BOOK INFORMATION:
Everyone in Jaime’s small town in Guatemala knows someone who has been killed by the Alphas, a powerful gang that’s known for violence and drug trafficking. Anyone who refuses to work for them is hurt or killed—like Miguel. With Miguel gone, Jaime fears that he is next. There’s only one choice: accompanied by his cousin Ángela, Jaime must flee his home to live with his older brother in New Mexico.
Inspired by true events, The Only Road is an individual story of a boy who feels that leaving his home and risking everything is his only chance for a better life.
Check out the book on Amazon.
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK
The Only Road is one of the best middle-grade novels I have read in 2017.
This book follows the story of twelve-year-old Jamie and his teenage cousin Angela who are forced to flee their village in Guatemala. The reason is due to a gang that has killed a family member for failing to join their gang. They are forced to set out on a dangerous and terrifying journey to the United States where his brother lives. This is a timely story about migration and the dangers that surround that issue. It was compelling and emotionally heartbreaking. It is filled with exciting action and shows the power of humans and the will to survive.
After reading this novel, you can see why countless children are trying to make it to the United States for safety, a future, and hope for a better life. This book will challenge belief systems and explain things in ways that children can understand. As an issue that can no longer be ignored this is a book that needs to be read by all. The Only Road is a book that demonstrates the harsh reality that many people face. The diversity in this book is great of course, without being just a story only about how they are diverse.
With the fact that this does have some mature themes and subjects I would recommend this book for readers in fifth grade and up. The book is engaging depsite the serious subject matter. The characters have depth, have senses of humor, and are really relatable for kids. The action is appropriate but intense at times. The ending is good for young readers because it is satisfactory without being unrealistic.
I am really glad this was my school's book club chose this book to read for October. I hope you will check this book out.
T
The Only Road is one of the best middle-grade novels I have read in 2017.
This book follows the story of twelve-year-old Jamie and his teenage cousin Angela who are forced to flee their village in Guatemala. The reason is due to a gang that has killed a family member for failing to join their gang. They are forced to set out on a dangerous and terrifying journey to the United States where his brother lives. This is a timely story about migration and the dangers that surround that issue. It was compelling and emotionally heartbreaking. It is filled with exciting action and shows the power of humans and the will to survive.
After reading this novel, you can see why countless children are trying to make it to the United States for safety, a future, and hope for a better life. This book will challenge belief systems and explain things in ways that children can understand. As an issue that can no longer be ignored this is a book that needs to be read by all. The Only Road is a book that demonstrates the harsh reality that many people face. The diversity in this book is great of course, without being just a story only about how they are diverse.
With the fact that this does have some mature themes and subjects I would recommend this book for readers in fifth grade and up. The book is engaging depsite the serious subject matter. The characters have depth, have senses of humor, and are really relatable for kids. The action is appropriate but intense at times. The ending is good for young readers because it is satisfactory without being unrealistic.
I am really glad this was my school's book club chose this book to read for October. I hope you will check this book out.
T
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