We Are Not from Here
by Jenny Torres Sanchez
Penguin 2021
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include violence and trauma
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Genre
Themes
- migration and displacement
- survival
- friendship and loyalty
- family
- courage
- hope and resilience
- violence and trauma
- identity
About this book
Three teens—Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña—are forced to flee their Guatemalan town when gang violence and threats make staying impossible. Their desperate journey across Mexico, including riding La Bestia, tests their courage, loyalty, and hope at every turn. Told in gripping, lyrical prose, the story shines a light on the real dangers migrants face and the dreams that keep them moving. Ideal for mature teens, it’s a powerful, empathetic read that sparks discussion about borders, family, and survival.
Setting: a small town in Guatemala; the migrant trail through Mexico (La Bestia) to the U.S.–Mexico border; present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is We Are Not from Here right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for We Are Not from Here. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include migration and displacement, survival, friendship and loyalty.
How long does it take to read We Are Not from Here?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, We Are Not from Here takes around 9.3h to finish. The book has 92,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does We Are Not from Here have an AR quiz?
Yes — We Are Not from Here has an AR quiz available, worth 13 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is We Are Not from Here?
We Are Not from Here has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.