Super Short Summary

We Were Here, a Newbury-Award-winning young adult novel by Matt de la Peña, follows the protagonist Miguel Castaneda, who, after being sentenced to a year in a group home, keeps a journal as required by the judge. Miguel navigates isolation, family tension, and spiritual growth, eventually escaping the group home with two other residents. Their journey through southern California leads to personal realizations, reconciliation, and emotional evolution. Themes include coming-of-age, impulsive decision-making, and the impact of randomness on life outcomes. The story involves mentions of juvenile detention and family trauma.