  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 07/01/2015 Gr 4–7—When his brother, Julian, stops contacting his family in Mexico, Matteo becomes convinced that something is wrong and he determines to go to the United States to find him. During his attempts to cross the border, he meets Angel, a mysterious girl who has repeatedly crossed the border herself. Angel takes pity on Matteo and helps him get to his brother's last-known location. Border cops, drowning, thieves, fire, and strangers with ulterior motives are but a few of the dangers that lurk around every corner for the duo, but Matteo is determined to find Julian. Will he succeed? Who is Angel? What happened to Julian? The well-known and respected author easily brings Matteo's world to life and ensnares readers with her strongly developed plot and characters. The writing style is unique and keeps up a good pace. Transitions between the past and present are smooth and will keep readers' attention. The imagery Giff employs is vivid and helps readers to step into Matteo's shoes. VERDICT Middle graders who enjoy adventure, realistic fiction, and multicultural stories will find much to appreciate here.—Kira Moody, Whitmore Public Library, Salt Lake City, UT - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 09/01/2015 The brother of 12-year-old Mateo is working illegally in the U.S. to help his family in Mexico. Then they get word that his construction site has been raided—and Julian has disappeared. Mateo decides to cross the border, traveling first to Texas and then to Arkansas, in order to find his brother. Along the way, he meets a girl named Angel, who helps him get across the Rio Grande and becomes his companion as she tries to navigate her own problems. Much of the story’s mechanics are creaky: Mateo’s successful trip on virtually no money and little English, his grandmother’s support for leaving, the unexpected appearance of Angel, and his ability to survive in Arkansas. But if the how leaves something to be desired, the why provides an emotional takeaway to which children will respond. Flashbacks that show the relationship between the brothers have a special honesty and sweetness, and Mateo’s hopes for his future will mirror those of many readers. An ultimately satisfying take on the human spirit. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. Loading...
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