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We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults
With refreshing candor, photos and interviews usher us into the lives of eleven undocumented young people bravely speaking out.
“Maybe next time they hear someone railing about how terrible immigrants are, they'll think about me. I’m a real person.”
Meet nine courageous young adults who have lived in the United States with a secret for much of their lives: they are not U.S. citizens. They came from Colombia, Mexico, Ghana, Independent Samoa, and Korea. They came seeking education, fleeing violence, and escaping poverty. All have heartbreaking and hopeful stories about leaving their homelands and starting a new life in America. And all are weary of living in the shadows. We Are Here to Stay is a very different book than it was intended to be when originally slated for a 2017 release, illustrated with Susan Kuklin’s gorgeous full-color portraits. Since the last presidential election and the repeal of DACA, it is no longer safe for these young adults to be identified in photographs or by name. Their photographs have been replaced with empty frames, and their names are represented by first initials. We are honored to publish these enlightening, honest, and brave accounts that encourage open, thoughtful conversation about the complexities of immigration — and the uncertain future of immigrants in America.
“Maybe next time they hear someone railing about how terrible immigrants are, they'll think about me. I’m a real person.”
Meet nine courageous young adults who have lived in the United States with a secret for much of their lives: they are not U.S. citizens. They came from Colombia, Mexico, Ghana, Independent Samoa, and Korea. They came seeking education, fleeing violence, and escaping poverty. All have heartbreaking and hopeful stories about leaving their homelands and starting a new life in America. And all are weary of living in the shadows. We Are Here to Stay is a very different book than it was intended to be when originally slated for a 2017 release, illustrated with Susan Kuklin’s gorgeous full-color portraits. Since the last presidential election and the repeal of DACA, it is no longer safe for these young adults to be identified in photographs or by name. Their photographs have been replaced with empty frames, and their names are represented by first initials. We are honored to publish these enlightening, honest, and brave accounts that encourage open, thoughtful conversation about the complexities of immigration — and the uncertain future of immigrants in America.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 8, 2019
20 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 3, 2018
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults is a collection of several different young immigrants's real-life stories. All the immigrants in this book are very different: they come from various countries, they have different cultures and backstories on how they came to be in the US. But all of them have one thing in common: for one reason or another they are now undocumented immigrants living in the United States.
All the events narrated in this book are very painful to read but also filled with hope and love for a country that definitely isn't easy to be a part of, no matter how much you want it.
Many of the immigrants in this book say to have taken the opportunity that the DACA program offered them and thanks to it they were able to either go to college and/or get a job.
This book gives an overview of the sensitive subject that the undocumented young adults represent. I found it very interesting and informative, I highly recommend it.
We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults is a collection of several different young immigrants's real-life stories. All the immigrants in this book are very different: they come from various countries, they have different cultures and backstories on how they came to be in the US. But all of them have one thing in common: for one reason or another they are now undocumented immigrants living in the United States.
All the events narrated in this book are very painful to read but also filled with hope and love for a country that definitely isn't easy to be a part of, no matter how much you want it.
Many of the immigrants in this book say to have taken the opportunity that the DACA program offered them and thanks to it they were able to either go to college and/or get a job.
This book gives an overview of the sensitive subject that the undocumented young adults represent. I found it very interesting and informative, I highly recommend it.
March 17, 2019
Nothing makes clearer the current political climate than the fact that this excellent nonfiction book contains no photographs or names of the undocumented individuals whose stories are told here. Originally, those were a part of the book, but due to the uncertainty surrounding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), those and any other identifying information have been removed. Although the necessity to do this saddens me, I can certainly understand this since the author and publisher would not want to risk the safety of those whose voices are heard here. Although the nine young adults whose stories are told here are not United States citizens, they have lived much of their lives in this country, and they intend to stay. They came to the country for various reasons, sometimes seeking better schooling, jobs or to avoid violence, and all came with hopes and dreams. Those who don't understand what might prompt someone to come to this country by any means will find explanations in these stories, which go far in humanizing those faces and individuals behind the immigration statistics of those who come here from Columbia, Mexico, Korea, Ghana, and Independent Samoa, all represented here. Most notable is how some of these individuals become activists and advocates for others as well as how they live under the constant fear of being found out and deported. For some, the journey to this land was the hardest part of immigration while for others, it's the uncertainty and having to leave behind all that was familiar. For still others, they continue to hold onto other secrets about their sexual orientation or gender. This important book is a valuable addition to the current debates about immigration. It might change some minds, but it also makes clear just how determined to stay some of these young adults are to remain in what has become their home.
January 12, 2025
I try hard not to get political in my reviews, though if you look back through the books I read, you'll get at least a sense of my political leanings. It's impossible to review this book without discussing politics though, so bear with me.
I wish all the politicians who love to speak so loudly and hatefully and often about "lawless, criminal immigrants" would take the time to read a collection like this. I don't claim to have any answers to immigration into the United States, but I do believe that having empathy for our fellow human beings will go a long way toward helping us find a humane, tenable solution that both treats people with respect and protects our borders. I just can't believe that it's a zero-sum issue.
The young adults interviewed in this book didn't make a choice to enter the US illegally; their parents brought them into the country, often at huge risk. Some stories of the crossing are hair raising. I liked that the author included stories from young adults from different parts of the world and not just those from Central America. The story of one young man, I believe from Ghana, had me so very worried for his safety.
