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Where I Belong
An immigrant teen fights for her family, her future, and the place she calls home.
In the spring of 2018, Guatemalan American high school senior Milagros "Millie" Vargas knows her life is about to change. She's lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, ever since her parents sought asylum there when she was a baby. Now a citizen, Millie devotes herself to school and caring for her younger siblings while her mom works as a housekeeper for the wealthy Wheeler family. With college on the horizon, Millie is torn between attending her dream school and staying close to home, where she knows she's needed. She's disturbed by what's happening to asylum-seekers at the US-Mexico border, but she doesn't see herself as an activist or a change-maker. She's just trying to take care of her own family.
Then Mr. Wheeler, a US Senate candidate, mentions Millie's achievements in a campaign speech about "deserving" immigrants. It doesn't take long for people to identify Millie's family and place them at the center of a statewide immigration debate. Faced with journalists, trolls, anonymous threats, and the Wheelers' good intentions - especially those of Mr. Wheeler's son, Charlie - Millie must confront the complexity of her past, the uncertainty of her future, and her place in the country that she believed was home.
In the spring of 2018, Guatemalan American high school senior Milagros "Millie" Vargas knows her life is about to change. She's lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, ever since her parents sought asylum there when she was a baby. Now a citizen, Millie devotes herself to school and caring for her younger siblings while her mom works as a housekeeper for the wealthy Wheeler family. With college on the horizon, Millie is torn between attending her dream school and staying close to home, where she knows she's needed. She's disturbed by what's happening to asylum-seekers at the US-Mexico border, but she doesn't see herself as an activist or a change-maker. She's just trying to take care of her own family.
Then Mr. Wheeler, a US Senate candidate, mentions Millie's achievements in a campaign speech about "deserving" immigrants. It doesn't take long for people to identify Millie's family and place them at the center of a statewide immigration debate. Faced with journalists, trolls, anonymous threats, and the Wheelers' good intentions - especially those of Mr. Wheeler's son, Charlie - Millie must confront the complexity of her past, the uncertainty of her future, and her place in the country that she believed was home.
264 pages, Hardcover
Published September 7, 2021
34 people are currently reading
2450 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Argueta Mickelson
7 books64 followersMarcia Mickelson was born in Guatemala and moved to the U.S. as an infant. She began writing her first novel her senior year of high school and finished it more than ten years later.
Marcia graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelors Degree in American Studies. She is the author of YA novels The Huaca and Where I Belong.
She has also written 3 inspirational women's novels: Star Shining Brightly, Reasonable Doubt, and Pickup Games.
Marcia currently resides in Texas with her husband and three sons.
Marcia graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelors Degree in American Studies. She is the author of YA novels The Huaca and Where I Belong.
She has also written 3 inspirational women's novels: Star Shining Brightly, Reasonable Doubt, and Pickup Games.
Marcia currently resides in Texas with her husband and three sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
June 2, 2022
Not only is the story of Millie Vargas—an immigrant teen from Guatemala thrust unexpectedly into the limelight of US socio-political debate—timely and poignant, but also authentic to both the Latina and teen experience. Like many teens, Millie isn’t looking to change the world, just to get by unnoticed. But responsibility is thrust upon her, and she rises to the occasion despite her own misgivings. Not every teen is a born rebel / activist, but when Millie at last decides to step up, the results are rousing. A pitch-perfect, authentic look at one of our most pressing issues.
May 7, 2021
I really enjoyed the book. You couldn’t help but love the characters the author wrote. She made sure they had their perfections and flaws that make them human, and overall relatable. I felt that the message the book gave was not only about sacrifices for family but having courage in times of need.
June 1, 2021
Me, when a story can’t hold my attention: sighing, skimming pages, trying to focus again, starting another story, skipping pages so I’m progressing faster, sighing again. I told myself to DNF more books but what if I start to like a book after 20%? It happens! Or after 30%? Or 40%? So, I try to DNF as little as possible. I should do it more often, though.
