I didn't know Diane Guerrero's story of growing up with parents and a brother who were undocumented immigrants from Colombia, while she was born here. She does a great job setting the scene of a happy family life, despite the long hours both her parents worked and the fear of deportation. But the worst part is when deportation happens, and Diane is left by her mother first, and later by both of her parents and her brother, to stay in this country as a teenager with nothing and no one.

This isn't a literary memoir, but it's got some attitude and a lot of perspective. She tells the story of her childhood and her family's struggles in detail, which means that a lot happens in this short book. It is the young reader's edition of her adult book, which I never read, and I'm sure there is more in the adult version. Luckily, this doesn't feel like a poor adaptation of an adult book--it manages to feel like its own book.

After we hear Diane's whole story, including how she finally found some success after really bottoming out in college, she gives resources and inspiration for how to help yourself if you're in this situation or help others who might need help to change their legal status. The last chapter is clear about how the current president changes the goals Diane has and many people have for their families.

I think plenty of people of all ages need to hear this story, and I'm glad there's an edition for younger readers.