We Are Not from Here Summary by Jenny Torres Sanchez

Name: We Are Not from Here
ISBN: 9781984812261

Core Idea

Jenny Torres Sanchez's "We Are Not from Here" shows the difficult journey of Central American teenagers fleeing their homelands to seek asylum in the United States. The novel focuses on the idea that choices are limited, often to death at home or a dangerous, uncertain trek through Mexico aboard "La Bestia." It details the physical dangers, emotional cost, and moral compromises faced by those migrating. The book also discusses the way borders affect people and the mix of good and bad encountered along the way. Ultimately, the book emphasizes human strength, the power of chosen family, and the weight of grief and hope that defines the search for a new beginning.

Difficulty: Medium
Read it if: You want a raw, empathetic, and unflinching look at the realities of Central American migration, particularly the experiences of unaccompanied minors, and are prepared for a deeply emotional and challenging read.
Skip it if: You prefer narratives with clear-cut happy endings or are not ready for a story that confronts intense violence, grief, and systemic injustices head-on.

Key Takeaways from We Are Not from Here

The Illusion of Choice: Fleeing for Survival

For many, migration is not a choice but a desperate act of self-preservation.

The book shows that for many people, especially young people in dangerous areas, the decision to leave home is not about wanting a better life, but about surviving. Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña are not looking for a better life in the usual way; they are escaping immediate, life-threatening violence from gangs and corruption. Their journey on 'La Bestia' is dangerous, but the dangers they leave behind are even more certain and deadly. This story challenges the simple idea that migration is a voluntary choice for economic gain, revealing it as a last resort when all other options for safety and a future are gone.

“They had no choice but to run: from their country, from their families, from their beloved home.”

In the book: The trio's initial flight is directly precipitated by a brutal gang assault and the murder of Pulga's cousin, highlighting the direct threat to their lives if they remain in Guatemala.

Try this: Cultivate empathy by recognizing that narratives of migration often mask profound trauma and a lack of viable alternatives. Support policies that address root causes of displacement and offer humanitarian pathways for asylum seekers.

Related ideas: forced-migration, asylum-seekers, root-causes-of-migration

La Bestia: A Gauntlet of Peril and Humanity

The journey itself is a character, a brutal test of endurance and a crucible for human connection.

'La Bestia,' or 'The Beast,' is not just a way to travel. It is a central part of the story, representing both danger and a small bit of hope. Sanchez details the physical and emotional cost of riding the train: the constant risk of falling, the tiredness, the hunger, the exposure to weather, and the danger of bandits and corrupt officials. Yet, within this harshness, there are moments of human connection and help, as migrants share what little they have, offer comfort, and protect each other. The journey is a small example of the larger struggle, showing both the worst and best of people.

“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.”

In the book: The book vividly describes the physical challenges of clinging to the top of the train, the encounters with other migrants who offer food or advice, and the constant fear of being robbed or apprehended by authorities along the route.

Try this: Advocate for safer, legal pathways for migration to reduce reliance on dangerous methods like La Bestia. Support organizations providing aid and protection to migrants along these perilous routes.

Related ideas: la-bestia, migrant-journey, human-smuggling

The Weight of Grief and Hope

Survival is intertwined with profound loss, but hope, however fragile, persists as a driving force.

The characters carry great burdens of grief, fear, and trauma, as heavy as their physical bags. Chico's quiet grief for his lost family member deeply affects his journey, while Pulga deals with the responsibility of leading and protecting his friends. Pequeña, though tough at first, slowly lets herself hope. Sanchez shows how these internal states influence their choices and their ability to keep going. The novel suggests that even in the darkest times, the human capacity for hope—for a safer future, for reunion, for dignity—is a powerful, though sometimes hard to find, reason to continue.

“Pulga has his dreams. Chico has his grief. Pequeña has her pride.”

In the book: Chico's withdrawal and occasional outbursts are directly linked to the trauma of witnessing his brother's death. Pulga's recurring dreams of a better life in the U.S. fuel his determination despite setbacks.

Try this: Recognize the psychological toll on migrants and support mental health services for displaced populations. Foster environments where hope can be nurtured through community and support.

