Thid is a captivating anthology that takes readers on a vivid literary journey through the diverse and rich tapestry of Latin American culture. Comprising a collection of short stories and excerpts from longer works, this anthology provides a compelling window into the hearts and minds of Latin American authors.

A wonderful selection of stories, essays and poems that I think my students will really enjoy. Books being referred as "windows" and "mirrors" can occasionally be over used. For the population of students at my school though, that is exactly what this book is.

I love short stories when I'm not sure what to read next and this one was amazing. Although the stories were all different they flowed together nicely

This is a GORGEOUS book filled with amazing stories of growing up in America with Mexican heritage. I learned so much. As a white female I recognize that I have much privilege. I enjoyed many of these stories. They allowed me to find ways that I can continue to grow in accepting all.

Margie's editing is PHENOMENAL. I was happy with every single story in this short story collection. I was able to feel seen and my culture appreciated in this book.

I really loved the idea of this anthology, and, like most anthologies, I really loved some of the pieces in it and others left me wanting more. Overall, I thought this was a wonderful collection!

A captivating anthology of the Mexican heritage and living within America in different parts of the country. Each story tells a different perspective of living in America.

Margarita Longoria proves to have a discerning eye for talent, having amassed within the pages of this collection some of today’s most impressive writers.

I love stories about identity and this anthology of short stories, letters, and poems is emotional, fueling rage and a deep sadness, but is hopeful, honest, and real. Highly recommend this for a variety of stories showcasing how border kids are not monolith.

Honestly this book hit me in so many ways I didn't except. Relating to some of these experiences was heartbreaking. However, I loved every Bit of this.

I was given a free copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Margarita Longoria has put together a collection of short stories by Hispanic Authors (mostly Texan) that conveys what it's like living and growing up in the U.S. Poignant, funny, eye opening and more....everyone will enjoy these stories. #MUSTREAD #Margiesmustreads #livingBeyondBorders #SPOTTX

The anthology _Living Beyond Borders_, edited by Margaret Longoria, is a highly readable anthology of Latinx-American short stories, essays, comics, and poems, suitable for middle school readers and up. As a teacher of multicultural American literature who teaches in an area that doesn’t have a large Latinx population, I appreciate having a book that would help students gain exposure to a broad variety of contemporary literary works reflecting the diverse perspectives and experiences of Latinx writers. One story I particularly loved was Rubén Degollado’s “La Princesa Mileidy Dominguez,” about Leidy, a housing-insecure teen and daughter of a single mother, who not only is able to finally celebrate her quinceañera in proper style, but more importantly, finds newfound security and affirmation in her school community. A good read!

This is a must read for everybody. I'm not Mexican-American but as a POC, this type of book is important in showing the experience of marginalized groups.

I tried reading Living Beyond Borders, but it didn't grab me. I don't know if it was the mood I was in or the style. I'll have to try another time since I do think it has potential.

Its always hard to rate a book with short stories as a whole. Some stories were fictional while others werent and I wish I knew which ones. I loved connecting with some of the stories and learn g different backgrounds. As a Mexican myself i am always wanting to learn more of my culture and peoples stories. This one is one i will reread again

I laughed, I cried, I got angry and my heart melted. Such a beautiful and diverse collection of stories all told differently...yet they were my stories, my life, my childhood. For a few precious moments I was able to escape adulthood and relive being a kid growing up Mexican-American. These stories will definitely resonate with anyone who is caught between two different cultures. Living Beyond Borders offers a glimpse into Mexican traditions and superstitions and what it means to grow up Mexican-American.

My Thoughts:
Just in time for Hispanic heritage month, this beautiful book of essays, short stories, poems, and comics by contemporary YA authors celebrates the trauma and resistance of Mexican American youth. This mixed media anthology is more than just stories about being American. It is more than just stories about embracing the Mexican culture. This is about living beyond those made up borders and corners or checkboxes.

With school starting up again, I find reading shorter pieces fits nicely into the smaller segments of time I have to read. It also introduces me to authors that I want to add to my TBR list, so I thought I would just share three bookmarked pieces.

"Filiberto's Final Visit" by Francisco X. Stork
Francisco X. Stork, author of Illegal and Disappeared knows how to infuse his work with mysterious characters like Filiberto. Filiberto comes into the main character's life for one Saturday night and teaches him the true meaning of "dignidad."

"Morning People" by Diana López
Family road trip, family drama, grandparents, camping, Yellowstone, fighting sisters, and a shifting dynamic between cousins. This is less a cultural story and more a story about a typical family that could happen anywhere in the world. It is the universality of this experience that makes it stand out.

"La Princessa Mileidy Dominguez by Rubén Degollado
In my job as faculty in a teacher preparation program, this is just a feel good story about a principal, a whole school that takes care of marginalized students. This is definitely a feel good Cinderella story without the mean people. What happens when a school not only has an adult advocate for everyone, but a whole staff of advocates? This is a must read. It will make you feel hopeful about the potential of our schools.

From the Publisher:
Twenty stand-alone short stories, essays, poems, and more from celebrated and award-winning authors make up this YA anthology that explores the Mexican American experience.

With works by Francisco X. Stork, Guadalupe Garcia McCall, David Bowles, Rubén Degollado, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, Diana López, Xavier Garza, Trinidad Gonzales, Alex Temblador, Aida Salazar, Guadalupe Ruiz-Flores, Sylvia Sánchez Garza, Dominic Carrillo, Angela Cervantes, Carolyn Dee Flores, René Saldaña Jr., Justine Narro, Daniel García Ordáz, and Anna Meriano.

In this mixed-media collection of short stories, personal essays, poetry, and comics, this celebrated group of authors share the borders they have crossed, the struggles they have pushed through, and the two cultures they continue to navigate as Mexican Americans. Living Beyond Borders is at once an eye-opening, heart-wrenching, and hopeful love letter from the Mexican American community to today's young readers.

A powerful exploration of what it means to be Mexican American.

Loved Loved Loved! I enjoyed all the stories and all the poems. This was a very emotional read but so necessary.

“Yet we are forced to be on the fence, not because we do not want to belong to both worlds, but because society demands that we choose a side. Where do we want to belong?”

I really enjoyed reading the authors note at the beginning, because even though I am Mexican-American, I haven’t embraced the Mexican culture, and because I do live in America, I take pride in the fact that I was born and raised here. My dad speaks Spanish along with his side of the family, but he never spoke at home to me and my siblings, so of course we grew up only speaking English.

After reading this anthology, it makes me really want to explore and learn more about my Mexican heritage and try to embrace it as much as I can, and not be embarrassed about who I am. The short stories, essays, poetry, and comics were so beautiful done and written, and I have never read an anthology before and also don’t gravitate towards nonfiction, so it was really nice to explore different types of books. Anyone who picks up this book is bound to find a story or essay that they enjoy.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review*

My feelings about this book were a bit mixed as there were some of the essays that I enjoyed and there were others that I didn't really get into. I did like that this anthology is a mixture of fiction and non-fiction and most times you were not able to distinguish which was which. There were some essays in which I fell in love with the characters and I wanted more of their stories, I wanted to know what happened to them.