
A parent should reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with an uncharacteristic shift in behavior, perhaps lashing out or withdrawing, as they grapple with the complexities of identity and family history. This deeply moving novel follows Salvador, a high school senior who was adopted by a gay Mexican American man. As his beloved grandmother nears the end of her life, Sal begins to question his own nature versus his upbringing, especially as he finds himself reacting to the world with unexpected anger. It is a masterful exploration of grief, the unconditional bonds of found family, and the transition into adulthood. While the book contains mature themes and language appropriate for ages 14 and up, it offers a profoundly compassionate lens through which a teen can process their own internal 'logic.'
Frequent use of profanity including f-words, typical of realistic teen dialogue.
Explores grief, the pain of adoption, and family secrets.
The protagonist gets into a few fistfights as he struggles with anger.
Terminal illness (cancer), death of a grandparent, grief and mourning, physical altercations (fights at school), parental abandonment, and depictions of poverty and drug use in a friend's household.
A thoughtful 15 or 16-year-old who feels like they are losing their grip on their identity as they prepare to leave home. This is for the teen who is usually "the good kid" but finds themselves suddenly angry or confused by the unfairness of life.
This book is best for older teens (14+) due to some strong language and mature themes regarding loss and family trauma. Parents should be aware that it deals heavily with the process of dying, so reading alongside a grieving child is recommended. A parent might reach for this book after seeing their typically gentle teenager get into a fight at school or after noticing their child is struggling to verbalize their grief over a family loss.
A younger teen will focus on the high school friendships and Sal’s physical outbursts. An older teen will more deeply appreciate the philosophical questions about heritage, the "logic" of the heart, and the complex transition into independent adulthood.
Unlike many YA novels that focus on identity struggles, this book portrays Sal's adoptive family as a source of absolute strength and normalcy. The story focuses on the internal emotional architecture of a teenage boy in a way that is rare, vulnerable, and deeply literary. """
Salvador Silva is a high school senior living in El Paso with his adoptive father, Vicente. Sal is white, and Vicente is a Mexican American gay man. Sal's world begins to shift as graduation approaches. The terminal illness of his beloved grandmother, Mima, sparks a period of intense grief and uncharacteristic physical aggression. Alongside his best friends Samantha and Fito, Sal navigates the pain of loss, the mystery of his biological mother's past, and the realization that family is defined by choice and love rather than just blood.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review