that directs this country, the effect of the current administration on the immigration population, the stereotypes, and also the fact that not all Dreamers are Mexican). I feel like Osmel’s story deserves deeper insight, maybe in the form of a novella.
So all in all, Sanctuary Somewhere does the job Brenna Dimmig set out to do, it is well written and full of emotion, but what is missing for me is the voice of someone who lived or is living this situation (the likes of Reyna Grande come to mind).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
If I take myself, my family, and our collective experiences out of the equation and look at Sanctuary Somewhere more objectively I completely understand why the author wrote it. It’s written in such a way (long form freestyle poetry) that it’s easy to read and digest, and it’s deceptively simple. The wording feels simple at first glance, but the emotion conveyed all through the book is very deep. That said you will most likely read through it in less than an hour.
Osmel lives with his mother and sister next door to his uncle and aunt and their kids, goes to school with his friends, and works with his family in an orchard. Osmel is undocumented, as is most of his family, and some of his friends. He only finds this out via one of his aunts when he is 17. He also witnesses an uptick in ICE arrests and deportations, and while he holds onto his dreams of being a meteorologist he struggles with the two lives he feels like he is living.
Brenna Dimmig conveys the fear, the reluctance to talk about one’s immigration status, even with those close to us, and the difficulties associated with being both an undocumented immigrant while only knowing the US as home very well. This book is a great tool for teaching school children about Dreamers in general and for also teaching empathy. However I do feel that it only scratches the surface, and a lot is also missing (mainly the reason why some people are not eligible to apply for DACA, why there are more deportations now, the sacrifices that immigrant families make not only to come here but also to stay here, and the continuous rot of white supremacy that directs this country, the effect of the current administration on the immigration population, the stereotypes, and also the fact that not all Dreamers are Mexican). I feel like Osmel’s story deserves deeper insight, maybe in the form of a novella.
So all in all, Sanctuary Somewhere does the job Brenna Dimmig set out to do, it is well written and full of emotion, but what is missing for me is the voice of someone who lived or is living this situation (the likes of Reyna Grande come to mind).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
March 29, 2023
I rated the book Sanctuary Somewhere by Brenna Dimmig 5 stars because the book was a nice and short read and the author did a good job transitioning from chapter to chapter which kept me reading.The book is about a 17 year old boy named Osmel who wants to go to college to be a meteorologist his world is destroyed when he finds out he isn’t a U.S citizen and can’t go to college to pursue his dreams now he has to learn to accept himself and learn to live with the fear of being deported.This book is written like a poem so each page is short and it keeps the reader's attention to the book.
October 22, 2022
Shares the fear - and hopes/dreams - of a 17-year-old boy who just found out he is undocumented. Appropriate for middle school.
September 15, 2019
Important, current story in free verse.
Appropriate for middle school.
Dreamers, DACA, Undocumented
Spoilers below:
At school we’ve now all come out as undocumented page 22
Dreamers page 20
Boy finds out his aunt is undocumented and that he is undocumented also 27
Came from Mexico crossing the border at Texas with smugglers 30
His sister is a citizen of the US
Sister is good fluent in Spanish and the brother is not 40
Dad is not in their family 40
He wonders of people can tell he is undocumented 48
He is becoming more concerned and possibly depressed, he asks his aunt about DACA 53
Family works in the orchards page 1
DACA is no longer excepting new 60
Angry at Mom) but he doesn’t show it 69
Day of the dead 73
Dad died in Mexico 80
Share a can of dad‘s beer 92
Buzzed 93
Will they be the only Mexican guys at the party? Will the four of us get pulled over because of the color of our skin? 94
ICE scare at the orchard 103
Dad died because they couldn’t get him medicine in Mexico 105
Last year 10 mothers were taken to holding centers by ice 108
Teacher is white. She tells the class that she chooses not to see the color of people skin. You can’t teach US history if you choose not to see racial differences “110
He tells his family every day that he loves them because he is afraid ice will take him away 116
Friends dad was pulled over and take him to a holding center, he doesn’t know if he’ll be back 121
Two friends are undocumented and one has a visa 126
Friends dad has been holding center for three weeks 130
Mom falls and sister calls ambulance 135
He is mean to Sister because he is afraid that ice will come find them 140
Doesn’t have a Social Security number 158
His friends family is moving to a sanctuary city, where they protect undocumented families, police do not report to ice page 160
Maybe finding sanctuary is finding other people who understand 167
He is now 18 170
accepted to community college which isn’t what he wanted because he can’t be a meteorologist, but he will do a couple years there and apply again 177
Friends dad is still con and now friends family has moved to a sanctuary city and friend is here alone 185
I have a lot of friends and family who care for me more than the world. This is my sanctuary. 186
Graduates from high school
Appropriate for middle school.
