Why a Booktrail?
2000s: A Mexican girl comes to America to get the medical care she needs
The Book of Unknown Americans
What you need to know before your trail
When fifteen-year-old Maribel Rivera sustains a terrible injury, the Riveras leave behind a comfortable life in Mexico and risk everything to come to the United States so that Maribel can have the care she needs. Once they arrive, it’s not long before Maribel attracts the attention of Mayor Toro, the son of one of their new neighbors, who sees a kindred spirit in this beautiful, damaged outsider. Their love story sets in motion events that will have profound repercussions for everyone involved.
Travel Guide
Mexico
Patzcuaro
The village where the family in the novel live at first. It’s a charming village with colorful markets, surrounded by green mountains and lush landscapes.
“Between the three of us, we knew only the most minimal English, words and phrases we had picked up from the tourists that traveled to Patzcuaro and in the shops that catered to them,…”
So when the first arrive in Delaware, they go wandering around the shops and read the signs that they see.
Delaware
Over three thousand kilometers from our home in Patzcuaro. They settle in Newark but the town is only vaguel referred to and serves as a backdrop to the story.
They hear of another family – the Rivieras who are in the same building as them. And they are surrounded by a series of rumours as are all newcomers to a city:
“They had tried to come into the United States once before but had been turned back. They were only staying a few weeks. They were working undercover for the Department of Homeland Security. They were persona friends with the governor. They were running a safe house for illegals.”
Booktrail Boarding Pass: The Book of Unknown Americans
Destination : Mexico, Patzcuaro, Newark, Delaware Author/Guide: Cristina Henríquez Departure Time: 1980s
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