Indivisible
on Goodreads (2,121)
What’s inside...
This timely, moving debut novel follows a teen's efforts to keep his family together as his parents face deportation. Mateo Garcia and his younger sister, Sophie, have been taught to fear one word for as long as they can remember: deportation. Over the past few years, however, the fear that their undocumented immigrant parents could be sent back to Mexico started to fade. Ma and Pa have been in the United States for so long, they have American-born children, and they're hard workers and good neighbors. When Mateo returns from school one day to find that his parents have been taken by ICE, he realizes that his family's worst nightmare has become a reality. With his parents' fate and his own future hanging in the balance, Mateo must figure out who he is and what he is capable of, even as he's forced to question what it means to be an American. Daniel Aleman's Indivisible is a remarkable story—both powerful in its explorations of immigration in America and deeply intimate in its portrait of a teen boy driven by his fierce, protective love for his parents and his sister.
Age
14-18
Length
416 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mateo Garcia
Kimmie
Sophie Garcia
Adam
Mateo'S Father
Discussion points
What do you think Mateo felt when he had to take care of his sister after their parents were deported? How would you feel in his situation?
How do Mateo’s friendships change throughout the story? Have you ever experienced changes in friendships?
Mateo faces several challenges, but also finds support. Who helps him, and what kind of support do they provide?
How do the themes of love and family appear throughout the book? Why do you think these themes are important?
If you were in Mateo’s shoes, what would you have done differently and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Mateo's shoes, discussing how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Highlight the significance of community support by discussing the people who help Mateo and the importance of having a support system.
Foster a conversation about resilience by discussing how Mateo handles his responsibilities and challenges.
Use real-life connections if possible, discussing any personal family experiences that relate to the themes of separation or unity.
Encourage them to think critically about the decisions Mateo makes and explore alternative choices and outcomes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Family Unity and Support
Explanation: In 'Indivisible,' the protagonist deals with parental deportation, highlighting the immense impact of family support and unity in challenging times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of standing together with family members during hardships, fostering resilience and mutual support.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As the main character navigates complex emotions and situations, readers learn about the importance of empathy towards others who are experiencing difficulties.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cultivate empathy in their daily interactions, promoting better understanding and cooperation with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The book shows how the protagonist perseveres despite emotional and societal challenges, teaching readers about resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own challenges with courage and determination, understanding that obstacles can be overcome with persistence.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness and Diversity
Explanation: Through its depiction of a Mexican-American family, 'Indivisible' explores cultural identity and diversity, enriching the reader's world view.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate and respect cultural differences, fostering inclusivity in their everyday environments.
Example Lesson: Importance of Advocacy
Explanation: As characters in the story advocate for their rights and the rights of others, the book underscores the importance of standing up for oneself and one's community.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be proactive about their beliefs and to understand their role in shaping a just society.