Don't Ask Me Where I'm From

By: Jennifer De Leon

Narrated by: Inés del Castillo

“A funny, perceptive, and much-needed book telling a much-needed story.” —Celeste Ng, author of the New York Times bestseller Little Fires Everywhere

First-generation American LatinX Liliana Cruz does what it takes to fit in at her new nearly all-white school. But when family secrets spill out and racism at school ramps up, she must decide what she believes in and take a stand.

Liliana Cruz is a hitting a wall—or rather, walls.

There’s the wall her mom has put up ever since Liliana’s dad left—again.

There’s the wall that delineates Liliana’s diverse inner-city Boston neighborhood from Westburg, the wealthy—and white—suburban high school she’s just been accepted into.

And there’s the wall Liliana creates within herself, because to survive at Westburg, she can’t just lighten up, she has to whiten up.

So what if she changes her name? So what if she changes the way she talks? So what if she’s seeing her neighborhood in a different way? But then light is shed on some hard truths: It isn’t that her father doesn’t want to come home—he can’t…and her whole family is in jeopardy. And when racial tensions at school reach a fever pitch, the walls that divide feel insurmountable.

But a wall isn’t always a barrier. It can be a foundation for something better. And Liliana must choose: Use this foundation as a platform to speak her truth, or risk crumbling under its weight.

Critic reviews

"Narrator Inés del Castillo gives 15-year-old Lilliana an authentic-sounding voice as she speaks directly to the listener. This timely novel examines immigration, legal and illegal, as well as the shortcomings of well-meaning but poorly executed attempts to diversify schools. Del Castillo's teenage vernacular is realistic as Lilliana deals with a life-changing opportunity and the uncovering of family secrets. Years ago, her parents signed her up for METCO, a program that gives inner-city Boston students an opportunity to attend a better suburban school. Finally, sophomore year, she's in. Del Castillo captures Lillianna's varied emotions as she tries to fit in among the wealthy suburbanites, learns her family's secrets, finds her voice, and moves to connect her worlds."

perspective

A wonderful read from cover to cover. The characters are genuine and offer a different perspective on a typical high school coming of age story. A valuable look at the importance of diversity.

Ya te tardaste en leerme

I didn’t know what I was going to get in this book, or where it would take me.
May I say, I loved everything about it. The storyline is excellent the narrator does a wonderful job being the story to life.
As a reader/listener we are transported to the world Jennifer De Leon created. Not once will you say, okay let’s love this along. On the contrary, you will rewind and want to catch every word

Excellent book and highly recommended.

Lili’s teen voice is honest and inviting

The assembly fight did not seem necessary or true otherwise I really enjoyed the story and different perspectives of the high school students

Love this novel

Thankfully to have an author tell a poignant story of resilience of immigrants. Definitely a must read for young LATIN students.

On point

Educates without being preachy, shows doesn’t tell. No finger pointing and accusations that often shut down dialog. Explores the sometimes uncomfortable and awkward interactions between people from different backgrounds. I know it is cliché, but this should be required ready in white suburban schools. Disclaimer: I am biased because I’m from Boston and knew all the places the author mentions.

This book hit home with me because I was a minority in my school far from home dealing with culture shock. And I understand the uneasiness of being looked at to be the representative of your race in a class room and wanting to just teleport out of there.

Worth your time