Dreamers, DACA, Undocumented
Spoilers below:
At school we’ve now all come out as undocumented page 22
Dreamers page 20
Boy finds out his aunt is undocumented and that he is undocumented also 27
Came from Mexico crossing the border at Texas with smugglers 30
His sister is a citizen of the US
Sister is good fluent in Spanish and the brother is not 40
Dad is not in their family 40
He wonders of people can tell he is undocumented 48
He is becoming more concerned and possibly depressed, he asks his aunt about DACA 53
Family works in the orchards page 1
DACA is no longer excepting new 60
Angry at Mom) but he doesn’t show it 69
Day of the dead 73
Dad died in Mexico 80
Share a can of dad‘s beer 92
Buzzed 93
Will they be the only Mexican guys at the party? Will the four of us get pulled over because of the color of our skin? 94
ICE scare at the orchard 103
Dad died because they couldn’t get him medicine in Mexico 105
Last year 10 mothers were taken to holding centers by ice 108
Teacher is white. She tells the class that she chooses not to see the color of people skin. You can’t teach US history if you choose not to see racial differences “110
He tells his family every day that he loves them because he is afraid ice will take him away 116
Friends dad was pulled over and take him to a holding center, he doesn’t know if he’ll be back 121
Two friends are undocumented and one has a visa 126
Friends dad has been holding center for three weeks 130
Mom falls and sister calls ambulance 135
He is mean to Sister because he is afraid that ice will come find them 140
Doesn’t have a Social Security number 158
His friends family is moving to a sanctuary city, where they protect undocumented families, police do not report to ice page 160
Maybe finding sanctuary is finding other people who understand 167
He is now 18 170
accepted to community college which isn’t what he wanted because he can’t be a meteorologist, but he will do a couple years there and apply again 177
Friends dad is still con and now friends family has moved to a sanctuary city and friend is here alone 185
I have a lot of friends and family who care for me more than the world. This is my sanctuary. 186
Graduates from high school
March 24, 2019
Check out this review and others at my blog Too Many Books!
A special thank you to Netgalley and West 44 Books for providing a free advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
This verse poem follows the story of Osmel as he works towards his dreams while dealing with obstacles like discovering the fact that he is undocumented. The story was really powerful and I loved the characters as they tried to determine what would be best for them over everyone else. Osmel was a unique enough character with his passions but also realistic as his backstory is explored. I especially enjoyed his interactions with his friends at school, especially as these teenagers are figuring out and dealing with the fact that they are undocumented, something that they never had to be worried about before. One scene in particularly with three of the boys I absolutely adored.
The culture aspect was really interesting, as Osmel feels out of place in his family because of cultural differences, including that he doesn't speak or understand Spanish well anymore. I can't speak for sure on what this is really like, but it was really powerful and an interesting concept, especially as Osmel is contrasting with his little sister, Leslie, who is more invested in their heritage but also is a legal citizen.
The story really felt like it would have been better told out of the verse format. It felt really forced to be a verse novel, and while this story could definitely be told in this format, it was just off. The point of views were also really weird and not in a good way. I wouldn't have minded if Leslie's point of view was a constant thing throughout the story but it came in so late that it was just irritating. It was like a partial commitment to two point of views and this story needed to be definite. I just wanted the whole medium to be stronger. The plot was fine but so many aspects of the format were off enough that I couldn't enjoy the story as fully.
Overall, it was fairly enjoyable. The plot was pretty fascinating, I just couldn't get over that it did not seem to fit right with the way that this story was being told.
A special thank you to Netgalley and West 44 Books for providing a free advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
This verse poem follows the story of Osmel as he works towards his dreams while dealing with obstacles like discovering the fact that he is undocumented. The story was really powerful and I loved the characters as they tried to determine what would be best for them over everyone else. Osmel was a unique enough character with his passions but also realistic as his backstory is explored. I especially enjoyed his interactions with his friends at school, especially as these teenagers are figuring out and dealing with the fact that they are undocumented, something that they never had to be worried about before. One scene in particularly with three of the boys I absolutely adored.