A common denominator among all these young people is their desire to make a difference in their adopted country and help others in similar situations. They've researched their options, worked harder than their peers to get where they are, and all felt that their goals might actually be within their reach after President Obama enacted the Dream Act. One of the interviewees even went to witness the Senate vote in 2011, I believe. She spoke of how emotional it was for her to sit in the gallery and listen to politicians speak in such demeaning terms of her and others like her and then how disheartening it was when the bill failed to pass that chamber.
As the book was going to press, President Trump was elected for his first term in 2016. The interviewees had previously agreed to share their pictures and their names in the book. After a lot of editorial discussion, the author decided to only use initials instead of names and insert blank boxes where their pictures were going to be. This community that had gotten brave enough to share their stories with the world was stepping back into the shadows as their future again became uncertain.
I highly recommend this to everyone, while knowing in my heart that the people who most need to read it will not and will most likely find a way to ban it.
I wish all the politicians who love to speak so loudly and hatefully and often about "lawless, criminal immigrants" would take the time to read a collection like this. I don't claim to have any answers to immigration into the United States, but I do believe that having empathy for our fellow human beings will go a long way toward helping us find a humane, tenable solution that both treats people with respect and protects our borders. I just can't believe that it's a zero-sum issue.
The young adults interviewed in this book didn't make a choice to enter the US illegally; their parents brought them into the country, often at huge risk. Some stories of the crossing are hair raising. I liked that the author included stories from young adults from different parts of the world and not just those from Central America. The story of one young man, I believe from Ghana, had me so very worried for his safety.
A common denominator among all these young people is their desire to make a difference in their adopted country and help others in similar situations. They've researched their options, worked harder than their peers to get where they are, and all felt that their goals might actually be within their reach after President Obama enacted the Dream Act. One of the interviewees even went to witness the Senate vote in 2011, I believe. She spoke of how emotional it was for her to sit in the gallery and listen to politicians speak in such demeaning terms of her and others like her and then how disheartening it was when the bill failed to pass that chamber.
As the book was going to press, President Trump was elected for his first term in 2016. The interviewees had previously agreed to share their pictures and their names in the book. After a lot of editorial discussion, the author decided to only use initials instead of names and insert blank boxes where their pictures were going to be. This community that had gotten brave enough to share their stories with the world was stepping back into the shadows as their future again became uncertain.
I highly recommend this to everyone, while knowing in my heart that the people who most need to read it will not and will most likely find a way to ban it.
January 16, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
We Are Here to Stay tells the story of young, undocumented people in America, and it is both heartwrenching and uplifiting. These young people have such bright dreams and are working so hard to achieve success in their lives; I am inspired by them and am so glad to have been able to read their stories.
I love that this collection includes people from all kinds of different situations. We hear about the Mexican immigrants, which is the prevailing stereotype of what an undocumented person’s experience is, but we also hear about someone who was tricked into coming here for human trafficking, and someone from Korea whose parent abandoned them after their visa expired. From this collection, you get a comprehensive picture of the sorts of varying situations undocumented people are in, and it is eye-opening.
This collection was at once sad and incredibly inspiring. I am in awe of these young people and also am grateful to know that there are other Americans who are trying to help these people and make sure they achieve success in their lives, but it is horrifying that they have to go through so much devastation and hardship.
I highly recommend this for anyone interested in the topic of immigration and for those who want to know from firsthand sources what it means to be an undocumented person in America. It’s hard for me to say that I “enjoyed” this book because so much of this was heartbreaking, but I think it’s an important collection about a topic that everyone in American should know more about.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
We Are Here to Stay tells the story of young, undocumented people in America, and it is both heartwrenching and uplifiting. These young people have such bright dreams and are working so hard to achieve success in their lives; I am inspired by them and am so glad to have been able to read their stories.
I love that this collection includes people from all kinds of different situations. We hear about the Mexican immigrants, which is the prevailing stereotype of what an undocumented person’s experience is, but we also hear about someone who was tricked into coming here for human trafficking, and someone from Korea whose parent abandoned them after their visa expired. From this collection, you get a comprehensive picture of the sorts of varying situations undocumented people are in, and it is eye-opening.
This collection was at once sad and incredibly inspiring. I am in awe of these young people and also am grateful to know that there are other Americans who are trying to help these people and make sure they achieve success in their lives, but it is horrifying that they have to go through so much devastation and hardship.
I highly recommend this for anyone interested in the topic of immigration and for those who want to know from firsthand sources what it means to be an undocumented person in America. It’s hard for me to say that I “enjoyed” this book because so much of this was heartbreaking, but I think it’s an important collection about a topic that everyone in American should know more about.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
November 7, 2018
This was an interesting anthology about kids who were brought over to America as children and their stories as undocumented young adults. I wish that some of the stories would have been a little longer. They would have had more impact that way. I still think it's worth the read if you're interested in the subject.
February 3, 2019
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don't have much to say about this. The title is pretty self-explanatory.
Nine Young-Adults talk about their journey to America and what happened once they got there. They come from all over and have one thing in common. At some point in their life, they were undocumented, or still are. There is also the story of a reverend that made it his mission to help people that come across a desert to get to the States.
