What a story (all true)! It reminded me that you never know what someone else is going though even when they have a smile on their face. I like that this book speaks directly to the young people that will be reading it. They will relate to the many ups and downs of growing up.

This is a good edition for younger readers, but not for adults. I think this would a good edition for middle school libraries, but probably not for elementary.

As the teacher of students who live in this world, albeit in a different location, this book inspires empathy for those struggling with similar situations. A great addition to middle/high school collections whether you serve an immigrant population or not.

Family separation can come in different forms, e.g., separation at the border or after living in the U.S. for years. But no matter how it happens, it's never easy and always painful.
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Imagine this. You're late for school and barely say good bye to your parents. After school, you're running a little late, so you give your parents a call, but no one answers. Weird. You get a strange feeling that you need to get home ASAP. So you do, but when you arrive, your parents are gone.

So begins A Family Divided. Diane Guerrero's parents, undocumented immigrants, were deported while she was at school. No warning, no goodbyes. From one day to the next, her life was completely turned upside down. Guerrero tells readers about her life leading up to that day, as well as her life after, fending for herself as a fourteen year old kid without her parents. It is tragic, to be sure, but, again, there's always hope! Guerrero is now a successful actress, activist and feminist.

A Family Divided is the young reader version of Guerrero's memoir, In the Country We Love so it's perfect for parents and kids to read together. The Call to Action chapter includes ways to take action and resources on immigration reform - awesome for further discussion and education. And finally, while AFD shines a light on immigration issues through Guerrero's own story, it's totally entertaining, too - the photos (and captions) scattered throughout are amazing. P.S. This is also another great read for #hispanicheritagemonth

I thought this would be interesting in the beginning but I quickly lost passion in this book and felt that it would be better for a different reader.

I didn't realize that there was a YA version and an adult version of this book. I read the YA version (free from NetGallery) and it is perfect for the middle schoolers I have taught.

Diane always knew that her Columbian family was undocumented, but she grew up American in America. Diane was a typical kid until the day her parents were taken by ICE and she was left alone.

Diane's story is heartbreaking and unfortunately too common. Teaching in Brooklyn, I am sure that I taught more than one student whose family was undocumeted. Working in restaurants, my immigrant husband worked along side undocumented workers. These are real people, with real families. Everyone wants the best life for their children. Unfortunately, it isn't so easy.

I know who Diane grew up to be-I know her from Orange is the New Black. I did not know the hardships that she dealt with as a child, or the struggles she went through as a young adult.

I am ready to read the adult version, but I am glad that I read this version so I can suggest it to students in the future.