Illegal

By Bettina Restrepo

In this timely and gripping novel, author Bettina Restrepo exposes the challenges of one girl’s unique yet universal immigrant experience. This is an eye-opening look into the harrowing journey a family takes to forge a more hopeful future.

Nora is on a desperate journey far away from home. When her father leaves their beloved Mexico in search of work, Nora stays behind. She fights to make sense of her loss while living in poverty—in wait of her father’s return and a better day.

When the letters and money stop coming, Nora decides that she and her mother must look for him in Texas. After a frightening experience crossing the border, the two are all alone in a strange place. Nora must find the strength to survive while aching for small comforts: friends, a new school, and her quinceañera.

* Booklist Top Ten First Novels for Youth * YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers * Amelia Bloomer List * TAYSHAS Reading List Pick *

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Mar 8, 2011
• ISBN: 9780062069788

Reviews for Illegal

[lilcrickit · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book made me sad, it was good but heart- wrenching.I think the sadness was heightened for me because of the new immigration law that was passed earlier this year in the state of Alabama and is now being fought by the government and others. I've seen articles in the paper about Latinos moving back to their countries or other states and removing their children from schools for fear of deportation. This book made me see their perspective and how hard it is for them to leave everything for the hope of a better future in America only to not " count as people here" as the main characters Nora mother said in the book. Some people may take offense to this but there is always some fact to fiction. Anyway, this book will make you think about how you treat people. Nora is a well rounded and strong character, with lots of spirit.I may have something more to say later but I will end with this quote from the book, "God doesn't care about your status. He wants you to have faith."

[gubry · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In the midst of all paranormal, fantasy, and dystopian YA, there is Illegal, a book about family and the struggles of coming to America and living as a illegal immigrant.As the story is told from Nora, some parts of the dialogue is in Spanish, a language I don't know much about other than the daily Dora or Diego I get from my younger sister watching TV. So the translation in the back was helpful when I didn't understand the words. So the story goes as Nora and her mother leave their village when their father suddenly stops bringing them money and loses communication with them when he is in Texas. The fate of him is hinted and can be easy to figure out, but the story is much more than that. The ending does a nice job of wrapping up everything, while not having a full happily ever after.This book does not involve romance, but instead offers family and friend relationships.

[despond · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this book as an uncorrected proof. Nora's story as an illegal 15 year old coming to America in search for her father is a believable story. I understand the author upon writing the story has interviewed a number of people who have experienced similar situations. As I read the story I kept comparing it to my story as an illegal as well. Her crossing of the border is credible, though the incident with the trucker seemed to me a bit unrealistic. A 15 year would be no match for a man but it is possible I suppose. Her crossing of the border was quite fast in my opinion. Her initiation in the American culture was also quite fast. It took me longer to go through the culture shock in America. I also can relate to the feeling of being caught by "la migra," though I think it is a bit exaggerated in the story. I really wasn't afraid of being reported by anyone (i.e. the police), but only particular places, like the workplace (in case of those older people). I could also relate with her experiences with the "cholos." I came close to fighting one of them when I came here. Overall, I do think the author did a good job in the experience and feelings of an illegal. Believe me, it is an undesirable feeling. By the way, I do know a few immigrants, some I consider friends. So I do know a bit about the subject. Some other things I enjoyed about this book are the metaphors and descriptive details. The chapter titles in Spanish at the beginning when Nora is in Mexico and the change to English when she is in America was clever. The story is touching, especially because it involves the familial love. They are searching for the Dad whom they have not heard from in 4 years. I won't spoil the result of it, but it is touching. I also enjoyed the focus on spirituality. It is easy to overlook this part, but it is part of our Latino culture and good questions were offered. I do hope the final copy was cleaned up of the errors, especially Spanish ones (e.g. "chulo" should be "cholo"). Overall, well done. Now, if I could only write my story.

[robinbullard · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed reading this book that shows the effects of illegal immigration through the eyes of a young girl from Mexico. Nora and her mother make the dangerous trip across the border to Texas when communication with her father stops suddenly. They face difficult and dangerous situations, and must be careful since they are in the United States illegally. This book provides an insightful look at immigration through the perspective of an illegal immigrant.

[kwrolsen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed reading this book very much. The story is a realistic account of the struggles of coming to the United States and living here illegally. Writing this story from the perspective of a young teenage girl was an excellent choice. I was particularly impressed with the integration of gang life (something that I would not automatically associate with illegal immigrants). Although Restrepo does not go into great detail about this aspect of Houston, the multiple struggles (gang life, money, working, culture, prejudice, etc.) that Nora met daily were thought-provoking and realistic. I hope to use this story in my classroom in the future, as each chapter would stir excellent discussions.

[susiebookworm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I could not put this book down once I started reading it! Nora's story, as told by Restrepo, is realitistically sad - first she tells of her hard life in a dying small town in Mexico, then, trying to find her father, she tells of the ardous journey across the border with her mother in a fruit truck. Once they make it across the border, the two are faced with unemployment, poverty, gangs, and the chance of being caught by immigration. All of their trials end in a bittersweet conclusion that realistically represents the hardships faced by both struggling Mexican farmers and illegal immigrants.

[vaterolsen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nora's father has illegally immigrated to the United States from Mexico to support his family. When his letters and money stop arriving, Nora and her mother make the terrifying trip to Houston to search for him. This realistic fiction featuring a desperate family highlights the many obstacles facing poor farmers in Mexico and their limited options. The importance of family and friends shines through this story.