Aleman’s narrative joins the ranks of heart-wrenching stories of migrant families who have been separated.Īn ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away. Mateo’s self-awareness and inner monologue at times make him seem older than 16, and, with significant turmoil in the main plot, some side elements feel underdeveloped. He talks himself out of choosing a safer course of action, a decision that deepens the story. Kimmie is half Korean (her other half is unspecified) and Adam is Italian American Mateo feels disconnected from them, less American, and with worries they can’t understand. Mateo’s relationships with his friends Kimmie and Adam (a potential love interest) also suffer repercussions as he keeps his situation a secret.

The adults around Mateo offer support to him and his 7-year-old sister, Sophie, however, he knows he is now responsible for caring for her and the bodega as well as trying to survive junior year-that is, if he wants to fulfill his dream to enter the drama program at the Tisch School of the Arts and become an actor. The Garcias live in fear until the day both parents are picked up his Pa is taken to jail and his Ma to a detention center. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up unsuccessfully seeking his Pa at his New York City bodega. Mateo’s life is turned upside down the day U.S. Along with romantic love, fierce bonds between family and friends play an important role in the story Georgina’s aromantic, asexual best friend, Vira, stands by her side to the end, and Georgina’s mother supports her children by giving them the freedom to find their own ways into their magical gifts.Įqual parts fantasy, romance, and mystery, this book shimmers with an irresistible energy.Ī Mexican American boy takes on heavy responsibilities when his family is torn apart. There is a clear distinction throughout between healthy relationships built on consent and harmful, uninvited attention. A tender, gentle romance between Georgina and Prue, visiting the island with her ornithologist brother (both are assumed white), accompanies the suspenseful murder mystery and is captured in lyrical prose. The islanders superstitiously blame Mary, suspecting her of wielding magic, and Georgina promises Annabella that she will track down the murderer, even if it really is her sister. Panic ensues when Annabella never appears, and the birders find her corpse in a barn, surrounded by her torn-up nest. Every year, bird enthusiasts flock to By-the-Sea for the arrival of Annabella’s Woodpecker, dubbed the world’s rarest bird and discovered and named by a distant Fernweh foremother about 300 years ago. Seventeen-year-old white girl Georgina Fernweh and her twin sister, Mary, have one more summer at home helping their widowed mother, Penelope, at their family’s inn before they leave for college.

On a small island called By-the-Sea, two young women discover their magical powers and resilience.

Summer of salt by katrina leno