51 pages • 1 hour read
Just Like Us: The True Story of Four Mexican Girls Coming of Age in America
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Book Brief
404
Book • Nonfiction
Denver, Colorado • 2000s
2009
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Just Like Us by Helen Thorpe is a nonfiction account of four Mexican girls—Clara, Elissa, Marisela, and Yadira—growing up in Denver, Colorado, facing challenges shaped by their differing legal statuses. As they navigate high school, college, and personal struggles, including financial and cultural barriers, their experiences are significantly impacted by the larger political climate on immigration. The story includes a double murder.
Informative
Emotional
Inspirational
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
2,482 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews for Just Like Us by Helen Thorpe commend its empathetic portrayal of four Mexican-American girls navigating the complexities of immigration in the U.S. The narrative is lauded for its deep research and humanizing storytelling. Criticisms include occasional pacing issues and a tendency to overemphasize certain points, which may detract from the overall impact.
Who Should Read Just Like Us?
Readers who delve into social issues, immigration stories, and cultural identity complexities, similar to fans of The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande and Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario, will find Just Like Us by Helen Thorpe compelling. This book intertwines personal narratives with political discourse, making it ideal for those interested in real-life immigrant experiences.
2,482 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Yadira Vargas
Yadira Vargas
An undocumented immigrant like Marisela, Yadira is a serious and reserved individual who faces familial challenges and responsibilities while working alongside Marisela at a community action organization.
Elissa Ramírez
Elissa Ramírez
An American citizen by birth, Elissa attends Regis College and gradually loses touch with her friends who attend the University of Denver.
Clara Luz
Clara Luz
A legal resident who eventually becomes a citizen, Clara is initially conservative and shy but grows more extroverted, and she has the opportunity to study abroad during her college years.
Helen Thorpe
Helen Thorpe
The author, who has a personal connection to the immigrant experience, writes compassionately about the lives of Marisela, Yadira, and other young women navigating legal and social challenges.
404
Book • Nonfiction
Denver, Colorado • 2000s
2009
Adult
14-18 years
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