Borderless

What worked: Wowza, wow. I loved this powerful portrayal of teen Maya Silva who is uprooted from her Guatemalan home due to gang violence. Readers see talented Maya whose dream of being a fashion designer is within her grasp. Though poor, she's able to go to the very prestigious design school on a scholarship. Around her, she sees the beauty of her town until she witnesses a horrific crime that has her dreams crashing down around her.

What's a huge plus in this novel is readers see the families with their lives before fleeing to the United States. In BORDERLESS Maya's story is one that starts with the hope of winning first place in a design competition that would lead to her ultimate dream of having her own fashion shop with her equally talented mother. Then her hopes are shattered when she witnesses the boyfriend of her best friend murder a neighbor's son. Her mother is able to get a friend to help them to a coyote to help with their escape. Readers see glimpses of the border camps and the inhuman treatment these refugees go through. Powerful writing throughout.

Riveting with the vivid descriptions of Guatemala and heartwrenching when the only life Maya knows and loves is taken from her. Equally painful is when she's separated from her mother at the border. This occurrence happens so much, but to actually read what a family goes through to be torn apart is painful.

Maya is resilient, strong, and loyal to her best friend Lisbeth and even to the recently deported Sebastian who has his one secret.

Edge of your seat, gripping portrayal of a mother/daughter relationship and the determination to stay together even when torn apart at the border. Mostly though this story ends with a note of hope. This book would be a perfect addition to any high school library and for book clubs. Totally recommend.