The Secret Side of Empty

Andreu, Marie. The Secret Side of Empty. Running Press Kids, 2014.

M.T. doesn't stand out from her classmates.  With her pale skin and blond hair, she looks like many of her fellow seniors. However, M.T. won't be graduating from high school. She won't be traveling abroad with the National Honor Society group.  She won't be getting a driver's license.  M.T. is an undocumented immigrant, so all of the hopes and dreams of her fellow graduates are things she can only wish for.  As her family life and the secrets she hides begin to unravel, M.T. has to decide if she's willing to dare to follow her dreams.

This is an excellent glimpse into the life of a family dealing with immigration issues. I know there are students at my school who are the children of undocumented immigrants or are themselves undocumented.  As soon as I find a magic money tree, I'm getting a copy of this book for my kids.

Recommended for: teens, tweens, adults who work with immigrant populations
Red Flags: none
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars