Winner of the Belpre Young Adult Author Honor Award

Pulga has his dreams. Chico has his grief. Pequeڵna has her pride. And these three teens have one another. But, none of them have illusions about the town they've grown up in and the dangers that surround them. Even with the love of family, threats lurk around every corner. And when those threats become all too real, the trio knows they have no choice but to run: from their country, from their families, from their beloved home. Crossing from Guatemala through Mexico, they follow the route of La Bestia, the perilous train system that might deliver them to a better life -- if they are lucky enough to survive the journey. With nothing but the bags on their backs and desperation drumming through their hearts, Pulga, Chico, and Pequeڵna know there is no turning back, despite the unknown that awaits them. And the darkness that seems to follow wherever they go

Ages 12 up

Grades 10-12