The culture aspect was really interesting, as Osmel feels out of place in his family because of cultural differences, including that he doesn't speak or understand Spanish well anymore. I can't speak for sure on what this is really like, but it was really powerful and an interesting concept, especially as Osmel is contrasting with his little sister, Leslie, who is more invested in their heritage but also is a legal citizen.
The story really felt like it would have been better told out of the verse format. It felt really forced to be a verse novel, and while this story could definitely be told in this format, it was just off. The point of views were also really weird and not in a good way. I wouldn't have minded if Leslie's point of view was a constant thing throughout the story but it came in so late that it was just irritating. It was like a partial commitment to two point of views and this story needed to be definite. I just wanted the whole medium to be stronger. The plot was fine but so many aspects of the format were off enough that I couldn't enjoy the story as fully.
Overall, it was fairly enjoyable. The plot was pretty fascinating, I just couldn't get over that it did not seem to fit right with the way that this story was being told.
February 26, 2020
Brenna Dimmig’s poetry collection Sanctuary Somewhere is centred on undocumented immigration experiences in the U.S. Her two main characters, Osmel and Leslie experience the U.S. differently based on their immigration statuses. Despite being siblings, Leslie is legal because she is born in the U.S. but her brother, Osmel, and her mother are undocumented. The fear of speaking about immigration statuses means that even amongst immigrant families and communities many people do not know who is or is not documented.
At the beginning of the poetry cycle, Osmel learns that he too, like many people in his family, is undocumented. Yet he doesn’t quite understand what that means to him. Alex tells him, “At school we’ve now/ all come out/ as undocumented.” The fear and freedom in those lines speak volumes to the immigrant experience in the U.S. To stay hidden offers some sort of safety, but it also means isolation and never knowing who to trust.
Undocumented immigrants in the U.S. experience a lot of exploration and discrimination. The possible paths to citizenship or even green card status are complicated and convoluted. Often people do not have the money or support to pursue such options.
Osmel is angry and jealous of his sister, Leslie, who is free from this worry and concern. When their mother falls and hurts herself, Leslie calls 911 which makes the whole family and especially Osmel panic. Yet the EMTs do not ask too many questions to the relief of everyone.
Dimmig’s story is simple and it is this simplicity that makes it powerful. Contemporary poetry is often relegated to the lofty halls of academia, yet this poetry also described as YA verse is extremely accessible poetry that draws on a long line of poetic history where poetry could tell stories, like Spencer’s Fairy Queen or The Odyssey.
This would be a great resource for Highschool teaching whether it be in history, literature, or cultural studies. What other poetry collections are you reading? As always, share the reading love.
Note: this poetry collection was accessed through Netgalley for review purposes.
At the beginning of the poetry cycle, Osmel learns that he too, like many people in his family, is undocumented. Yet he doesn’t quite understand what that means to him. Alex tells him, “At school we’ve now/ all come out/ as undocumented.” The fear and freedom in those lines speak volumes to the immigrant experience in the U.S. To stay hidden offers some sort of safety, but it also means isolation and never knowing who to trust.
Undocumented immigrants in the U.S. experience a lot of exploration and discrimination. The possible paths to citizenship or even green card status are complicated and convoluted. Often people do not have the money or support to pursue such options.
Osmel is angry and jealous of his sister, Leslie, who is free from this worry and concern. When their mother falls and hurts herself, Leslie calls 911 which makes the whole family and especially Osmel panic. Yet the EMTs do not ask too many questions to the relief of everyone.
Dimmig’s story is simple and it is this simplicity that makes it powerful. Contemporary poetry is often relegated to the lofty halls of academia, yet this poetry also described as YA verse is extremely accessible poetry that draws on a long line of poetic history where poetry could tell stories, like Spencer’s Fairy Queen or The Odyssey.
This would be a great resource for Highschool teaching whether it be in history, literature, or cultural studies. What other poetry collections are you reading? As always, share the reading love.
Note: this poetry collection was accessed through Netgalley for review purposes.
May 13, 2019
Many thanks to Netgalley and West 44 Books for providing a free advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book is what made me want to pick it up and read it. The issue of undocumented children living in the United States is a very timely subject in today’s society. The debate has centered around what should happen to children brought into this country illegally, through no fault or decision of their own.