Related ideas: trauma-and-migration, resilience, psychological-impact-of-displacement

The Bonds of Chosen Family

In the absence of traditional support, deep, protective bonds form between those sharing the journey.

One of the most moving parts of the novel is the developing relationship between Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña. Brought together by circumstance, their bond changes from simple acquaintance to a strong, protective, and necessary chosen family. They rely on each other for physical safety, emotional support, and the will to keep going. This relationship shows how, in extreme hardship, human connection is not just comforting but vital for survival. Their loyalty to one another often outweighs individual desires, showing the strength found in enduring together.

“And these three teens have one another.”

In the book: Pulga consistently puts the safety of Chico and Pequeña before his own, making difficult decisions to protect them. Pequeña's initial aloofness gradually gives way to genuine care and concern for her companions.

Try this: Support community-building initiatives among displaced populations. Recognize and value the informal support networks that migrants create, as they are crucial for well-being.

Related ideas: chosen-family, social-support-networks, collective-resilience

The Dehumanizing Impact of Borders

Borders are not just lines on a map but systems that strip individuals of their humanity.

The title, 'We Are Not from Here,' sums up the constant feeling of being different and rejected that migrants experience. Throughout their journey, Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña are reminded that they do not belong, whether by the harsh environment, the suspicious looks of strangers, or the brutal actions of authorities and people who take advantage of them. This constant way of making them feel less than human, caused by fear of outsiders, turns them into 'illegals' instead of people with stories, families, and dreams. The novel criticizes how border systems often prioritize control over care, forcing migrants into invisible and vulnerable lives.

“We are not from here.”

In the book: The encounters with local villagers who are either indifferent or openly hostile, the corruption of police officers who extort money, and the constant need to hide and avoid detection all reinforce their 'othered' status.

Try this: Challenge dehumanizing language surrounding migration. Advocate for policies that uphold human dignity and provide fair, humane processing for asylum seekers, rather than criminalizing them.

Related ideas: xenophobia, border-politics, dehumanization

The Complexities of Good and Evil

Survival often blurs moral lines, revealing the nuanced spectrum of human behavior.

Sanchez avoids simple depictions of good and evil. While there are certainly cruel characters, there are also people who, despite their own difficulties, offer unexpected kindness, like the woman who gives them food or the truck driver who risks helping them. On the other hand, even those who seem trustworthy at first can turn out to be exploitative. The novel shows how desperation can lead people to both amazing acts of selflessness and terrible acts of betrayal. This moral complexity reflects the hard realities of the migrant experience, where trust is rare and survival often depends on navigating a world where intentions are rarely clear.

“The darkness that seems to follow wherever they go.”

In the book: The group encounters both a kind woman who offers shelter and food, and later, a seemingly helpful individual who ultimately betrays them for money, illustrating the unpredictable nature of human interactions on their journey.

Try this: Avoid stereotyping migrants or those who interact with them. Recognize that individuals in desperate situations often make choices that defy easy moral categorization.

Related ideas: moral-dilemmas, human-nature, survival-ethics

Lost Childhoods and Premature Adulthood

The journey forces young migrants to shed their innocence and assume adult responsibilities.

Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña are teenagers, but their experiences on the road strip them of any normal childhood. They must make life-or-death decisions, deal with violence, hunger, and exploitation, and take on roles far beyond their age. Pulga, as the oldest, carries the burden of leadership; Pequeña becomes tough to protect herself; and Chico's grief forces him to face death. The novel clearly shows the tragic loss of innocence that is a sad reality for many young migrants, whose growing-up years are defined by struggle instead of development and discovery.

“They were just kids, but they had seen too much, done too much.”

In the book: The constant need to scavenge for food, the strategic planning required to ride La Bestia safely, and the necessity of defending themselves against threats all illustrate their premature entry into adult responsibilities.

Try this: Advocate for child-specific protections and services for young migrants. Support educational and rehabilitative programs that help young people reclaim aspects of their childhood lost due to displacement.

Related ideas: child-migrants, loss-of-innocence, youth-displacement

The Enduring Power of Storytelling

Sharing these narratives is crucial for understanding and fostering empathy.