Each story was touching in its own way. I can't begin to imagine what it must have been like for them, even after having read their testimonies. How we still put people through that is inconceivable to me. Btw, this should have had pictures of the Young Adults as well as their names but since Trump's administration ended DACA, they had to make it anonymous to protect themselves, in fear of deportation if they were found out. (Though I'm still not sure Trump can read.)
The spaces for the pictures were left empty and I found it all the more powerful.
This is definitely a must-read for anyone and everyone.
I don't have much to say about this. The title is pretty self-explanatory.
Nine Young-Adults talk about their journey to America and what happened once they got there. They come from all over and have one thing in common. At some point in their life, they were undocumented, or still are. There is also the story of a reverend that made it his mission to help people that come across a desert to get to the States.
Each story was touching in its own way. I can't begin to imagine what it must have been like for them, even after having read their testimonies. How we still put people through that is inconceivable to me. Btw, this should have had pictures of the Young Adults as well as their names but since Trump's administration ended DACA, they had to make it anonymous to protect themselves, in fear of deportation if they were found out. (Though I'm still not sure Trump can read.)
The spaces for the pictures were left empty and I found it all the more powerful.
This is definitely a must-read for anyone and everyone.
January 23, 2019
We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults is a collection of experiences of undocumented students. WOW! These stories are not only eye-opening, but show how we need more kindness & compassion & laws to help these immigrants seeking a safe life in America with opportunities to get a good education, contribute to our society & thrive. This book makes it personal, giving voice to the fear, struggle, despair, and dreams for these YA.
A must read!
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC for review.
A must read!
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC for review.
February 2, 2019
The author interviewed nine young people who have lived with the secret of illegal US residence. Each story is different and engaging as the reader learns how and why they arrived in the US. Although it is published for teen readers, most adults would learn something by reading about the nine lives.
November 18, 2019
A must read for an intelligent, informed discussion about immigration.
February 4, 2020
Incredibly emotional and eye-opening. I'd love to see this book being read in classrooms across America. The variety of stories between these pages work to disrupt the one-note narrative of immigration in our country. This is a very special book.
February 26, 2019
Kudos to the author for investigating the lives of undocumented young adults and then moving forward with publication after Trump ended DACA. The lack of names (only initials) and the empty frames where photos would be are a bold statement about the lives, the aspirations, the achievements of these young people whose lives are now on hold and back in the shadows. The first-person accounts create a compelling story, and the notes and timeline at the back of the book expands information on immigration history and law and the status and rights of undocumented immigrants. While it is written for a teen audience, the subject and presentation is also for older readers. Hopefully, this will also be a good choice for community discussion.
April 12, 2021
This book was super powerful and I think deserves to be an Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee. It covers a variety of stories from undocumented immigrants from all over the world (because they aren't just from Mexico or Latin America!). I think it's a very important book because it shows readers the vastness of what it's like to be an undocumented immigrant. Sometimes getting to the US is not so difficult because you have money. Sometimes it's a life-threatening process where you lose one or more of your siblings along the way. Sometimes it's as simple as overstaying a legal visa. There are so many experiences that aren't told in society because racists want citizens to believe that undocumented immigrants all fit a very specific background. Some were fleeing violence. Some wanted more freedom or opportunities. Some were in severe physical danger. Some were not. One of the most powerful things about this book for me was the absence of pictures. The editor says in the introduction that pictures and names were originally going to be included, but with the election of trump, it was important for the storytellers to remain anonymous for their safety. Seeing the blank space where their picture and names should have been was really powerful for me. The editor also says they hope that one day in the future they will be able to re-publish the book with the photos and names. I hope the US becomes a place where those stories are welcomed and not threatened.
March 18, 2019
This was the first book that I had ever read in an interview style and I really liked it. I thought that the book was actually pretty fun to read because the "youth" just bled through and even though the subject matter was hard the voices made it relatable and lively. Despite being fun it was hard to read at points. When Y--- was talking about how she went to congress and had to listen to congressmen saying awful things about immigrants, I cried. I wanted the missing pictures so much and I think that not having them was really upsetting, but having the spaces still there made you really think about how unsafe and fragile these young adults lives must feel. The pictures that were there were amazing. All in all a really good book.
March 18, 2022
This book was very informative about the many experiences undocumented immigrants have in the United States. What was most interesting about this book was how it presented immigrants stories from many different places to create a better and more holistic understanding of undocumented immigration. I also loved that it included a guide with notes at the end to see how immigration to the US has changed throughout history and that it gave explanation for different designations undocumented immigrants may be able to get to assist them in gaining documentation.
Great read! I am excited to share this one with my students!
Great read! I am excited to share this one with my students!
March 2, 2021
This book could have been so much more than it was. Long, long, long passages of the author narrating stories from those she interviewed. The writing is not done well, and opportunities were missed to share data, stats, and facts based on the stories shared. I like that the author focuses on people and not stats; the human stories are what are important, but the format offered no variety. This is fine for middle grade readers, but older teens and adults will want more.
August 17, 2019
Such a compelling and inspirational anthology of essays about what I feel is the true meaning of not just the American Dream, but of endurance. I hope one day the author can republish these stories with their faces and names. Their stories need to be out of the shadows. Their aspirations and dreams need to inspire all cultures and citizens.