It’s clear. I didn’t like this story very much. I started wrong. I requested the book just after I finished Indivisible by Daniel Aleman, a beautiful YA about a Mexican immigrant boy. And when I saw this one on NetGalley and found out it was about a Guatemalan immigrant girl, I requested it immediately. And then, after reading a few pages, I disliked the writing. Too telling for my liking. I’d like to be part of a story, feel what the characters feel, see what they see, experience it all. I just didn’t and therefore I couldn’t get into it. So, I started skimming pages, skipping pages, sighing etc. Maybe it’s not fair because I loved Indivisible, and I shouldn’t compare those two. But I did.
Please read other reviews if you’re interested in this book. They probably give a more fair review than I do.
I received an ARC from Lerner Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s clear. I didn’t like this story very much. I started wrong. I requested the book just after I finished Indivisible by Daniel Aleman, a beautiful YA about a Mexican immigrant boy. And when I saw this one on NetGalley and found out it was about a Guatemalan immigrant girl, I requested it immediately. And then, after reading a few pages, I disliked the writing. Too telling for my liking. I’d like to be part of a story, feel what the characters feel, see what they see, experience it all. I just didn’t and therefore I couldn’t get into it. So, I started skimming pages, skipping pages, sighing etc. Maybe it’s not fair because I loved Indivisible, and I shouldn’t compare those two. But I did.
Please read other reviews if you’re interested in this book. They probably give a more fair review than I do.
I received an ARC from Lerner Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2021
Hooked from the start! Milagros, aka Millie, immigrated from Guatemalan to the U.S with her parents when she was baby. She spends most of her life following the rules, sure not to rock the boat, until she is suddenly caught in the middle of it all. This is a story of her journey... of family and strangers, of friends and foe, of the rich and the poor, and finally of blending in and standing out.
I struggled a little with the writing of this book at first, mostly because there are a few points that seem unnecessarily repetitive, specifically the watch details. However, the story, the characters, and topics were great and definitely won me over. This book makes sense for a middle grade or late elementary reader. I can see it as a great conversation starter with older children.
I struggled a little with the writing of this book at first, mostly because there are a few points that seem unnecessarily repetitive, specifically the watch details. However, the story, the characters, and topics were great and definitely won me over. This book makes sense for a middle grade or late elementary reader. I can see it as a great conversation starter with older children.
September 8, 2021
Millie is an immigrant teen living in Texas whose life gets swept up in politics, putting her family in danger. Her resilient family weathers many challenges, and Millie emerges as a courageous activist. It's a well-told story full of tension, touching family moments, and authentic glimpses of the immigrant experience. Plus a very satisfying ending! Recommended for teens and adults.
November 23, 2021
Where I Belong
by Marcia Argueta Mickelson
Pub Date 07 Sep 2021
Lerner Publishing Group, Carolrhoda Lab ®
Multicultural Interest | OwnVoices | Teens & YA
I am reviewing a copy of Where I Belong through Lerner Publishing Group and Netgalley:
It’s the spring of 2018, Guatemalan American high school senior Milagros “Millie” Vargas knows her life is about to change. She’s lived in Corpus Cristi since she came with her parents who were seeking asylum when she was an infant. Now that she’s a citizen Millie devotes herself to school as well as caring for her younger siblings while her mom works as a housekeeper for the wealthy Wheeler family. Now that College is on the horizon Millie is torn between attending her dream school and staying close to home, where she knows she’s needed. She’s disturbed by what’s happening to asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, but she doesn’t see herself as an activist or a change-maker. She’s just trying to take care of her own family.
After Mr Wheeler a U.S. Senate candidate, mentions Millie’s achievements in a campaign speech about “deserving” immigrants.It doesn’t take long for people to identify Millie’s family and place them at the center of a statewide immigration debate. Faced with journalists, trolls, anonymous threats, and the Wheelers' good intentions—especially those of Mr. Wheeler's son, Charlie—Millie must confront the complexity of her past, the uncertainty of her future, and her place in the country that she believed was home.