Jenny Torres Sanchez's novel is a powerful example of why storytelling is needed to make complex issues understandable. By showing readers the difficult, personal experiences of Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña, the book turns abstract news about 'the border crisis' into a deeply personal and memorable journey. It shows that literature can connect people, allowing readers to understand others' experiences and build empathy for those often overlooked or seen as bad. This way of telling a story helps create a better understanding of migration and challenges existing biases.

“A striking portrait of lives torn apart, the plight of migrants at the U.S. southern border is brought to light through poignant, vivid storytelling.”

In the book: The widespread critical acclaim for the book (Pura Belpré Honor, multiple 'Best Book' lists) highlights its impact in bringing this story to a broader audience and sparking conversations.

Try this: Seek out and engage with diverse narratives, especially those from marginalized communities. Support authors and artists who illuminate untold stories, using their work to inform and inspire action.

Related ideas: narrative-empathy, humanizing-stories, social-justice-literature

We Are Not from Here Quotes

“We are not from here. We are not from anywhere.”

Pulga's internal thought about the children's displacement and lack of belonging.

“Hope is a dangerous thing. It can kill you slower than a bullet.”

Pulga reflects on the deceptive nature of hope during their journey.

“The world was a place of hunger and thirst, and they were always hungry and thirsty.”

A general observation about the children's constant state of deprivation.

“Every step was a prayer, every breath a plea.”

Pulga's internal monologue describing the arduous and desperate nature of their journey.

“They were ghosts, moving through a world that didn’t want to see them.”

The children's feeling of invisibility and being unwanted as they travel.

“Sometimes, the only way to survive is to forget who you were.”

Chino's thought about the necessity of shedding their past identities for survival.

“The border was not a line, but a wall built of fear and desperation.”

A metaphorical description of the US-Mexico border from the children's perspective.

“You carry your home inside you, wherever you go.”

A comforting thought, possibly from a memory or an older character, about the essence of home.

“The silence was a language they all understood, a language of fear and loss.”

The unspoken communication between the children, filled with shared trauma.

“They were just children, but the world demanded they be more.”

A reflection on the premature loss of innocence forced upon the young protagonists.

“To forget was a luxury they couldn't afford.”

Pulga's realization that remembering their past, however painful, was crucial for their journey.

“Every sunrise was a miracle, every sunset a warning.”

The constant cycle of hope and dread experienced by the children each day.

“They had left everything behind, but they carried their stories with them.”

A poignant observation about the enduring power of personal narratives amidst displacement.

“The kindness of strangers was a rare and precious thing, like water in the desert.”

A moment of reflection on unexpected help received during their journey.

“Even in the darkest places, a small flicker of light can sometimes be found.”

An internal thought or a moment of hope despite overwhelming despair.

Quiz

10 questions on the main ideas. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

