Families who loved Where I Belong by Marcia Argueta Mickelson often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the weight of social injustice or feeling caught between their private family life and the labels society places on them. It is a powerful resource for families navigating the complexities of immigration status, cultural identity, and the courage it takes to speak up when the stakes are personal. The story follows Millie Vargas, a high achiever whose world is upended when her mother's pending deportation becomes public news. Through Millie's journey, the book explores themes of systemic unfairness, the nuances of the immigrant experience, and the importance of finding one's voice. It is highly appropriate for middle and high schoolers who are beginning to advocate for themselves and others. Parents will find it a valuable tool for normalizing the anxiety that comes with 'visibility' and for discussing how to maintain integrity when faced with prejudice in their own community.