83 pages • 2 hours read
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
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Book Brief
344
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 2010s
2017
YA
14-18 years
HL730L
Super Short Summary
Published in 2017, Erika L. Sánchez’s first novel I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is a young adult coming-of-age story set in contemporary Chicago. The story is told from the perspective of 15-year-old Julia Reyes as she navigates her grief and struggles with mental health, her familial relationships, and cultural expectations when her older sister Olga unexpectedly dies. The book has won several awards, including the Thomas Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award in 2018. The novel explores immigrant cultural identity and its role in familial expectations and dynamics. Julia’s mental health issues are deeply intertwined with other serious themes like trauma, abuse, and poverty. This book includes a detailed suicide attempt, rape, and mentions of violence.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
83,949 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
<I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez is widely praised for its poignant exploration of cultural identity, mental health, and family expectations. Critics commend its authentic voice and emotional depth. However, some note a predictable plot and inconsistent pacing. Overall, it's regarded as a powerful and relatable read, especially for young adults.
Who Should Read I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter?
An ideal reader of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez is a young adult interested in exploring themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, and mental health. Comparable to readers of Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street, they seek heartfelt, diverse narratives.
83,949 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Olga Reyes
Olga Reyes
Olga, Julia’s 22-year-old sister, has died in an accident at the start of the novel. She was considered the perfect daughter, and Julia is frequently compared to her.
Amparo Montenegro Reyes (Amá)
Amparo Montenegro Reyes (Amá)
Amá is Julia and Olga’s mother who works as a house cleaner in Chicago. She favors Olga and often pressures Julia to meet her expectations of a perfect daughter.
Rafael Reyes (Apa)
Rafael Reyes (Apa)
Apa is Julia’s distant father who works long hours at a candy factory. He is often unemotional and disconnected, contrasting with Amá's expressiveness.
Lorena
Lorena
Lorena is Julia’s childhood best friend. Despite their differences, Lorena's loyalty and vibrant personality provide comfort to Julia.
Connor
Connor
Connor is a wealthy boy from Evanston whom Julia meets in a bookstore. They share interests in writing and music and develop a serious relationship.
344
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 2010s
2017
YA
14-18 years
HL730L
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