This book tries to take on a small piece of that controversy. Written in verse, the story follows one year in the life of Osmel. A senior in high school, Osmel has dreams of attending the University of Washington in pursuance of a degree in meteorology. However, Osmel’s family has been hiding a secret from him his whole life. He and his mother are undocumented. The discovery of this information sends shockwaves through Osmel’s life. He begins to question if any of the dreams and aspirations he had for his future are even a possibility.
The author does a decent job of helping the reader to understand some of the unknowns that undocumented children live with daily. It is something that those of us who are citizens can’t begin to understand. Yet, I could only give this book 3 stars. For me personally, I was looking for a story with such a strong subject to have much more depth than it delivered. However, I do believe it would be great for some of my middle schoolers.
Recommend.
The premise of this book is what made me want to pick it up and read it. The issue of undocumented children living in the United States is a very timely subject in today’s society. The debate has centered around what should happen to children brought into this country illegally, through no fault or decision of their own.
This book tries to take on a small piece of that controversy. Written in verse, the story follows one year in the life of Osmel. A senior in high school, Osmel has dreams of attending the University of Washington in pursuance of a degree in meteorology. However, Osmel’s family has been hiding a secret from him his whole life. He and his mother are undocumented. The discovery of this information sends shockwaves through Osmel’s life. He begins to question if any of the dreams and aspirations he had for his future are even a possibility.
The author does a decent job of helping the reader to understand some of the unknowns that undocumented children live with daily. It is something that those of us who are citizens can’t begin to understand. Yet, I could only give this book 3 stars. For me personally, I was looking for a story with such a strong subject to have much more depth than it delivered. However, I do believe it would be great for some of my middle schoolers.
Recommend.
August 16, 2020
This is a beautifully written book about the life of Osmel, who thought he was an American (with American dreams) until he found out that he was undocumented and they were no longer accepting new DACA applications. What does the life and thoughts of those undocumented look like? What are their anxieties and fears? How do they overcome? You can find answers to all those within the story. Then.......you realize the author is neither a Dreamer nor Mexican. This does not take away from the story rather it takes away from feeling of knowing that there is someone out there writing about a shared experiences. Someone who spoke up. Someone who really understood.Someone who you can identify with because they have been through the same or similar situations. Writing so personally about somebody else's experiences just does not do it for me. However, it might work for you. I give it a four stars because its a book that needs to be read for all those who have no clue about what it is to be undocumented.
May 6, 2024
I picked this up, curious to see the view of an undocumented immigrant. As I was reading, it did bring up some emotions, but there was also something about it that felt off.
Osmel finding out his is undocumented and the changes that he makes in his life was eye-opening. His fear could be felt oozing off the page.
Yet, despite that there was also this there was a simplicity to the story that made it fall a little flat. This really just scratched the surface which makes this a quick read that would be a good introduction to what undocumented immigrants might face.
Osmel isn't the only POV here, the reader also get to see Leslie's POV which... I struggled with. I do see how it was a contrast in how Osmel and Leslie saw the world, but with how short this novel was, her POV didn't really feel like it fit within the story.
I do think this is a a read that would be good for a younger audience to help introduce them and get them a foundation of what undocumented immigrants face, but for an older audience I don't think it's going to be as good.
Osmel finding out his is undocumented and the changes that he makes in his life was eye-opening. His fear could be felt oozing off the page.
Yet, despite that there was also this there was a simplicity to the story that made it fall a little flat. This really just scratched the surface which makes this a quick read that would be a good introduction to what undocumented immigrants might face.
Osmel isn't the only POV here, the reader also get to see Leslie's POV which... I struggled with. I do see how it was a contrast in how Osmel and Leslie saw the world, but with how short this novel was, her POV didn't really feel like it fit within the story.
I do think this is a a read that would be good for a younger audience to help introduce them and get them a foundation of what undocumented immigrants face, but for an older audience I don't think it's going to be as good.
April 28, 2019
First of all, thank you to Net Galley and West 44 books for the book.
I really liked certain aspects of the book such as the story line or plot and the fact that message was an important one that needed to be heard. The book also does a pretty decent job conveying the varying emotions present. I also liked the evidence of culture as it felt very authentic. The themes were also easily identified. However, I thought the book would have been better as a novel and not poetry. The poems lacked captivating figurative language and just didn't seem like poems, just short sentences if that makes sense. The journey of the characters, fleshed out as a novel, in my opinion would have made the work powerful because the plot is great and the premise is amazing.
