118 pages 3 hours read

Matt de la Peña

We Were Here

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

We Were Here, a Newbury-Award-winning young adult novel by Matt de la Peña, follows the protagonist Miguel Castaneda, who, after being sentenced to a year in a group home, keeps a journal as required by the judge. Miguel navigates isolation, family tension, and spiritual growth, eventually escaping the group home with two other residents. Their journey through southern California leads to personal realizations, reconciliation, and emotional evolution. Themes include coming-of-age, impulsive decision-making, and the impact of randomness on life outcomes. The story involves mentions of juvenile detention and family trauma.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

We Were Here by Matt de la Peña is a compelling exploration of redemption and self-discovery. Critics appreciate its nuanced portrayal of troubled youth, authentic dialogue, and emotional depth. However, some find the pacing uneven and secondary characters underdeveloped. Overall, it stands out for its raw, heartfelt narrative that resonates with readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read We Were Here?

We Were Here by Matt de la Peña will captivate readers who appreciate introspective, coming-of-age narratives. Fans of Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian or S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders will find the story's themes of personal growth and grappling with adversity compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

14-18years

Lexile Level

770L

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Education

Modern Classic Fiction

Topics

Education

Arts / Culture

Themes

Relationships: Family