We Were Here

By Matt de la Peña

Book Overview

Newbery Award-winning author Matt de la Pe a's We Were Here is a fast, funny, smart, and heartbreaking novel Booklist].

When it happened, Miguel was sent to Juvi. The judge gave him a year in a group home--said he had to write in a journal so some counselor could try to figure out how he thinks. The judge had no idea that he actually did Miguel a favor. Ever since it happened, his mom can't even look at him in the face. Any home besides his would be a better place to live.
But Miguel didn't bet on meeting Rondell or Mong or on any of what happened after they broke out. He only thought about Mexico and getting to the border to where he could start over. Forget his mom. Forget his brother. Forget himself.
Life usually doesn' t work out how you think it will, though. And most of the time, running away is the quickest path right back to what you're running from.
From the streets of Stockton to the beaches of Venice, all the way to the Mexican border, We Were Here follows a journey of self-discovery by a boy who is trying to forgive himself in an unforgiving world.

Fast, funny, smart, and heartbreaking...The contemporary survival adventure will keep readers hooked.-Booklist

This gripping story about underprivileged teens is a rewarding read.-VOYA

A furiously paced and gripping novel.-Publishers Weekly

A story of friendship that will appeal to teens and will engage the most reluctant readers.-Kirkus Reviews

An ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Readers

An ALA-YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers

A Junior Library Guild Selection

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385736703
• ISBN13: 9780385736701
• Release Date: September 2010
• Publisher: Random House Children's Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 14 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 9 to 12

Customer Reviews

A YAL Masterpiece

We Were Here deserves any and all awards and accolades coming to it, and probably many that haven't been thought of. Not since I've read Pete Hautman's books have I been so taken by a book written for teens. I teach young adult literature in a middle school and come across HUNDREDS of books each year, and most of them, frankly, are not all that terrific; worse, I know my students won't like them. Unfortunately, I can't recommend this book to my students (6th graders) because the content and language is much more suitable for high school students. I do, however, urge everyone else to pick up this book. De La Pena is a gifted and natural storyteller who knows how to capture an audience and keep them up long after darkness has fallen. This is the kind of book that will keep students up with the flashlight long after the lights have gone out. Borrowing themes from Of Mice and Men and Catcher in the Rye - which Miguel, the main character, is reading - Pena takes Miguel, the main character, on a gritty adventure of heartbreak, hope, mystery, tragedy, and redemption. If this all seems too cliched, it is not; in Pena's yarn, it is a true original. Some more conservative readers might not want to read this book because of the urban slang and the theme of being a minority in this country. But Pena doesn't beat you on the head with it: the true gift is the story itself; the rest is just The Way It Is. The last YAL book I read that I was so taken with was Godless by Pete Hautman, which won the National Book Award; if there is any justice in this world, De La Pena will soon be crafting his acceptance speech. Quick p.s. - I met Matt at this year's NCTE conference...super nice guy; doesn't seem to realize his genius!

A Great Road Trip for Teens and Adults

I'm a big fan of de la Pena's writing and in this latest book he delivers a deeply moving, highly literary, and incredibly engaging novel that both teens and adults can thoroughly enjoy. De la Pena nails the urban language and voice of his young protagonist, Miguel, and his two unlikely friends, delivering a powerful character study of three boys who are of different races, religions, and are all overcoming deep personal tragedy. It is a book that takes you on a journey through the eyes of these teens who are struggling to find their way in life. This book will move you, entertain you, and break your heart. And if you don't believe me, just look at what the "experts" have to say: ". . . fast, funny, smart, and heartbreaking." - Booklist "A story of friendship that will appeal to teens and will engage the most reluctant readers." - Kirkus Reviews I must admit that I couldn't say it better myself. Read this book.

Honest and Straight Forward

Reading outside my favorite genres is something that is sometimes difficult for me to do... but I try to when I can so that I can recommend books to lots of different readers. This effort on my part is sweetly rewarded when I find books like We Were Here. This is a story of a boy who must face his past and deal with the fact that he is not the only person on the planet who wasn't given an easy life. In fact Miguel finds out that his is just one story among many. After being sent to a boys home Miguel meets Rondell and Mong. Despite barely knowing each other they decide to runaway and go to Mexico where Mong supposedly has some connections that will lead them all to a better life. What they really find is friendship, hard times and the knowledge that in order to move on to the future you have to face your past. This is a really great book...the story is honest and straight forward but not overwhelming. The author does a great job of giving us all the details without being overly emotional or going for the shock factor. This book made me want to read all of Matt de la Pena's books, he is a great writer!

Great Book!

Wow! This book is awesome. I've long been a fan of de la Pena's work. But this is my favorite. The narrator, Miguel, is so real. And I just wanted to take Rondell home with me. Great teen novel! Highly recommend.

Fabulous Read!

We Were Here is Matt de la Peña's latest book and it's a clear winner. The characters are great, funny and sad adventures, and a great storyline that keeps you hanging on until the end. I don't want to give away most of the story; but, it's about Miguel, his developing friendship with two other boys from the group home and their adventures and mis-adventures, and his relationship with his brother and mother. There are some twists and turns that the reader does not see coming and the mystery of Miguel's past keeps the reader hooked to the end. The characters were so believable and he nailed their personalities perfectly. I laughed, I cried, and couldn't put the book down. Very satisfying read and a great ending. This book for young adults would be great for all readers including relunctant readers.