I really liked certain aspects of the book such as the story line or plot and the fact that message was an important one that needed to be heard. The book also does a pretty decent job conveying the varying emotions present. I also liked the evidence of culture as it felt very authentic. The themes were also easily identified. However, I thought the book would have been better as a novel and not poetry. The poems lacked captivating figurative language and just didn't seem like poems, just short sentences if that makes sense. The journey of the characters, fleshed out as a novel, in my opinion would have made the work powerful because the plot is great and the premise is amazing.
March 26, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and West 44 Books for the advance Kindle copy of this 4.1 release. All opinions are my own.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this story in verse about an undocumented high school boy. Osmel’s dreams of becoming a meteorologist are shattered when he finds out that he is undocumented. With the help of his cousin and school counselor, he strives to find a college that will accept him, all the while living in fear of ICE. Aside from the ARC being a bit hard to read (the version on my phone changed letter combinations to emojis), this is a good hi-lo offering for middle school readers on up. A sure purchase for my collection.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this story in verse about an undocumented high school boy. Osmel’s dreams of becoming a meteorologist are shattered when he finds out that he is undocumented. With the help of his cousin and school counselor, he strives to find a college that will accept him, all the while living in fear of ICE. Aside from the ARC being a bit hard to read (the version on my phone changed letter combinations to emojis), this is a good hi-lo offering for middle school readers on up. A sure purchase for my collection.
April 19, 2019
I received an ARC of Sanctuary Somewhere by Brenna Dimmig from the publisher West 44 Books in exchange for an honest review.
We need more stories of dreamers. We need to understand their struggle. We need these characters and this book gives us that. The book is the story of a young teen who finds out that he is undocumented while in high school and this is him dealing with his new life.
The poetry is perfectly fine, it was not my favorite, but I am glad that the story is in the literature. I look forward to more stories of dreamers.
We need more stories of dreamers. We need to understand their struggle. We need these characters and this book gives us that. The book is the story of a young teen who finds out that he is undocumented while in high school and this is him dealing with his new life.
The poetry is perfectly fine, it was not my favorite, but I am glad that the story is in the literature. I look forward to more stories of dreamers.
February 22, 2023
When I first chose the book Sanctuary SomeWhere by Brenna Dimmig I assumed it would be less touching then it was and more dramatic. The book was very poetic which helped me understand the sorrow that Osmel was feeling throughout the read and emphasize the drama happening. I felt a connection with Osmel and his life more than I expected to. For example he didn't realize he was undocumented till long after he moved in the country which made him feel frustrated, scared, and even alone. This changed once Osmel opened up and learned he wasn't the only undocumented kid at school which gave him the hope to continue his dream. Which is how I feel every time I change schools and towns.
I gave the book three stars because it did give me more perspective around the life of a undocumented teen and how to look for the best in what you have. I also enjoyed how I could understand Osmel and his whole family on a level that gave me sympathy for them and others like them. But it did end rather drastically, and I didnt get the closure that the book deserved. I would recommend this book to end with more of what happened to Osmel after he graduates and find out if he ever became a meteorologist, and not just the graduation party and Osmels sister's outlook on her brother.
In the book my favorite quote comes from Osmel on page 152-153 “I find strength in the people who understand. I know they live in this twofold world, too.” which shows Osmle’s character and how he sees the world around him. For example the average teen growing up in the united states most likely wouldn't say twofold world because they haven't seen the darker side of life. Osmel, seeing the darker side of the world, finds his strength in his friendships and other kids like him, living in fear because of the threat of ICE.
Spoilers!
The book started in the orchard where Osmel worked with his uncle. His main goal according to his mom is to learn what it means to work hard. He worked there for a few years before he saw his first glimpse of ICE and his fear started to set in. Later after hearing more and more about ICE he learned that he was undocumented because he needed his social security number for school, and his parents had no number to give him. Then throughout the story osmel struggles to find the courage to keep living but his friends and family helped keep him safe. This allowed him to find the strength he learned at the orchids to follow his dream and get into collage.
Last but not least I would recommend the book Kite Runner because it's a long dramatic story that keeps you on your toes. This book also reminded me of it because of the character dynamics.