September 19, 2020
This title made me aware of so many issues that immigrants far after arriving in the US. Each story is a manageable size for most readers. I love this book and I hope that educators across the globe embrace this title!
May 30, 2019
Interesting, but not riveting.
January 28, 2019
Susan Kuklin is an award-winning author and photographer who currently resides in New York City along with her husband. Kuklin’s photos have appeared in Museum of the City of New York, Time, Newsweek, the New York Times, as well as a few documentaries. She has also written over 30 books for children and young adults including NO CHOIRBOY: Murder, Violence, and Teenagers on Death Row and BEYOND MAGENTA: Transgender Teens Speak Out, which was given the title of Stonewall Honor Book. Kuklin’s most recent book, WE ARE HERE TO STAY, follows Kuklin’s style of writing about social issues that affect children and teens.
DACA --- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals --- is an executive action by former President Barack Obama. The order states that certain people that arrived in the United States when they were kids and meet certain requirements may request deferred action of two years (subject to renewal) before deportation. The Trump administration announced the motion to end to DACA in 2017. However, due to federal court proceedings, DACA recipients can request to renew grants of deferred action, but other undocumented immigrants who do not have DACA cannot request deferred action for the first time. WE ARE HERE TO STAY is a collection of nine interviews of DACA recipients conducted by Kuklin revealing the humanity behind the statistics.
The nine interviews all follow an undocumented immigrant, but each story is unique. The stories follow young adults from Colombia, Mexico, Ghana, Independent Samoa and South Korea. Some are about escaping a bad situation by going to America; others are about getting stuck in a bad situation by going to America. Despite all the names and photos of the undocumented immigrants being redacted for the protection from deportation, the interviews show the humanity behind each kid --- now, young adult.
WE ARE HERE TO STAY by Susan Kuklin is incredible and illuminating. The stories are heartfelt and poignant. The personality of each young adult shines through the interviews. Kuklin also sheds light on problems that you typically don’t think about or possibly didn’t even know about. The empty picture frames and redacted names almost mean more than what is left out of the book. WE ARE HERE TO STAY shows the story behind something frequently ignored. It is so easy to look at illegal immigration without acknowledging the reasons behind coming to America illegally. WE ARE HERE TO STAY forces people to confront those reasons.
WE ARE HERE TO STAY is a quick read but an important one. If you do not know a lot about undocumented immigrants --- especially undocumented children --- then this book is a great place to start learning about it. Not only does WE ARE HERE TO STAY have those nine interviews, it also has notes and resources at the back of the book that explains the organizations and orders that are mentioned in the book. Susan Kuklin does a great job bringing this book together. WE ARE HERE TO STAY is great book, and anyone who is interested in being politically active in the world today should definitely pick up WE ARE HERE TO STAY by Susan Kuklin.
DACA --- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals --- is an executive action by former President Barack Obama. The order states that certain people that arrived in the United States when they were kids and meet certain requirements may request deferred action of two years (subject to renewal) before deportation. The Trump administration announced the motion to end to DACA in 2017. However, due to federal court proceedings, DACA recipients can request to renew grants of deferred action, but other undocumented immigrants who do not have DACA cannot request deferred action for the first time. WE ARE HERE TO STAY is a collection of nine interviews of DACA recipients conducted by Kuklin revealing the humanity behind the statistics.
The nine interviews all follow an undocumented immigrant, but each story is unique. The stories follow young adults from Colombia, Mexico, Ghana, Independent Samoa and South Korea. Some are about escaping a bad situation by going to America; others are about getting stuck in a bad situation by going to America. Despite all the names and photos of the undocumented immigrants being redacted for the protection from deportation, the interviews show the humanity behind each kid --- now, young adult.
WE ARE HERE TO STAY by Susan Kuklin is incredible and illuminating. The stories are heartfelt and poignant. The personality of each young adult shines through the interviews. Kuklin also sheds light on problems that you typically don’t think about or possibly didn’t even know about. The empty picture frames and redacted names almost mean more than what is left out of the book. WE ARE HERE TO STAY shows the story behind something frequently ignored. It is so easy to look at illegal immigration without acknowledging the reasons behind coming to America illegally. WE ARE HERE TO STAY forces people to confront those reasons.
WE ARE HERE TO STAY is a quick read but an important one. If you do not know a lot about undocumented immigrants --- especially undocumented children --- then this book is a great place to start learning about it. Not only does WE ARE HERE TO STAY have those nine interviews, it also has notes and resources at the back of the book that explains the organizations and orders that are mentioned in the book. Susan Kuklin does a great job bringing this book together. WE ARE HERE TO STAY is great book, and anyone who is interested in being politically active in the world today should definitely pick up WE ARE HERE TO STAY by Susan Kuklin.
April 25, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults by Susa Kuklin is heartbreaking. But it is also filled with so much hope. Detailing the accounts of several young immigrants’ lives, We Are Here to Stay is a collection of written experiences that does an amazing job of building a great deal of empathy with its readers. The experiences described are raw and painful, but they are also deeply inspiring. Each person has persevered through a great deal in a world that has set up numerous obstacles for them from the very start.
