Sanctuary for Children

In a near-future dystopian America, where all citizens are chipped and tracked, a young girl named Vali and her family are struggling to survive as undocumented immigrants. It's the year 2032, and Vali, a sixteen-year-old, has carved out a stable and happy life with her family in small-town Vermont. However, when Vali's mother's counterfeit chip starts malfunctioning, and the Deportation Forces raid their town, they are forced to flee.

Now on the run, Vali and her family are desperately trying to make it to her tía Luna's in California, a sanctuary state that is currently being walled off from the rest of the country. But when Vali's mother is detained before their journey even really begins, Vali must carry on with her younger brother across the country to make it to safety before it's too late.

Gripping and urgent, this near-future dystopian narrative, co-authored by Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher, is as haunting as it is hopeful in envisioning a future where everyone can find sanctuary. In this world, it's almost impossible to survive as an undocumented immigrant, but Vali and her family are determined to fight for their freedom and their right to a safe haven.

The story follows Vali's harrowing journey as she navigates a surveillance-heavy society, evades the Deportation Forces, and faces the challenges of keeping her younger brother safe while trying to reach the sanctuary of California. Along the way, Vali must confront her own fears and uncertainties, all while grappling with the realities of a government that has stripped away basic human rights.

Mendoza and Sher's powerful storytelling sheds light on the plight of undocumented immigrants and the harsh realities they face in a world that has become increasingly xenophobic and intolerant. The novel's themes of resilience, family, and the pursuit of freedom resonate deeply, offering a thought-provoking and timely exploration of the social and political issues that continue to shape our world.

With its compelling characters, high-stakes drama, and a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity, this YA debut from the co-founder of the Women's March is a must-read. It challenges readers to confront the complexities of immigration, the dangers of unchecked government power, and the fundamental human need for safety and belonging. Through Vali's journey, the authors invite us to question the boundaries of our own moral and ethical beliefs, and to imagine a future where everyone can find the sanctuary they deserve.

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