I give Where I Belong five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Marcia Argueta Mickelson
Pub Date 07 Sep 2021
Lerner Publishing Group, Carolrhoda Lab ®
Multicultural Interest | OwnVoices | Teens & YA
I am reviewing a copy of Where I Belong through Lerner Publishing Group and Netgalley:
It’s the spring of 2018, Guatemalan American high school senior Milagros “Millie” Vargas knows her life is about to change. She’s lived in Corpus Cristi since she came with her parents who were seeking asylum when she was an infant. Now that she’s a citizen Millie devotes herself to school as well as caring for her younger siblings while her mom works as a housekeeper for the wealthy Wheeler family. Now that College is on the horizon Millie is torn between attending her dream school and staying close to home, where she knows she’s needed. She’s disturbed by what’s happening to asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, but she doesn’t see herself as an activist or a change-maker. She’s just trying to take care of her own family.
After Mr Wheeler a U.S. Senate candidate, mentions Millie’s achievements in a campaign speech about “deserving” immigrants.It doesn’t take long for people to identify Millie’s family and place them at the center of a statewide immigration debate. Faced with journalists, trolls, anonymous threats, and the Wheelers' good intentions—especially those of Mr. Wheeler's son, Charlie—Millie must confront the complexity of her past, the uncertainty of her future, and her place in the country that she believed was home.
I give Where I Belong five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
January 23, 2022
This is an important book right here. Millie (Milagros) and her family immigrated to the US from Guatemala when she was an infant. Along with a story about family hardships, high school crushes, and typical coming of age plot points, Mickelson gives us an authentic story about immigration, financial disparities, activism, and courage. I know many Latino teens will see a mirror on this book with things like the responsibility of watch g younger siblings whole parents work and worrying about the perceptions of immigrants, to name a few. But I hope other Americans will see a window in this book, like I did.
I appreciate that the author has a similar background to the story, aiding in the authentic feel of the book.
I appreciate that the author has a similar background to the story, aiding in the authentic feel of the book.
August 30, 2021
A Stanford-bound teen who was born in Guatemala is thrust into an uncomfortable spotlight when the politician who employs her mother as a housekeeper holds her up as a positive example of how immigrants improve America, leading to violent backlash against her family.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher in order to write this review.
Set in the very recent past (2018), this coming-of-age story spotlights issues of race, class, and identity as the protagonist faces the injustice of U.S. immigration policy and the complex moral and emotional issues that arise when she is held up as an "ideal" Latina immigrant. As the politician's son comes to better understand his prejudices and blindspots, the protagonist works through her own judgments and assumptions about others (especially her mother) and her rigid opinions about the right way to do things. A great addition to YA contemporary collections, this book would provide fuel for discussion in high school Government/Civics classrooms as the protagonist wrestles with a sense of obligation to use her own privilege as an American citizen to stand up for other immigrants and her fervent desire to live a quiet, safe, and anonymous life.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher in order to write this review.
Set in the very recent past (2018), this coming-of-age story spotlights issues of race, class, and identity as the protagonist faces the injustice of U.S. immigration policy and the complex moral and emotional issues that arise when she is held up as an "ideal" Latina immigrant. As the politician's son comes to better understand his prejudices and blindspots, the protagonist works through her own judgments and assumptions about others (especially her mother) and her rigid opinions about the right way to do things. A great addition to YA contemporary collections, this book would provide fuel for discussion in high school Government/Civics classrooms as the protagonist wrestles with a sense of obligation to use her own privilege as an American citizen to stand up for other immigrants and her fervent desire to live a quiet, safe, and anonymous life.
January 29, 2023
Wow. Talk about a thought-provoking book! This book!!! Millie is my heroine. Guatemalan born whose parents bring to the US for a better life & future. Parents work their tail off for their children to not only obtain citizenship BUT also to go to school and be successful.
Millie is a character who struggles with her identity. She LOVES helping her mom (as an older child) but also longs to BELONG!
As a reader, I can see how this book deserves a Pura Beltre recognition because it respects the immigrant & Latinx culture.
Authenticity at its best!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Millie is a character who struggles with her identity. She LOVES helping her mom (as an older child) but also longs to BELONG!