It truly tears me apart to know how immigrants have been treated by so many in the United States and more than once I found myself feeling horrible at all the things these young adults have been forced to deal with as a result. They are people, too. People with dreams and hopes. People who genuinely care about the world around them and the others in it. Knowing that many in this country work constantly to make the lives of these wonderful people more difficult kills me.
There is no question in my mind that this book is one that needs to be read, especially in the present circumstances. The administration currently in power is inhumane and despicable, so frankly the rest of the world really needs to develop some empathy. I think this book is a brilliant way to foster that empathy. We Are Here to Stay does so much in showing who immigrants truly are and how much they have been through, how hard they have to work to be accepted.
It shouldn’t be like that. They shouldn’t have been forced to deal with the horrors that they have. I hope that changes one day. For now, understand that these stories are important and no one should be treated the way this country continuously treats them. We can do better. We should do better.
I was provided this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults by Susa Kuklin is heartbreaking. But it is also filled with so much hope. Detailing the accounts of several young immigrants’ lives, We Are Here to Stay is a collection of written experiences that does an amazing job of building a great deal of empathy with its readers. The experiences described are raw and painful, but they are also deeply inspiring. Each person has persevered through a great deal in a world that has set up numerous obstacles for them from the very start.
It truly tears me apart to know how immigrants have been treated by so many in the United States and more than once I found myself feeling horrible at all the things these young adults have been forced to deal with as a result. They are people, too. People with dreams and hopes. People who genuinely care about the world around them and the others in it. Knowing that many in this country work constantly to make the lives of these wonderful people more difficult kills me.
There is no question in my mind that this book is one that needs to be read, especially in the present circumstances. The administration currently in power is inhumane and despicable, so frankly the rest of the world really needs to develop some empathy. I think this book is a brilliant way to foster that empathy. We Are Here to Stay does so much in showing who immigrants truly are and how much they have been through, how hard they have to work to be accepted.
It shouldn’t be like that. They shouldn’t have been forced to deal with the horrors that they have. I hope that changes one day. For now, understand that these stories are important and no one should be treated the way this country continuously treats them. We can do better. We should do better.
I was provided this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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January 3, 2020
This absolutely puts "faces" to the unnamed, trying-to-be-invisible undocumented people in our country. With the current political climate, and the stories of these children, it is almost impossible to put this book down without a deepened awareness of the struggles they face - feeling a part of this country, but like the poor stepchild noone wants to acknowledge. The stories are from all over, not just people of Latina descent, which I think also heightens people's awareness of the issue. The interview from the Ghanian and Korean children show that these issues are pervasive for all immigrants of color (there were no white interviewees immigrating from Europe). I think readers will also think twice about the education they receive, and the things they take for granted, like getting a driver's license and financial aid, by witnessing the determination of these young people to attain education and a way to succeed here.
November 20, 2018
My jaded self didn't expect to be that moved by more stories of undocumented people and their fight for citizenship. However, the stories in this book are absolutely riveting. When flipping through it, I was disappointed in the lack of pictures, but when I read the reason for it, I thought it was a great move. I also honestly thought I wouldn't connect to the voices because of the lack of names, but again, I didn't notice it.
#weneeddiversebooks
#weneeddiversebooks
March 20, 2019
Eagle scout.
Student at an Ivy League school.
Assistant manager at a hotel (who started as house cleaner determined to work her way up).
A welder and teacher studying to be an electrical engineer.
An activist in a local chapter of QUIP [Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project].
An accounting major.
The first Latino in a group of eleven high school student journalists selected (from across the nation) to go to D.C.
Arriving in the U.S. from Mexico, Colombia, Korea, Ghana...as children and young teens…all undocumented at some point. All overcoming tragic events, perilous journeys and overwhelming odds...to get here and to STAY here.
To my fellow educators, read this for yourself and then get in the hands of 7-12th grade students. Through the stories of these young adults, Kuklin dispels current myths about DREAMers--not every child made the journey across the southern border, not every child came here by choice, not every child lived happily once they got here. (Check out other reviewers summaries of the book's design and content.)
Unbelievable. As I listened to these young adults tell their stories (in the narratives in the book), I yearned to know them, to be a part of their community, their network of friends and colleagues. I felt cheated that their names and photos are redacted from the book (a smart move by the publisher and author) and angry that our nation has created a situation where these young people's livelihoods are at stake. (The photos were originally supposed to be in the book, but were redacted when the executive action regarding DACA was repealed.) The young people have lives and dreams that deserve to shine and yet they have to stay in the shadows.
As the mother of a teenager, I recognized the humanity of these young adults--they are so normal--as teens they struggled to do well, to be "American" consumers, to strive to be their best while also figuring out their identity, how to fit in, and so forth. So so so normal developmentally plus they have these other factors they have to face or live with.
I'd book talk this and leave in the classroom library for readers to choose OR I'd make this a book for literature circles or student-led reading & discussion.
Some thoughts about book talking -
*Share the pages with redacted photos and ask, "If your status was undocumented, would you tell your story?" and "Why do you think these young adults stepped forward to tell theirs?"
*Ask three students to read aloud the parts of the siblings featured in the first few pages of the first chapter.
*As you read for yourself, mark spots you might read aloud over the course of a few days, to build up curiosity and interest.
*Ask students to think aloud about what they think they know about DREAMers. Record some of these thoughts on chart paper. Leave the chart in the class library for students to return to and comment on after they have read the book.
