I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

 

Bibliography
Sánchez, Erika L., 2017. I AM NOT YOUR PERFECT MEXICAN DAUGHTER. New York, NY: Ember. ISBN 9781524700485.

Plot Summary
Julia Reyes' life in Chicago has always felt smothered and misunderstood, living life with her mother, father, and older sister Olga. The typical Mexican traditions frustrate Julia, as they hold back her chance of being an independent and successful writer. Things take a turn when her sister dies unexpectedly, leaving her family to cope with the hurt of losing an important member of the family. Olga was the pride and joy of the family, she did as she was told, never leaving home and respecting traditions. Julia is left with not only questions of how this tragedy could happen, but also the pressure to be the perfect Mexican daughter. 

Critical Analysis 
Sánchez writes about strong, independent Julia carrying the weight of family expectations and responsibilities. Her family crossed the border from Mexico and have lived a hardworking, careful life in Chicago. They expect Julia and her older sister, Olga, to live at home, work, and follow the rules Amá sets in place. Olga was happy to follow these expectations without a fight, unlike Julia, who questions every rule and speaks up for the unrealistic rules. When her sister gets hit by a semi truck and dies, the family hits a low point and is unaware of how life will move on. Even Julia's grief left her with so many questions, wondering how she was going to manage meeting Amá and Apá's expectations just as Olga used to do, with no complaints. Little does Julia know, Olga was living a double life, not wanting to cause trouble at home. When Julia thought they shared nothing in common, they end up having the same goal of leaving home to fulfill their dreams. Sánchez authentically describes the pressure of what it is to grow up in a Mexican family. There are a lot of expectations and rules, as pride, presentation, and family are everything. Anything considered shameful is embarrassment brought to the family, a never-ending lecture. Julia's character constantly feels unloved by Amá, as she shuts down all of Julia's ideas and never lets her out of sight, but is unaware it's fear clouding Amá's judgement. Fear of Julia reliving Ama's past, yet not being honest with her about her strict rules is what prevents mother and daughter from getting along. Depression and grief eventually take over Julia, scaring everyone in her life. Unfortunately, this traumatic moment is what drives her family into realizing everyone's feelings are valid and should be heard, not hidden. Although their lives had been filled with hurt and tragedies, they manage to work through it and communicate better. Sánchez provides readers with an authentic, honest story of what it is like to grow up in a traditional Mexican family in modern day America. 

Review Excerpt(s)
- An Entertainment Weekly Best YA Book of the Year
- A Mashreads Book Club Pick
- A Time Top YA and Children's Book of the Year
- A New York Times Notable Children's Book of the Year
- A Boston Globe Best Children's and YA Book of the Year
- An ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Book
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "An earnest and heartfelt tale."
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "A timely and must-have account of survival in a culturally contentious world."

Connections
- Young adult daughters in Mexican families will be able to relate to the differing accounts of Julia and Olga's place in their family dynamic. 
- An sharp, authentic story told by a 15 year old Latina girl, hoping to outgrow her sheltered life and tell her truths as a writer in a big city.
- Similar book recommendations:
Yoon, Nicola, 2019. THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR. ISBN 9780553496710.
Quintero, Isabel, 2014. GABI, A GIRL IN PIECES. ISBN 9781935955955.

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