What a fresh voice and perspective from De Leon—I loved the character's voice and the exploration of important themes.

I absolutely loved the voice in this book. I think that the author did such a fantastic job at looking at the complicated social and cultural dynamics of schooling and seeing how the main character would struggle in her new environment and then learn how to succeed. Loved and excited to read more from this author.

I really, really, really liked this book, and I don’t see why there hasn’t been more hype around it. I loved the characters, the story, the evolution, and definitely the theme. Beautifully written with real representation.

I was really excited for this book as a Salvadoran-American because it's so rare to see Central American representation! This is a good story about a girl who goes to a new school and wants to fit in. I'm white so when I was teen I fit in as long as I never rocked the boat, so sometimes I would let it go when people said ignorant things about my heritage, even teachers. Liliana is not white-passing but tries to do this as well until it becomes too much to bear and I loved seeing how she fought back against the ignorance and I wish I'd had her bravery at her age.

An exceptional story that should be in every classroom. My students can finally see themselves on the page AND be engaged in a well-told, gripping narrative. A must read.

Absolutely loved this book. I listened on audio and wow so powerful. YA with definite crossover potential. Powerful messages about being an immigrant or minority in the US today.

Such a powerful story about the immigrant experience, and the code-switching and assimilation that immigrants must do for their own safety. This is an essential read for anyone hoping to better understand what immigrants experience in the United States.

Don't Ask Me Where I'm From by Jennifer De Leon is a perfect addition to our classroom libraries and book club sets. As a district, we are focused on developing our curriculum and resources to include more #ownvoices authors and experiences that vary from ours. De Leon's text will be thought-provoking for our very white community. Her language and craft throughout this novel are beautifully done.

I was excited about the representation in this book! however, It truly felt flat.
The main character was connected to her roots at all and the actual rep was not there. Plus issues like finding her father were passed as an afterthought.

I did not finish this book.

I also tried reading this book multiple times. I read that first chapter at least three times, but I couldn't get into it. It just wasn't for me. That's why I waited so long to write a review. I hate to be negative. about someone's hard work.

This was not my favorite book. The writing seemed clunky, and the story did not flow well in my opinion. I’m sure others enjoyed it however, as not every book is right for every person.

As a librarian working in a school that participates in the METCO program, it was great to read this book that reflects the lives of some of our students so authentically. Lillian lives in Boston but suddenly gets the opportunity to go to suburban high school through METCO, a program that buses kids from Boston to attend better resourced schools where they will ostensibly be offered more opportunities, educational and otherwise. But all isn't sunshine and roses when Lillian arrives at her new school. This is a quick read that teens should find very engaging.

This is a much needed story about a Latinx teen from Boston grappling with issues of race and racism, class disparities, cultural heritage, and immigration status. However, it is also a story about family, resilience, friendship, and the power of art to tell stories and bring us together. Liliana Cruz's father is gone, and she doesn't know when or if he will return. And to top it off, she has been accepted into the Metco program, which will allow her to transfer from her city school in Jamaica Plain, a neighborhood of Boston, to a wealthier yet much more homogeneous school in Westburg, a suburb of Boston. While Lili's journey has been told before in stories - new kids moves to new school; minority deals with racism and ostracization in school, what makes this book shine is its deft and sincere handling of its topic. Moreover, attention is paid to class discussions that will relate to teen readers and engage them by inviting to consider how they too might apply some of the lessons Lili and her friends--old and new--take away. Side characters are rendered with care and compassion. I felt so immersed in the story -- it felt so real and honest and I loved every moment of it. From the great cast of complex characters, to the pacing, to Lili's own resourcefulness and genuineness as a character, I loved everything about this book. I also have to be honest, I especially loved this books because it is set in Boston, and as a Boston resident, I can hands-down say this was an authentic representation of both Boston and greater Boston. Overall, not only a necessary and timely story, but one that will continue to matter to teens -- Latinx teens, teens of color, immigrant teens, poor teens, and teens who love to write and tell their own stories will especially love this book and its hopeful message.

Definitely reminds me of something like Elizabeth Acevedo or Something In Between by Melissa de la Cruz. I appreciate stories that personalize issues like immigration and race relations and school disparities for teens.

Life for Liliana Cruz is far from simple. She is 15 years old, American-born, and the daughter of two illegal immigrants. She goes to a not so great school, has an overprotective mother, and her father has been mysteriously absent for weeks. But wait, there’s more. Liliana is thrust into a fancy new...predominantly white… suburban school when she is accepted into their METCO program. As Liliana uncovers the truth about her father, and learns that METCO is an attempt to desegregate her new school, she is forced to juggle the emotional roller coaster that is her home life and the challenges of assimilating to a school when she is nothing like her classmates.

While the dialogue at the beginning of this novel is cringe-worthy at best, the story picks up as Liliana begins to adjust to her new school. If you can get past the first six chapters, the story picks up and becomes more enjoyable as you learn more about Liliana’s life and those around her. De Leon does, however, improve her dialogue as you learn more about Liliana; either that, or you get used to her writing style.

All in all, this is a great read that brings to light challenges in the Latinx community. You will feel empowered as you witness Liliana fighting to break the stereotypes that plague her, and you will get hooked in her quest to create her own identity. Despite the seriousness of the issues at hand, De Leon does a great job of putting it in a story that is easy to absorb.

This was a great book. I loved how De Leon portrayed the characters. She gave us a glimpse of what it is like for Lily to have to get on a bus each day and travel to a different part of town to go to the "elite" school. To be part of the special program set up for less privileged kids. How she is treated by the white kids at the school. How she deals with racism and how she is treated by the other kids in the program when she befriends some of the white kids. De Leon also does a fantastic job describing what it is like for families who must constantly be on the lookout for ICE and what happens when a family member is deported.

Liliana was a very relatable and fascinating character. I love reading books about characters the live in different parts of the world and have different backgrounds, so this was right up my alley. She faces many trials at her new school, but learns a lot about herself, her family and her culture.

I had high hopes for this book after hearing the author speak. Unfortunately, I struggled connecting with the writing style, which was more like stream of consciousness. It just happens to be a style I don't prefer reading, but through no fault of the author. But the story did a great job of showing the reader perspectives most have probably not experienced. It was a great window for readers like me to look in, and while I can't speak for this personally, I hope it was also a great mirror for readers who do relate to the characters.

Liliana was chosen for the METCO program and has started at a new school in the suburbs of Boston. She is one of the few POC at this school, and she can't seem to fit in with any group, not even her fellow METCO students. As she starts to open herself up to new experiences at the school, she not only finds friends in the process, but her voice as well.
I really liked how at its heart, this is a story about finding yourself and your voice, even though it also includes great discussions about racism, immigration, and gender roles. No discussion of these topics felt forced or didactic, but relevant and natural in the story. A great, a quick read.

Lilliana, the 15 year old protagonist, has recently been accepted into a Boston-based desegregation program. Problem is, she does not remember signing up for any such program. When she discusses the matter with her mother, it is revealed that her parents applied on her behalf a while ago. However, the program is not the only thing her mother failed to disclose with her daughter. Lilliana's mother had been deeply saddened and withdrawn ever since her father's disappearance; and, she has a sneaking suspicion that her mother knows a lot more than she is willing to admit. As Lilliana gets adjusted to all the recent changes in her life, she is confronted with racial tensions at school, and disheartening news about her father's disappearance. Lilliana's whole world seems to be coming undone. Will she ever see her father again? How will the school handle the race/ethnicity-based bullying she has been subjected to at school?
This book is amazing! It is timely and will resonate with a lot of students; especially those who have to navigate race and immigration issues on a daily basis.