Student at an Ivy League school.
Assistant manager at a hotel (who started as house cleaner determined to work her way up).
A welder and teacher studying to be an electrical engineer.
An activist in a local chapter of QUIP [Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project].
An accounting major.
The first Latino in a group of eleven high school student journalists selected (from across the nation) to go to D.C.
Arriving in the U.S. from Mexico, Colombia, Korea, Ghana...as children and young teens…all undocumented at some point. All overcoming tragic events, perilous journeys and overwhelming odds...to get here and to STAY here.
To my fellow educators, read this for yourself and then get in the hands of 7-12th grade students. Through the stories of these young adults, Kuklin dispels current myths about DREAMers--not every child made the journey across the southern border, not every child came here by choice, not every child lived happily once they got here. (Check out other reviewers summaries of the book's design and content.)
Unbelievable. As I listened to these young adults tell their stories (in the narratives in the book), I yearned to know them, to be a part of their community, their network of friends and colleagues. I felt cheated that their names and photos are redacted from the book (a smart move by the publisher and author) and angry that our nation has created a situation where these young people's livelihoods are at stake. (The photos were originally supposed to be in the book, but were redacted when the executive action regarding DACA was repealed.) The young people have lives and dreams that deserve to shine and yet they have to stay in the shadows.
As the mother of a teenager, I recognized the humanity of these young adults--they are so normal--as teens they struggled to do well, to be "American" consumers, to strive to be their best while also figuring out their identity, how to fit in, and so forth. So so so normal developmentally plus they have these other factors they have to face or live with.
I'd book talk this and leave in the classroom library for readers to choose OR I'd make this a book for literature circles or student-led reading & discussion.
Some thoughts about book talking -
*Share the pages with redacted photos and ask, "If your status was undocumented, would you tell your story?" and "Why do you think these young adults stepped forward to tell theirs?"
*Ask three students to read aloud the parts of the siblings featured in the first few pages of the first chapter.
*As you read for yourself, mark spots you might read aloud over the course of a few days, to build up curiosity and interest.
*Ask students to think aloud about what they think they know about DREAMers. Record some of these thoughts on chart paper. Leave the chart in the class library for students to return to and comment on after they have read the book.
March 6, 2019
Today's non-fiction post is on We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults by Susan Kuklin. It is 192 pages long and is published by Candlewick Press. The has a pair of hands holding up a sign with the title on it. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this book. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the book- With refreshing candor, nine young people speak out about being undocumented.
Meet nine courageous young adult who have lived in the United States with a secret for much of their lives: they are not U.S. citizens. They came from Colombia, Mexico, Ghana, Independent Samoa, And Korea. They came seeking education, fleeing violence, and escaping poverty. All have harrowing, heartbreaking, and hopeful stories about leaving their homeland and starting a new life in America. And all are weary of living in the shadows. We Are Here to Stay is a very different boo from the one it was intended to be when it was originally slated for a 2017 release, illustrated with Susan Kuklin's gorgeous full-color portraits. Since the last presidential election and the repeal of DACA it is no longer safe for these young adults to be identified in photographs or by name. We've replaced their photographs with frames and their names with first initials, but are still honored to publish their stories. Enlightening and honest, these brave accounts encourage open, thoughtful conversation about the complexities of immigration- and the uncertain future of immigrants in America.
Review- An interesting examination about immigration and nine young adults who are caught in the middle of this debate. We get to know nine very different young adults with very different stories, from a Latino woman who walked across the dessert with her sister to a young man from Ghana who was trafficked. There is no one story and no one dream expect that they want to stay in American and be American in all ways. Their identities are protected but it still a risk to have this published with so much information about themselves in it. It is interesting and important to have their voices in this debate about immigration as people who will be the most affected by any laws that are created or enacted. They are honest about their lives, their worries, and what they want from their futures. An interesting and enlightening read with interesting young adults that have something important to give the topic of immigration and its future.
I give this book a Five out Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I was given this book by a friend.
From the back of the book- With refreshing candor, nine young people speak out about being undocumented.
Meet nine courageous young adult who have lived in the United States with a secret for much of their lives: they are not U.S. citizens. They came from Colombia, Mexico, Ghana, Independent Samoa, And Korea. They came seeking education, fleeing violence, and escaping poverty. All have harrowing, heartbreaking, and hopeful stories about leaving their homeland and starting a new life in America. And all are weary of living in the shadows. We Are Here to Stay is a very different boo from the one it was intended to be when it was originally slated for a 2017 release, illustrated with Susan Kuklin's gorgeous full-color portraits. Since the last presidential election and the repeal of DACA it is no longer safe for these young adults to be identified in photographs or by name. We've replaced their photographs with frames and their names with first initials, but are still honored to publish their stories. Enlightening and honest, these brave accounts encourage open, thoughtful conversation about the complexities of immigration- and the uncertain future of immigrants in America.
Review- An interesting examination about immigration and nine young adults who are caught in the middle of this debate. We get to know nine very different young adults with very different stories, from a Latino woman who walked across the dessert with her sister to a young man from Ghana who was trafficked. There is no one story and no one dream expect that they want to stay in American and be American in all ways. Their identities are protected but it still a risk to have this published with so much information about themselves in it. It is interesting and important to have their voices in this debate about immigration as people who will be the most affected by any laws that are created or enacted. They are honest about their lives, their worries, and what they want from their futures. An interesting and enlightening read with interesting young adults that have something important to give the topic of immigration and its future.
