Living Beyond Borders:Growing up Mexican in America

 Living Beyond Borders Edited by Margarita Longoria

Bibliographic Data 

Longoria, M. (2021). Living beyond borders: growing up Mexican in America. Philomel Books, An Imprint of Random House Llc. ISBN: 9780593204979 

Summary 

This book is a collectiion of short stories about Mexican Americans and the challenges they faced growing up in their community. Many of the short stories dealt with racism, trying to identify where they fit in and overcoming obstacles to be successful. 

Critical Analysis 

This book that was edited by Margarita Longoria, it was a powerful book. The opportunity for the Mexican American authors to really share their life and their struggles in trying to fit in a culture that was not always welcoming will open the eyes of every reader. The choices that many of these authors made while growing up really allowed for the reader to consider how their lives were similar or different. Some readers may even make personal connections if they had students in their class who did not speak much English. It gives these students a real perspective of what students go through when they have diverse backgrounds from the majority. Being able to read about the choices that were made or even the situations that the authors lived through shows the reader that it is possible to persevere through those rough stages because that is what makes you strong.  

Reviews and Awards 

Publishers Weekly, 08/09/2021 

In this enriching anthology, editor Longoria opens with an impassioned note, sharing how she wants each contribution “to educate others and celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of the Mexican American culture.” 

Booklist Starred Reviews, 08/01/2021 

*Starred Review* The experiences portrayed in this anthology are deeply personal with sharp, heartfelt ruminations on the experience of living on the “cusp of two cultures,” as Longoria notes in the introduction.  

Kirkus Review, 07/01/2021 

Twenty original contributions by Mexican American authors about growing up in the U.S. In a note to readers, editor Longoria describes feeling compelled to create this anthology as she saw Mexican Americans being attacked and derided in the media. The standouts here pack a real emotional punch. Awareness of the impact of socio-economic status often takes center stage, and several pieces are set in the Rio Grande Valley. 

School Library Connection Star, 05/01/2021 

Every reader will be swept up in surprise, joy, and tears. Not to be missed, this richly worded anthology should be celebrated for its dignitas, perspective, and deep well of cultural and social diversity. 

 

Connections 

• Discussion Questions from National Education Association 

• Explore Words Without Borders Campus website, that houses contemporary literature from across the globe. 

• Consider reading Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance (2019) and Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America (2020)."