As a reader, I can see how this book deserves a Pura Beltre recognition because it respects the immigrant & Latinx culture.
Authenticity at its best!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 22, 2022
A fast YA read about a Guatemalan teen brought to the US as a toddler and how she became the “good immigrant” poster child for a US Senate candidate. Pretty predictable but I liked the characters and their development. And it reminded me of how the US mucked up Guatemala back in the United Fruit Company days.
June 25, 2022
Stories give faces to statistics. Stories help us to see the world through the eyes of others. Through eyes that have seen and experienced and felt things that I never have and never will. To gain an ounce of perspective is to gain a world of wisdom, empathy, and compassion. I wish that more people would read stories like this one.
July 31, 2022
This book was beautifully written and thought provoking. I read it in one sitting and it kept me hooked the whole time. A wonderful read.
November 15, 2022
I am in no way downplaying the important issues of immigrancy, race, and those who would cause harm to people's rights that this book forces the reader to face. In fact, I fully admit that I can never understand what that must feel like.
However, if I put to the side what those important topics truly mean, and review this book just as a novel, unfortunately, this was one came up flat to me.
Perhaps it was the reluctant hero, Millie (Milagros) Vargas, who never wanted to be the face of anything, was the most confusing protagonist. You can be upset, you can be scared, you can voice your opinions, but in the same breath, don't ask me to be the change? It just didn't add up. Yes, she was thrown into one of the circumstances and yes there are things that people can't understand about each other, but people can change and grow, which clearly does happen by the end of the book, but in a way that did not feel natural to Millie's character at all . Such strong, different character traits rolled up altogether just didn't line up for me. In fact, everyone else in Millie's life was stronger than her.
And when this book wasn't talking about social issues, it became relationship drama. Which I also enjoy reading. It just made the book confusing and slow.
Important topics. Strange delivery. It felt like a young adult novel. And if I can skim through parts and still understand it, probably not a good thing.
However, if I put to the side what those important topics truly mean, and review this book just as a novel, unfortunately, this was one came up flat to me.
Perhaps it was the reluctant hero, Millie (Milagros) Vargas, who never wanted to be the face of anything, was the most confusing protagonist. You can be upset, you can be scared, you can voice your opinions, but in the same breath, don't ask me to be the change? It just didn't add up. Yes, she was thrown into one of the circumstances and yes there are things that people can't understand about each other, but people can change and grow, which clearly does happen by the end of the book, but in a way that did not feel natural to Millie's character at all . Such strong, different character traits rolled up altogether just didn't line up for me. In fact, everyone else in Millie's life was stronger than her.
And when this book wasn't talking about social issues, it became relationship drama. Which I also enjoy reading. It just made the book confusing and slow.
Important topics. Strange delivery. It felt like a young adult novel. And if I can skim through parts and still understand it, probably not a good thing.
February 7, 2022
When Millie Vargas and her family are uses as an example of immigrants who have taken the right path to citizenship by a U.S. Senate candidate, she feels betrayed and used. The Senate candidate, Charles Wheeler, is her mother's employer. Candidate Wheeler quickly apologizes and asks what he can do to make things right. After her family's home is the target of an arsonist, Charles Wheeler and his family takes in Millie's family. The lifestyle change is drastic. Making matters worse, Charlie, the candidate's son, is Millie's classmate, and she finds him to be a pompous goody two shoes.
Millie struggles with being the Wheeler's houseguest, even though her mother is their housekeeper. She can't separate the two, nor can she separate Mr. Wheeler's intentions as a candidate from his graciousness as a host.
As anti-immigrant rhetoric picks up, Millie feels more and more pressure to participate in rallies and interviews when all she wants to do is fade into the background to her family is not put in harm's way again.
Millie struggles with being the Wheeler's houseguest, even though her mother is their housekeeper. She can't separate the two, nor can she separate Mr. Wheeler's intentions as a candidate from his graciousness as a host.
As anti-immigrant rhetoric picks up, Millie feels more and more pressure to participate in rallies and interviews when all she wants to do is fade into the background to her family is not put in harm's way again.