I give this book a Five out Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I was given this book by a friend.
February 17, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this illuminating and haunting NF book about our immigration crisis and the youth trapped within it. This book belongs in ALL middle and high school libraries and is an important text in this divisive time.
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@susankuklin2, author and photographer of the award-winning book BEYOND MAGENTA, wrote a very different book than what has been published here and necessarily so. Since she interviewed the undocumented young adults for this book, their DACA status has become uncertain to the point that all photographs, names and identifiers have been left out. The empty boxes on full pages say more than photos ever could—these youth are truly living in the shadows of our country. The few black and white photos in the center of the book depict the border and images to explain the difficulty of crossing it.
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Their stories, in their own words are incredibly powerful.
The longtime separation from parents when parents go ahead to the USA.
The permanent separation from other family members (grandparents, etc) once arriving in the USA since it is so difficult to return.
The terror of crossing the border and seeing hundreds of crosses of those who did not make it.
The violence and abuse and extreme poverty they fled to have a chance at a better life.
The elation when @barackobama created the DACA program and these students in the shadows could finally legally work, drive and attend school (with no financial aid).
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As in her first book, Kuklin is documenting the experience of youth “coming out,” but in this case they are coming out as undocumented. As one interviewee says “I’m a real person. I go to school with their kids. ... Maybe after listening to me they will feel differently about immigrants.”
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Highly recommended for all MS/HS libraries.
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@susankuklin2, author and photographer of the award-winning book BEYOND MAGENTA, wrote a very different book than what has been published here and necessarily so. Since she interviewed the undocumented young adults for this book, their DACA status has become uncertain to the point that all photographs, names and identifiers have been left out. The empty boxes on full pages say more than photos ever could—these youth are truly living in the shadows of our country. The few black and white photos in the center of the book depict the border and images to explain the difficulty of crossing it.
.
〰️
〰️
Their stories, in their own words are incredibly powerful.
The longtime separation from parents when parents go ahead to the USA.
The permanent separation from other family members (grandparents, etc) once arriving in the USA since it is so difficult to return.
The terror of crossing the border and seeing hundreds of crosses of those who did not make it.
The violence and abuse and extreme poverty they fled to have a chance at a better life.
The elation when @barackobama created the DACA program and these students in the shadows could finally legally work, drive and attend school (with no financial aid).
.
〰️
〰️
As in her first book, Kuklin is documenting the experience of youth “coming out,” but in this case they are coming out as undocumented. As one interviewee says “I’m a real person. I go to school with their kids. ... Maybe after listening to me they will feel differently about immigrants.”
.
〰️
〰️
Highly recommended for all MS/HS libraries.
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December 27, 2021
You can find this book in the youth section of the library and it's worth looking for. These are the stories of several youth and the dangers they faced trying to get to their chosen country. Unfortunately the danger continues after they are here, undocumented or documented. Here they face discrimination, many because of language and skin color. Of course the undocumented ones are also in danger of being imprisoned, deported and separated from their families for years or decades.
The original plan for this title was to include photos and names of the people whose stories are here, but that would put them in danger, so instead there are blank pages with a black outline around where the faces should be illustrated. And no names.
When Americans look back at our nation's history we see times and behavior that anyone with a conscience is ashamed of: slavery, genocide against the indigenous peoples, the Vietnam War, to name the three most obvious ones. I'm sure future US citizens will have a similar opinion of this time in our history when our treatment of immigrants and refugees was as uncivilized as the way many early US citizens treated blacks and Native Americans. Those who are helping immigrants get safely across the border, and assisting them as they try to establish themselves in this country, are comparable to those who conducted the underground railroad shepherding escaped slaves north so they could be safe and free.
"We Are Here to Stay" helps keep us aware of the place and time in which we live, and our continuing responsibility to care for others.
The original plan for this title was to include photos and names of the people whose stories are here, but that would put them in danger, so instead there are blank pages with a black outline around where the faces should be illustrated. And no names.
When Americans look back at our nation's history we see times and behavior that anyone with a conscience is ashamed of: slavery, genocide against the indigenous peoples, the Vietnam War, to name the three most obvious ones. I'm sure future US citizens will have a similar opinion of this time in our history when our treatment of immigrants and refugees was as uncivilized as the way many early US citizens treated blacks and Native Americans. Those who are helping immigrants get safely across the border, and assisting them as they try to establish themselves in this country, are comparable to those who conducted the underground railroad shepherding escaped slaves north so they could be safe and free.
"We Are Here to Stay" helps keep us aware of the place and time in which we live, and our continuing responsibility to care for others.
August 20, 2018
The American Dream is worth fighting for! The empathy within this book provides serves as a call to action.
Author, Susan Kuklin began this book several years ago as she collected stories and more importantly photos of immigrants that arrived or remained illegally in the United States. As this book approached its publication date, and the current United States President began rolling back immigrant protections, Kuklin was forced to pull the photos and change names for privacy and protection of those brave enough to share their story. This story is an unwilling testament to the effects the cancelling of The Dreamer’s Act is having. By cancelling The Dreamer’s Act, we have forced many strong, resilient immigrants back into the shadows.