I gave the book three stars because it did give me more perspective around the life of a undocumented teen and how to look for the best in what you have. I also enjoyed how I could understand Osmel and his whole family on a level that gave me sympathy for them and others like them. But it did end rather drastically, and I didnt get the closure that the book deserved. I would recommend this book to end with more of what happened to Osmel after he graduates and find out if he ever became a meteorologist, and not just the graduation party and Osmels sister's outlook on her brother.
In the book my favorite quote comes from Osmel on page 152-153 “I find strength in the people who understand. I know they live in this twofold world, too.” which shows Osmle’s character and how he sees the world around him. For example the average teen growing up in the united states most likely wouldn't say twofold world because they haven't seen the darker side of life. Osmel, seeing the darker side of the world, finds his strength in his friendships and other kids like him, living in fear because of the threat of ICE.
Spoilers!
The book started in the orchard where Osmel worked with his uncle. His main goal according to his mom is to learn what it means to work hard. He worked there for a few years before he saw his first glimpse of ICE and his fear started to set in. Later after hearing more and more about ICE he learned that he was undocumented because he needed his social security number for school, and his parents had no number to give him. Then throughout the story osmel struggles to find the courage to keep living but his friends and family helped keep him safe. This allowed him to find the strength he learned at the orchids to follow his dream and get into collage.
Last but not least I would recommend the book Kite Runner because it's a long dramatic story that keeps you on your toes. This book also reminded me of it because of the character dynamics.
April 23, 2019
I honestly really enjoyed this verse novel! This is a novel about a seventeen year old high school student who is trying to find his way through life. I enjoyed the plot line but I felt like I needed to know what was going to happen to him later in life. Also, the format of the ebook arc had emojis in place of some letters and it got really confusing! Otherwise I recommend it to anybody!
May 22, 2019
Seventeen year old Osmel's world comes crashing down when he discovers that he is undocumented. Now his dream of becoming a meteorologist appears to hang from the balance. This novel in verse was just so beautifully done. Although short, it captures the emotional turmoil Osmel and his family goes through perfectly and the message of hope and perseverance beautifully.
August 11, 2019
Sanctuary Somewhere is a story written in verse about Osmel, a high school student who dreams of being a meteorologist. Osmel finds out he is undocumented and begins to learn about life as an undocumented immigrant. This would be a great read for a middle or high school aged student to learn about undocumented immigrants.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
November 15, 2023
I read this book for a school assignment and "Yes," I did write an essay about the book, but I didn't find this book that great although the topic was interesting and the characters where ok but some of it was kinda weird like "I can do anything," "I want to be a weatherman."
July 21, 2019
Written in prose, very quick read
July 29, 2019
Quick read written in verse. It may have been too quick as I was unable to connect with the story or the main character. I think it could have used more depth.
September 4, 2019
Beautiful novel in verse.
September 5, 2019
I wanted more from this short book in verse about a high schooler who's plans are put on hold when he finds out he's undocumented.
November 18, 2019
Insightful and necessary story
July 28, 2022
Easy read. Verse. Story of an undocumented teen & DACA.
December 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and how it handles complex feelings regarding being undocumented. It was a short, quick read that I felt was so real and raw.
March 16, 2019
A poignant, timely and moving book, Sanctuary Somewhere by Brenna Dimmig is the story of Osmel, a seventeen year old boy who dreams of going to college to study meteorology. The biggest threat to this dream is the fact that he and most of his family are undocumented , and in the current political climate that is a very dangerous state. Unable to apply for Dreamer status, he worries about the security of his family, and doesn't know which of his friends may be in the same boat. The fact that his younger sister is a citizen, born in the USA, starts to build a wedge between them and when ICE officers are seen near the farm where his family works, Osmel begins to worry that his worst fears will come to pass.
The language used is simple, at times almost sparse, but that does not make it any less powerful. The author has done a wonderful job of portraying the family dynamic , the protectiveness of the parent and Osmel's gradually growing awareness that all is not well,, and that his family have been hiding the truth from him. The framing of the story as a narrative free verse was something that I really enjoyed.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
The language used is simple, at times almost sparse, but that does not make it any less powerful. The author has done a wonderful job of portraying the family dynamic , the protectiveness of the parent and Osmel's gradually growing awareness that all is not well,, and that his family have been hiding the truth from him. The framing of the story as a narrative free verse was something that I really enjoyed.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
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