Adjusting to life in Lawrence, Kansas, proves challenging for nonbinary Ave (Mexican American), who has moved there with their mom and younger brother, Ramón. They miss the bustle of Mexicali and long for the day when their older sister and father will join them in Kansas. Stuck in their professor mom’s office during the summer, Ave meets future classmate Rene. Unlike Ramón, Ave doesn’t speak much English and worries that if they learn, they’ll risk losing their native tongue. Although Rene’s Spanish is limited, he and his friends warmly fold Ave into their friend group, even inviting them to be the fourth in their track team’s relay group. Things are just beginning to look up when Ave learns that there were never any plans to reunite the family. Their parents have separated, and Ave feels betrayed and devastated. Repairing the broken trust in the family will require both Ave and their mother to open up about feelings and experiences they’ve been keeping to themselves. This graphic novel inspired by the author’s personal experience deftly depicts a young person trying to hold onto their identity in a place so far—literally and culturally—from home, especially when it seems everyone in their life has a different opinion on what it means to be Mexican.

New school, new country, but only half a family?! Embark on a coming of age journey with a middle school teen navigating their parent’s divorce while moving to a new country in this stunning graphic novel.

A STONEWALL BOOK AWARD WINNER • A BOOKLIST BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Ave thought moving to Kansas would be boring and flat after enjoying the mountains and trails in Mexico, but at least they would have their family with them. Unfortunately, while Ave, their mom, and their younger brother are relocating to the US, Ave's father and older sister will be staying in Mexico...permanently. Their parents are getting a divorce.

As if learning a whole new language wasn't hard enough, and now a Middle-Schooler has to figure out a new family dynamic...and what this means for them as they start middle school with no friends.

Jose Pimienta's stunningly illustrated and thought provoking middle graphic novel is about exploring identity, understanding family, making friends with a language barrier, and above all else, learning what truly makes a place a home.