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We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults

Adobe EPUB eBook Series

What’s inside...

With refreshing candor, photos and interviews usher us into the lives of eleven undocumented young people bravely speaking out. The Stonewall Honor-winning author of Beyond Magenta shares the intimate, eye-opening stories of nine undocumented young adults living in America. 'Maybe next time they hear someone railing about how terrible immigrants are, they'll think about me. I'm a real person.' Meet nine courageous young adults who have lived in the United States with a secret for much of their lives: they are not U.S. citizens. They came from Colombia, Mexico, Ghana, Independent Samoa, and Korea. They came seeking education, fleeing violence, and escaping poverty. All have heartbreaking and hopeful stories about leaving their homelands and starting a new life in America. And all are weary of living in the shadows. We Are Here to Stay is a very different book than it was intended to be when originally slated for a 2017 release, illustrated with Susan Kuklin's gorgeous full-color portraits. Since the last presidential election and the repeal of DACA, it is no longer safe for these young adults to be identified in photographs or by name. Their photographs have been replaced with empty frames, and their names are represented by first initials. We are honored to publish these enlightening, honest, and brave accounts that encourage open, thoughtful conversation about the complexities of immigration -- and the uncertain future of immigrants in America.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

14-17

Length

192 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

How do you think the stories in the book show the challenges faced by undocumented young adults?
What feelings did you experience while reading about the struggles and dreams of the people featured in the book?
Why is it important to understand and respect people from different backgrounds and situations?
How can we support people in our community who might be facing similar challenges as those described in the book?
What did you learn about resilience and hope from the stories of these young adults?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes to create a comfortable environment for open discussion. Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves in the shoes of the book’s characters. Highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion, and discuss how understanding different perspectives can enrich our lives. Use the stories as a springboard to explore broader social issues and what it means to be a supportive community member.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book shares personal stories from young undocumented immigrants, allowing readers to hear direct perspectives and challenges faced by these individuals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and trying to understand the diverse backgrounds and struggles of their peers.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The narratives highlight the strength and perseverance of the undocumented young adults as they navigate complex social and legal landscapes.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to develop resilience when encountering their own challenges, understanding that obstacles can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: The importance of advocacy
Explanation: The book illustrates the role of activism and standing up for one’s rights through the stories of young adults who advocate for immigrant rights.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of participating in or supporting causes they believe in, fostering a sense of community and responsibility.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and inclusivity
Explanation: Through its diverse voices, the book educates readers about different cultures and the experiences of immigrants, promoting inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace and celebrate cultural differences, leading to more inclusive behavior in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking about justice and equity
Explanation: The book prompts readers to think critically about the fairness of immigration laws and the concept of equity in society.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this critical thinking to understand and question societal norms and laws, promoting a more just and equitable world.