The strength it took for HUMANS to participate in this book is overshadowed by the author’s need to retract identifying information of these undocumented persons. Their own safety, despite residing and CONTRIBUTING to a first world country (The U.S. of A), is at risk during this current Administration. There are still too many things immigrant CAN’T do, but the potential to achieve keeps driving them as is evidenced time and time again within these pages.
*Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Candlewick Press, in exchange for an honest review.
Author, Susan Kuklin began this book several years ago as she collected stories and more importantly photos of immigrants that arrived or remained illegally in the United States. As this book approached its publication date, and the current United States President began rolling back immigrant protections, Kuklin was forced to pull the photos and change names for privacy and protection of those brave enough to share their story. This story is an unwilling testament to the effects the cancelling of The Dreamer’s Act is having. By cancelling The Dreamer’s Act, we have forced many strong, resilient immigrants back into the shadows.
The strength it took for HUMANS to participate in this book is overshadowed by the author’s need to retract identifying information of these undocumented persons. Their own safety, despite residing and CONTRIBUTING to a first world country (The U.S. of A), is at risk during this current Administration. There are still too many things immigrant CAN’T do, but the potential to achieve keeps driving them as is evidenced time and time again within these pages.
*Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Candlewick Press, in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2018
Kuklin’s book brings readers first hand accounts of young immigrants - many of which were/are undocumented - and their various reasons for coming to the United States. By allowing these individuals to tell their stories in their own voice, the stories they tell are much more personal, much more heartbreaking and imbued with a sense of urgency - especially given current rhetoric and debate regarding immigration.
Each of these stories features young children who choose to leave behind their homes in favor of securing a better future for themselves, one in which they are safe and are granted the same opportunities those of us born in the U.S. are. There is nothing malicious about their intent, and yet we as a nation do not possess enough empathy to make their transition and the granting of these opportunities easier for them, something I hope that the publication and reading of this book and future stories such as this can help to change. At the end of the day we are all human beings, and nothing as arbitrary as geographic location should hinder any group of people’s ability to pursue and build a life in which they are free to be happy and un-oppressed.
Each of these stories features young children who choose to leave behind their homes in favor of securing a better future for themselves, one in which they are safe and are granted the same opportunities those of us born in the U.S. are. There is nothing malicious about their intent, and yet we as a nation do not possess enough empathy to make their transition and the granting of these opportunities easier for them, something I hope that the publication and reading of this book and future stories such as this can help to change. At the end of the day we are all human beings, and nothing as arbitrary as geographic location should hinder any group of people’s ability to pursue and build a life in which they are free to be happy and un-oppressed.
March 29, 2019
These nine young people have a story to tell. They all have lived in the United States for most of their lives, but they are undocumented. They come from a variety of countries: Columbia, Mexico, Ghana, Independent Samoa, and Korea. They came for different reasons; most for an education, some were running away from violence and others were trying to leave a life of poverty. They all have a story to tell and this is it.
We Are Here to Stay is a non-fiction book filled with truths and heartache. These young adults have not only overcome the obstacles of getting to the United States, but they have also navigated a system that is not always looking out for their best interests. This was originally scheduled to be published in 2017, but with the changes in immigration procedures, this book was released later without many of the pictures originally planned. Kuklin is hopeful that the book will be re-released in the future with all of these pictures. Whether readers are current about all of the DACA information or this is their first glimpse at these issues, We Are Here to Stay will be an eye-opening read for all.
We Are Here to Stay is a non-fiction book filled with truths and heartache. These young adults have not only overcome the obstacles of getting to the United States, but they have also navigated a system that is not always looking out for their best interests. This was originally scheduled to be published in 2017, but with the changes in immigration procedures, this book was released later without many of the pictures originally planned. Kuklin is hopeful that the book will be re-released in the future with all of these pictures. Whether readers are current about all of the DACA information or this is their first glimpse at these issues, We Are Here to Stay will be an eye-opening read for all.
August 24, 2019
We are Here to Stay by Susan Kuklin, 157 pages. Candlewick Press, 2019. $19.99
Language: PG-13 (14 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
The American dream gives hope to more than those born in America. This collection of anonymous personal accounts explains the hope and desperation of those who take the chance to come to America any way they can. Individuals and families sacrifice and advocate for a better future—an opportunity to live the American dream.
These stories are shared to gain awareness and empathy for undocumented immigrants, and the conspicuous removal of names and pictures are a constant reminder of their cause. Kuklin and the interviewed young adults clearly explain their struggles with political policies that make living the American dream difficult. I enjoyed reading this book because of my new expanded knowledge of the world around me and how immigration policies are impacting real people.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
Language: PG-13 (14 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
The American dream gives hope to more than those born in America. This collection of anonymous personal accounts explains the hope and desperation of those who take the chance to come to America any way they can. Individuals and families sacrifice and advocate for a better future—an opportunity to live the American dream.
These stories are shared to gain awareness and empathy for undocumented immigrants, and the conspicuous removal of names and pictures are a constant reminder of their cause. Kuklin and the interviewed young adults clearly explain their struggles with political policies that make living the American dream difficult. I enjoyed reading this book because of my new expanded knowledge of the world around me and how immigration policies are impacting real people.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
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