Living Beyond Borders

July 1, 2021
Twenty original contributions by Mexican American authors about growing up in the U.S. In a note to readers, editor Longoria describes feeling compelled to create this anthology as she saw Mexican Americans being attacked and derided in the media. The result is this collection of short stories, personal essays, graphic stories, and poems by Mexican American authors. The standouts here pack a real emotional punch. Awareness of the impact of socio-economic status often takes center stage, and several pieces are set in the Rio Grande Valley. Protagonists vary in age from middle school through adult and are predominantly mestizx. "The Body by the Canal," by David Bowles, is not to be missed and, along with "Coco Chamoy and Chango," by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, brings queer representation to the project. The opening story, "Ghetto Is Not an Adjective" by Dominic Carrillo, successfully cannonballs into the deep end of the social justice pool, while "Morning People" by Diana Lopez wades into the murky waters of the taboo. "Yoli Calderon and Principal Hayes" by Angela Cervantes offers an exemplary use of the first person, and both "This Rio Grande Valley" by Daniel Garc�a Ordaz and "Sunflower" by Aida Salazar are full of beautiful imagery. "Ode to My Papi" by Guadalupe Garc�a McCall and "La Princesa Mileidy Dominguez" by Rub�n Degollado both tug at the heartstrings. The variety of narrative styles contributes to the broad appeal of this volume. Well worth reading; a welcome addition to any bookshelf. (contributor bios) (Anthology. 13-adult)

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Starred review from August 1, 2021

Gr 8 Up-Twenty Mexican American authors share what it is like to be a part of two worlds and not be accepted by either. Entries range from realistic fiction to fantasy and include poetry, personal narratives, and art-all of them reminding teens of the complexity of the Mexican American experience. Voices reach out from the pages of this anthology, tugging at readers and pushing them to see the difficulties and beauty of what it means to live as a Mexican American in the United States. These selections explore how it feels to be seen as "other," even while having been a part of this land for generations. The stories encourage Mexican American readers to listen to their inner voice and not let it be silenced. Each selection offers something distinct in this multifaceted work that doesn't prioritize the white gaze. It will make a lasting impression on all readers. VERDICT Highly recommended for school and public library collections.-Selenia Paz, Harris County P.L., Houston

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 9, 2021
In this enriching anthology, editor Longoria opens with an impassioned note, sharing how she wants each contribution “to educate others and celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of the Mexican American culture.” Featuring a diverse array of short stories, personal essays, poems, and comics from 19 creators of Mexican American descent, the collection invites readers to “see a side of life, inside culture, that is not often portrayed in the media.” Though each offering has merit individually, the anthology’s kaleidoscopic range of identities and viewpoints shines especially bright. Third-person short stories center queer teens grappling with identity and attraction in “The Body by the Canal” by David Bowles and “Coco Chamoy y Chango” by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, while expressive b&w comics focus on Mexican storytelling and myth in “Tell Me a Story/Dime un cuento” and “La Llorona Isn’t Real” by Xavier Garza. Vivid, emotionally rich imagery distinguishes first-person poems “Ode to My Papi” by Guadalupe García McCall and “La Migra” by René Saldaña. Longoria’s careful curation imbues a fuller understanding of Mexican American experiences. Ages 12–up. Agent: Andrea Cascardi, Transatlantic Agency.

Starred review from August 1, 2021
Grades 7-11 *Starred Review* This superlative collection of fiction, essays, poetry, and graphic vignettes is as varied as its contributors. The experiences portrayed in this anthology are deeply personal with sharp, heartfelt ruminations on the experience of living on the "cusp of two cultures," as Longoria notes in the introduction. The pieces foray into the past and reflect on timeless themes like dignity, as in Guadalupe Ruiz-Flores' "My Name Is Dolores" and Francisco X. Stork's "Filiberto's Final Visit," and present a vivid picture of contemporary experiences, exemplified by David Bowles' magnificent "The Body by the River" and Rub�n Degollado's soaring "La Princesa Milady Dominguez." The Texas-Rio Grande region is the primary setting, representing the "best of both worlds," enlivened by Spanglish colloquialisms (chamba, carnal) and cultural superstitions. Justine Narro succinctly captures the push and pull of identity, "a place you have never stepped foot on / but call it your land" (in her poem "I Want to Go Home"), that will resonate with readers across cultures who are contemplating their own identities. Aida Salazar, Xavier Garza, Anna Meriano, and Angela Cervantes also contribute standout pieces to this memorable collection and worthy companion to other anthologized works such as Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance (2019) and Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America (2020).

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