Question 1
Which three teens are the central characters forced to flee their home country?
1. Mateo, Sofia, and Luis
2. Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña
3. Diego, Elena, and Carlos
4. Javier, Isabella, and Ricardo
Show answer
B. Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña The book explicitly names Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña as the three main characters whose intertwined lives form the core of the story.
Question 2
From which country do the three main characters originate?
1. Honduras
2. El Salvador
3. Guatemala
4. Mexico
Show answer
C. Guatemala The book description clearly states, 'Crossing from Guatemala through Mexico,' indicating their origin country.
Question 3
What is 'La Bestia' in the context of the characters' journey?
1. A dangerous cartel leader they must evade
2. A mythical creature believed to protect migrants
3. The perilous train system they ride to travel through Mexico
4. A specific border crossing point known for its brutality
Show answer
C. The perilous train system they ride to travel through Mexico The book description mentions, 'they follow the route of La Bestia, the perilous train system that might deliver them to a better life.' This refers to the freight trains migrants often ride atop to traverse Mexico.
Question 4
What primary emotion drives the trio's decision to leave their home country?
1. A desire for adventure and new experiences
2. The promise of lucrative job opportunities
3. Desperation due to escalating threats and dangers
4. A mandate from their families to seek education abroad
Show answer
C. Desperation due to escalating threats and dangers The summary highlights 'desperation drumming through their hearts' and 'when those threats become all too real, the trio knows they have no choice but to run.' Their flight is a matter of survival, not choice or ambition.
Question 5
Which of the following best describes the genre and target audience of 'We Are Not from Here'?
1. Historical fiction for middle grade readers
2. Science fiction for adult readers
3. Young Adult (YA) contemporary realistic fiction
4. Fantasy novel for all ages
Show answer
C. Young Adult (YA) contemporary realistic fiction The book is described as a 'Pura Belpré 2021 Young Adult Author Honor Book' and 'A New York Public Library 2020 Top 10 Best Book for Teens!', indicating its YA classification. Its focus on current events and the plight of migrants makes it contemporary realistic fiction.
Question 6
What does the phrase 'We Are Not from Here' primarily symbolize for the characters?
1. Their sense of alienation in their home country due to social class differences.
2. Their status as outsiders and migrants in every place they travel through, never truly belonging.
3. Their distinct cultural identity that sets them apart from other Central American groups.
4. A secret code used to identify themselves to other members of their gang.
Show answer
B. Their status as outsiders and migrants in every place they travel through, never truly belonging. The title reflects the core theme of the migrant experience: being perpetually 'not from here' in the places they pass through, highlighting their displacement and the struggle for belonging.
Question 7
How does the author, Jenny Torres Sanchez, bring the plight of migrants to light?
1. Through extensive statistical data and policy analysis.
2. By focusing solely on the political implications of border control.
3. Through poignant, vivid storytelling that humanizes the journey.
4. By presenting a fictionalized, utopian version of the migrant experience.
Show answer
C. Through poignant, vivid storytelling that humanizes the journey. The description states, 'the plight of migrants at the U.S. southern border is brought to light through poignant, vivid storytelling.' The praise also mentions 'heart wrenching poetic prose' and 'soul-searing YA,' emphasizing the emotional, narrative approach.
Question 8
Beyond the physical dangers of the journey, what psychological burden do the characters primarily carry?
1. Guilt over leaving their families behind and the constant fear of failure.
2. Excitement for the unknown and anticipation of a luxurious life.
3. Anxiety about adapting to a new language they haven't learned.
4. Frustration with each other's differing opinions on their destination.
Show answer
A. Guilt over leaving their families behind and the constant fear of failure. The book highlights 'desperation drumming through their hearts' and the 'darkness that seems to follow wherever they go,' implying deep emotional and psychological tolls beyond just physical threats. The 'heartache' mentioned in the summary speaks to the emotional burden, often including guilt and fear for those left behind or for their own survival.
Question 9
Which specific literary award is mentioned as being won by Jenny Torres Sanchez for this book?
1. Newbery Medal
2. Printz Award
3. Pura Belpré Young Adult Author Honor
4. Coretta Scott King Award
Show answer
C. Pura Belpré Young Adult Author Honor The very first line of the praise section states, 'A Pura Belpré 2021 Young Adult Author Honor Book!', directly crediting the author with this specific recognition.
Question 10
The reviews frequently use words like 'raw,' 'gritty,' 'soul-searing,' and 'unflinchingly illuminates.' What does this collective language suggest about the book's portrayal of the migrant experience?
1. It romanticizes the journey, focusing on the heroic aspects of survival.
2. It presents a sanitized and child-friendly version of difficult realities.
3. It offers an honest, often painful, and realistic depiction without glossing over hardships.
4. It is primarily an academic analysis, detached from emotional impact.
Show answer
C. It offers an honest, often painful, and realistic depiction without glossing over hardships. These strong adjectives consistently point to a direct, unvarnished, and emotionally impactful portrayal of the migrant experience. 'Unflinchingly illuminates' particularly emphasizes the book's commitment to showing the difficult truths.

We Are Not from Here FAQ

What is 'We Are Not from Here' about?

'We Are Not from Here' by Jenny Torres Sanchez is a poignant novel that follows three Guatemalan teenagers, Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña, as they are forced to flee their dangerous hometown. They embark on a perilous journey through Mexico on 'La Bestia' (the train system) to seek a better life and safety in the United States.

