This powerful and gritty ya novel does not shy away from a very realistic look at the plight of those who desire to leave unsafe homes and are willing to sacrifice everything to achieve a better life despite horrendous dangers. Three teens find themselves in life threatening situations with no way out and band together to leave Guatemala and traverse the dangerous railway and terrain to the United States. Authored by the daughter of Guatemalan and El Salvadoran immigrants, this novel tells the common story of many who face terrible odds and endure much in their escape to the hope of a better life. This story invites compassion for those who suffer and is a truly impactful read.

I know I don't have adequate words to describe how heartbreaking and important this book is. It follows three teens on their journey to get from Guatemala to the U.S border. The journey is a nightmare. What they're running from is a nightmare. And what they're faced with at the end of all that continues to be a nightmare. What these kids have to go through is something that no human should ever have to experience, but it is the reality for hundreds of thousands of people, of CHILDREN, who are out there right now, as we speak, literally walking through hell for the smallest hope of a CHANCE of something better. This book completely humanizes an issue that many people are only peripherally aware of, and transforms it from a news story to something so personal and gut-wrenching it's impossible to come out of this book without a shattered heart.
I think this book is incredibly important and I hope people read it.