June 17, 2022
Great book. If you don't know much about immigration laws, check this one out. Though it's fiction, stories like these are real and happening daily. Educate yourselves.
July 19, 2021
Millie and her family came to the United States from Honduras where they were granted asylum and are now citizens. Millie's mother works for a US Senate candidate and his family. When this Senate candidate mentions Millie as a reason to allow for a citizenship pathway while campaigning, unwanted attention is put on the family and causes them many problems. Millie is challenged between wanting to blend in and not be noticed like many immigrant families, and speaking out and using her platform to fight for change. Touches on many timely and important topics.
August 9, 2022
Wow! Where I Belong is a beautiful story told from an authentic voice. It provides an intimate perspective of the struggles immigrants face when trying to better their lives in the United States. The story gives examples of love and hate toward immigrants; when truly, we are all U.S. immigrants. There is a charming and believable love story between the protagonist, Millie, and Charlie, the son of a wealthy U.S. Senate candidate—who is also the boss of Millie’s mother. This is a very complex and important story. I loved it and could relate to many of the struggles Millie’s family faced.
April 5, 2022
Beautifilly written, authentic characters. Heartfelt and moving with wonderful layers of symbolism. The story follows immigrant Milagro Vargas who struggles through her fears to speak out for those who can't. Reminded me of The Hate You Give, only focused on immigration issues. A must read.
December 13, 2021
I've been on a Latinx-lit jag for a while, seeking more titles that reflect the lives of my students. This story underwhelmed me. It does locate itself squarely in Corpus Christi, and it references the Trump-era family separation policy without naming any real politician. It works in online exposure and the problems that can cause, along with some of the nuances of migration.
But the pace felt slow, the stakes felt modest. The writing was workman-like, repeating phrases and concepts to the point of overt didacticism. The protagonist alternates between perfect-daughter (oldest-dutiful-good-girl, Stanford accepted with a full ride) and shrewish-teen. The love story could have been satisfying, and Argueta Mickelson explores some of the genuine barriers between people of wildly different social classes. But in the end, it failed to deliver on the promise of its title, with where Mile belonging not really anywhere. And I didn't really need her to.
There have been a raft of recent YA titles by Latinx writers - I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, We Are Not From Here - that I liked more. This is fine, but unremarkable.
But the pace felt slow, the stakes felt modest. The writing was workman-like, repeating phrases and concepts to the point of overt didacticism. The protagonist alternates between perfect-daughter (oldest-dutiful-good-girl, Stanford accepted with a full ride) and shrewish-teen. The love story could have been satisfying, and Argueta Mickelson explores some of the genuine barriers between people of wildly different social classes. But in the end, it failed to deliver on the promise of its title, with where Mile belonging not really anywhere. And I didn't really need her to.
There have been a raft of recent YA titles by Latinx writers - I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, We Are Not From Here - that I liked more. This is fine, but unremarkable.
January 19, 2022
Wow. Another powerful story, challenging me, pushing me to think beyond my small world. Immigration, class division, taking a stand, coming of age, Guatemalan history...so many issues and things to think about. This fictional account of one girl's family and the impact of immigration on their life was a challenging as well as uplifting story. Perseverance, the importance of working hard and of a solid education, loyalty to family, learning to care for others, being willing to open one's self to the world around, learning to accept help and to help others -- so many important themes.
Having spent time in Guatemala myself, working in the slums of Antigua and in multiple surrounding villages, as well as in Guatemala City and surrounding areas, I have seen the effects of their civil war and the intense poverty most Guatemalans live in. I can see why so many risk their lives to reach for a better future for their families.
Immigration is a hot-topic. This will challenge some in their thinking, and it will resonate with others. It feels to me like this is an important read, no matter which side of the issue you land.
Having spent time in Guatemala myself, working in the slums of Antigua and in multiple surrounding villages, as well as in Guatemala City and surrounding areas, I have seen the effects of their civil war and the intense poverty most Guatemalans live in. I can see why so many risk their lives to reach for a better future for their families.