Who are the main characters in 'We Are Not from Here'?

The main characters are Pulga, a dreamer; Chico, who carries grief; and Pequeña, who possesses fierce pride. Together, these three teenagers navigate the immense dangers and challenges of their migration, relying on their bond and resilience.

Does 'We Are Not from Here' accurately depict the migrant experience?

Yes, the book is praised for its brutally honest and realistic portrayal of the experiences of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. It illuminates the dangers, resilience, heartache, and hope faced by those seeking safety and a new life.

What is 'La Bestia' mentioned in the book?

'La Bestia' refers to the perilous train system in Mexico that many migrants from Central America use to travel north towards the U.S. border. The novel vividly describes the extreme dangers and challenges associated with riding this train.

How does 'We Are Not from Here' differ from other young adult novels about immigration?

While many YA novels address immigration, 'We Are Not from Here' is particularly noted for its raw, gritty, and unflinching illumination of the specific and often harrowing journey from Guatemala through Mexico. It's praised for its poetic prose and deep emotional impact, offering a 'soul-searing' perspective.

Is 'We Are Not from Here' suitable for all young adult readers?

The book is described as a 'brutally honest' and 'soul-searing' narrative, dealing with mature themes of danger, violence, and desperation. While highly acclaimed, readers should be prepared for its intense and realistic depiction of the migrant experience.

What awards has 'We Are Not from Here' received?

'We Are Not from Here' is a Pura Belpré 2021 Young Adult Author Honor Book. It was also recognized as a Best Book by BookPage, Chicago Public Library, School Library Journal, and New York Public Library in 2020, and received multiple starred reviews from prominent literary critics.

What themes are explored in 'We Are Not from Here'?

The novel explores powerful themes such as desperation, escape, survival, resilience, hope, the dangers of migration, the strength of human connection, and the harsh realities faced by those seeking asylum. It brings to light the plight of migrants at the U.S. southern border.

Where does the story in 'We Are Not from Here' begin?

The story begins in Guatemala, where the three protagonists, Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña, are forced to flee their homes due to escalating dangers. Their journey then takes them through Mexico on the challenging route of 'La Bestia'.

About the author

Jenny Torres Sanchez

Jenny Torres Sanchez is an author known for her contributions to young adult literature. Her book "We Are Not from Here" explores themes of identity and migration. Sanchez primarily writes fiction, focusing on the experiences of marginalized communities.

Similar books

American Dirt
Jeanine Cummins
4.3 (176k) average on GoodreadsLiterary Fiction
Follows a mother and son fleeing cartel violence in Mexico, embarking on a dangerous journey to the US border.
The Diary of a Young Girl
Anne Frank
4.2 (2.7M) average on GoodreadsBiography
During the Nazi occupation, a teenage girl's diary, written from a secret annex, shares observations on humanity, hope, and the wait for freedom.
Twisted 1. Twisted love
Ana Huang
3.7 (1.7M) average on Goodreads
A quiet billionaire with a difficult past finds his guarded heart opening to the woman he must protect, but their growing passion uncovers dangerous secrets and a shared, traumatic history.
Eat, Pray, Love
Elizabeth Gilbert
3.6 (1.5M) average on GoodreadsLifestyle
A heartbroken writer leaves her conventional life for a year-long global search for pleasure in Italy, spiritual devotion in India, and unexpected love and balance in Bali.
Night
Elie Wiesel
4.3 (970k) average on GoodreadsBiography
In the darkness of Auschwitz and Buchenwald, a teenage Elie Wiesel faces the extermination of his family, the loss of his faith, and the lasting scars of humanity's deepest cruelty.
Steve Jobs
Walter Isaacson
4.1 (957k) average on GoodreadsBusiness
Steve Jobs was a visionary who fused creativity and technology to revolutionize six industries and shape our digital world.

Enjoyed the summary?

A summary gives you the shape of the book. The book itself has the detail, the examples and the voice.

Find We Are Not from Here on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, BookBrief earns from qualifying purchases. How we're funded