La Linea: A Novel

by Ann Jaramillo

Book Overview

Miguel has dreamed of joining his parents in California since the day they left him behind in Mexico six years, eleven months, and twelve days ago. On the morning of his fifteenth birthday, Miguel's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312373546
• Release Date: July 2008
• Publisher: Square Fish
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.2" x 0.7" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

A perilous adventure best saved for at least junior high school age students

The desperate story of Miguel and his younger sister Elena struggling to escape poverty in southern Mexico to join their parents in California is E.S.L. teacher Ann Jaramillo's rst novel. Fear of starvation and a longing for family drives these two teenagers into the dark gauntlet of illegal immigration. Violence, corruption and narrow escapes keep the ordeal fast-paced and scary. The siblings survive the journey and face further disappointment through deportation. Compelling and suspenseful, the story exemplies the plight of countless poor people looking for a better life across the border. While the media argues the big picture of illegal immigrants including jobs, employers, security, fences, mass round-ups and amnesty, Jaramillo looks at the issue from ground level through the eyes of two children with few options. It's a perilous adventure best saved for at least junior high school age students.

La Linea Lines Up in My Classroom Library

As a middle school teacher in West Texas, I, like Ann Jaramillo, have encountered a multitude of stories from young people and their families as they've struggled to come to the US. The struggle obviously doesn't end when they enter; some of the most heart-wrenching stories occur AFTER the child has assimilated into American culture only to run into the beaurocratic red tape of the INS system. I was like the other reviewers in that I couldn't put the book down. Migual's and Elena's story is gripping and intense. I was, however, a bit let down by the ending. I wanted it to mirror more of what I've seen with my students' experiences. Nevertheless, the fact that the author chose to end the book where she did will make the book more accessible length-wise for my reluctant readers. Awesome find! I will have my own "la linea" in my classroom to read this book next week:)

Atravesar el desierto...al destierro

Ann Jaramillo asks, through the immigration experience of two undocumented Mexican youth, whether the American dream is a nightmare or a fantasy, or some mix of the two. Like Cormac McCarthy, she incorporates Spanish slang words like cuate (amigo), menso (tonto), baboso (slug / jerk) and buey (dude). Her characters face the very real fears of death, abuse, starvation, abandonment, rape, and betrayal. As an ESL teacher, Jaramillo was inspired to compose the novel after learning of the recent histories of her students, and their experiences crossing the border. Her work is well-researched and she attempts to document the undocumented, giving voice to a generation of immigrants who struggle to survive in a dangerous new world that they make their home. An excellent short novel for youth and adults alike.

A Fascinating and Gripping Look at Undocumented Immigration from a New Perepective

Two young peole risk their lives to reunite their family, and in the process learn the strength and depth of their own resilience, their love for each other, and their place in the world. An easy read, a simple story, about 8th grade level, through the eyes of two youngsters, without preaching. Charming and enlightening. I loved it!

Exciting story, important topic

La Linea is a real page-turner... This vivid telling of the perilous events faced by Mexican children trying to reach the United States every day will at once fascinate, horrify, and keep you on your toes. The exciting plot is backed up by complex characters to whom readers will instantly relate. Miguel and Elena are classic young teens, loving and seeking approcal from their elders even as they struggle to assert their individuality. Jaramillo has created a book that will be devoured by young adults and older readers alike, particularly those with a blossoming interest in multicultural issues or human rights.