Immigration is a hot-topic. This will challenge some in their thinking, and it will resonate with others. It feels to me like this is an important read, no matter which side of the issue you land.
February 16, 2024
Mille is a senior with two different potential college paths. One is close to home- lots of her friends are staying local. The other option is standford university. Its far away from her family. If she stays she would likely still be babysitting her siblings after school: helping them with homework and making dinner. She wants to get away from
One day her mom’s boss Mr Wheeler, who is running for senate, uses Millie’s success as an example in his campaign speech. Life changes forever reporters suddenly want interviews and an anti immigrant blogger decides to spear head an attack
As publicity spins Millie’s life out of control, she faces new choices. Should she use her new found fame to bring attention to the needs and struggles of asylum seeker or can she let everything die down and let the target move off of her family.
Its a good story that also introduces the reader to why immigrants want to leave their home countries- for millie and the author- thats Guatemala. I enjoyed going down the rabbit hole of united fruit company and the united state’s role in foreign government that sometime creates the instability some people then need to run from.
One day her mom’s boss Mr Wheeler, who is running for senate, uses Millie’s success as an example in his campaign speech. Life changes forever reporters suddenly want interviews and an anti immigrant blogger decides to spear head an attack
As publicity spins Millie’s life out of control, she faces new choices. Should she use her new found fame to bring attention to the needs and struggles of asylum seeker or can she let everything die down and let the target move off of her family.
Its a good story that also introduces the reader to why immigrants want to leave their home countries- for millie and the author- thats Guatemala. I enjoyed going down the rabbit hole of united fruit company and the united state’s role in foreign government that sometime creates the instability some people then need to run from.
June 4, 2023
Where I belong deals with a girl named Millie. Millie is a Guatemalan American citizen whose life changes with one interview with news outlet, after Charlie Wheeler’s dad who is running for Senate mentions her story. This interview not only changes her life, but her family’s life forever. Millie has to make a choice speak out or stay silent.
February 26, 2024
I really wanted to put in 3.5 stars. I liked how the subject was presented in the book. I liked the characters. I think the topic is important and I think it broadened my perception of different viewpoints. I held back from 4 stars because I didn’t always look forward to picking it back up after a break.
December 8, 2021
I think the perspective of an immigrant in this country is a really necessary viewpoint that everyone needs to read. The bit of Guatemalan history was eye-opening as well. The romance made me feel ishy, though.
August 1, 2022
This was such a good book. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs empathy, understanding, and he’s more compassion. I actually think this would be an excellent read for high school students across the board!
September 20, 2022
Raw powerful emotion and viewpoint of lived experience, lite the complexity of emotion, but from a story telling viewpoint the emotional resolution comes really quickly and is a huge departure from the way the character has previously acted, that made the resolution a little jarring.
December 30, 2024
Millie (Milagros) is a formerly undocumented Guatemalan immigrant (now US citizen) who is just trying to navigate teenage life when both she and her family are involuntarily thrust into the public spotlight and political debate over immigration.
I appreciated a few things in particular: Millie is a reluctant heroine/activist. She is understandably afraid and overwhelmed when it seems like everyone knows her business. I also appreciated the existence of kind, well-meaning helpers throughout the story - the author does a good job reminding the reader than discrimination and hate don’t exist in a vacuum, but share space with compassion and empathy.
I appreciated a few things in particular: Millie is a reluctant heroine/activist. She is understandably afraid and overwhelmed when it seems like everyone knows her business. I also appreciated the existence of kind, well-meaning helpers throughout the story - the author does a good job reminding the reader than discrimination and hate don’t exist in a vacuum, but share space with compassion and empathy.
January 7, 2022
3.5 I loved Millie but felt like some of the plot lines were forced. But an interesting perspective that would be good for high school students to read and discuss.
June 18, 2022
Love reading about an immigrant turned citizen student and how the affects her life. Did seem a little too simplistic at times, but I enjoyed it so much as I was able to relate.
February 19, 2023
Really really good! Highly recommend for teens and adults interested in immigration topics. I was hooked from the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews