Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ebook. This graphic novel was interesting in the beginning, felt little dragged and then got me back again. The immigration stories always make my heart heavy. It's a good book

Just Another Story is a poignant graphic novel that humanizes the often-dehumanizing experience of migration. By focusing on the personal journey of Carlos and his mother from El Salvador to the United States, the book offers a raw and intimate look at the dangers and desperation faced by countless others. Ernesto Saade's storytelling transforms statistics into individuals, inviting readers to empathize with the struggles and hopes of those seeking a better life.

I loved this graphic novel! I will say that there is a scene of *murder* that I was not expecting at all so this was triggering for me. The graphics are very well done and the storyline was not confusing. I am Salvadorian so reading migrant stories from El Salvador holds a special place for me.

Just Another Story was a beautiful and real look at people's journey to make a new life. The art helped convey the story while the relationships pulled the reader in. This graphic novel is a great option for students looking to learn more about topics like immigration, refugees, and hope for a new life. It also serves as a great tool for examining the topic of migration in the classroom and hot issue in today's world.

This took me a while to get through but AH. It was really, really good. I had a bit of trouble following at first, given the fact that this story is not autobiographical, but is drawn from an interview the author did of someone's lived experience.

There is so much that people don't talk about when it comes to immigration and the process of getting a visa. This book brought into light so much suffering and hardships that people face--all in the name of reaching for a better life with more opportunities. It was heartbreaking and enlightening and one of those books that you leave feeling changed. Everyone should read this book because everyone (especially Americans) needs to be more enlightened on what the process of trying to immigrate outside the law looks like.

“You have no idea what it’s like to see the place and people you love— and know it could be the final time.”

Told from the point of view of the narrator, Ernesto, interviewing his cousin Carlos, Just Another Story chronicles the journey of two of many Latin-American immigrants to the United States. Carlos, then eighteen, and his mother Elena, made the treacherous journey from El Salvador to America in 2007. Apart from the physical challenges of the long trek, Carlos experiences growth in his feelings toward his mother as they embark across deserts and rivers to their destination. However, the danger and risk does not end when they arrive in the US.

Saade tells his cousin’s story with simple but evocative drawings and muted colors during the present day segments and bright tones recounting Carlos’ past journey. I would’ve liked more background on Carlos’ life before leaving El Salvador and more about his relationship with Ernesto, and more of Ernesto’s own feelings about his cousin and aunt’s story to make it more of a memoir. This could’ve made the ending more impactful. I liked the addition of the family tree. Overall this was a personal and engaging graphic novel that humanizes immigrants and the sacrifices they make for their families.

The story of a man living in the U.S. who reflects back when he came here from El Salvador a decade before with his mother. It goes into great detail how they worked with coyotes to travel here over a vast distance all the way through Guatemala and Mexico. You also get a sense of their fears and worries as the whole time they were at the mercy of these shady people. Really interesting to see other people's perspectives and makes you very thankful that we have so much here. Without getting into the political landscape, these are just people looking for a better life for their families just like the rest of us.

I think this story is being published at a vital time in our country’s history since we’re right around the corner from another election where immigration will once again be a huge topic of debate. I think this story approaches the topic from an extremely empathetic lens and has the potential to give folks insight on what the undocumented experience can look like.

I never know how to review nonfiction. It was a good read, I was a bit nervous going in because the art style isn’t my favorite but I got pulled in immediately anyways. The story was powerful.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! And thank you Ernesto Saade, for this meaningful story. It’s refreshing to read something so real and serious in the midst of a genre that’s full of fantasy and make believe. My heard hurt for Carlos and Elena as we journeyed with them from El Salvador to the United States.

I highly recommend to anyone, especially those who may be interested in glimpsing the lives of those willing to risk it all for a better life for themselves and their family.

Graphic memoirs and NF are incredible. It gives such great information in a very clear and interesting way that keeps your attention and will keep the attention of people of so many ages. It may be a "juvenile" book, but it truly is for everyone to read about and learn a little more.

Just Another Story is a magnificent use of comics, and great linking of image and message. A thoughtful and socially relevant work that I would gladly share as a reader and academic/teacher.

This was an emotional tale of survival and sacrifice. I liked how it focused on the teen’s perspective but also gave glimpses into the mom’s feelings and motivations. Most of all, I liked that it put a human face to immigrants and the impossible choices they make to escape to America.

Hello Again!

This is going to be a long and busy week. I have some big things coming up towards the end of the week but I will also have a ton of reading time! Right now I am listening to an audiobook I can not put down and in between reading a book on my Kindle or a physical read. But right before I jumped into all those different books I took time to read a graphic novel E-ARC (thank you so much to the publisher for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions). So without further ado, let’s jump in!

SPOILERS AHEAD

Carlos and his mom life in El Salvador. Carlos has lived his entire life here but one day that all changes when his mother decides that they need to leave and go to America. Carlos is old enough to know that this journey will not be easy (in fact it will be incredibly difficult and potentially deadly). Carlos immediately decides that he will go with his mom, no matter what. So in near secret, the pair begin the journey with strangers that they kind of do not trust.

This graphic novel was absolutely amazing. The story was done in the future when we already know how things ultimately played out for Carlos and his mother (he is retelling it to a family member who is visiting). As we get to hear the retelling, we can see the impacts the journey had on both Carlos and his mom that are still reflected in their lives today. Outside of the story, I thought the art style and illustrations were amazing. This graphic novel hits shelves on April 2nd! I definitely recommend giving it a try!

Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars

***Thank you so much to the publisher for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

I've read several graphic novels telling about border crossings and it's fascinating to see all the different stories, all united in their desperate struggles and dangerous obstacles. There was a little added comfort in knowing all along Carlos and Elena made it in the end, because of the frame of the story. There was also an interesting validation of lots of stories from El Salvador in that the cousin stayed and found success on his own there.

Another real good graphic novel telling of another person's story of their trek to cross the USA/Mexico border. This journey took place over 10 years ago, but is still very relevant. I like the way/manner that the story is told. Very good artwork. The title fits perfectly too. I'd recommend this to all readers.....it's a pretty fast, effective read.
I received a complimentary e-ARC from Lerner Publishing Group via NetGalley for review purposes....all opinions are my own.

Ernesto visits his cousin Carlos and listens to his account of crossing into the US border from El Salvador with his mother. Full of terrifying obstacles, Carlos and his mother almost didn't survive the trip.

I appreciate the detailed nature of the story, although I wanted more from the ending. Some might take issue with the story itself and it's promotion of crossing the border illegally.

Just Another Story, is anything but. This graphic novel is a memoir of a 19-year-old named Carlos and his mother Elena as they leave their home in El Salvador and make the harrowing trek to America. The story was a little confusing at first as it starts off in the present and is told in a series of flashbacks. I like that this story gives a face and very personal account of an experience we only think we know about. It may be similar to the immigration stories of thousands of Americans, but it helps readers remember that each one is unique and each one matters. While I didn't care for the flashback format, the illustrations greatly added to the tone and gravity of this true-life account.

Thanks to Lerner Publishing Group, Graphic Universe™, and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy of this title.

Just Another Story was written in such a way that I felt as if I was sitting in front of someone with a cup of coffee and listening to their life story. I absolutely love memoirs in graphic novels and this one does not disappoint. The illustrations and story are woven together really well. A powerful read - I think more people should read stories such as this to gain empathy and understanding in a world that feels hateful and intolerant.

Just Another Story tells the tale of a mother and son searching for a different life in the United States. The story follows their dangerous journey from El Salvador to Texas. The illustrations fit the story perfectly. Highly recommended for YA graphic novel collections!