Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America edited by Margarita Longoria

Bibliography

Longoria, M. (2022). Living beyond borders: Growing up Mexican in America. Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. 

Plot Summary

Being different is never easy, especially when you are Mexican-American. Despite living in America most of or all of their lives, Mexican-Americans often still find themselves enveloped in a tug-of-war between two sets of cultural expectations, bias’, and taboos. In this collection of short stories, personal essays, poetry, and more, read about the perspectives and personal struggles of living as a Mexican-American in today’s society. 

Critical Analysis

In this compilation of short stories, personal essays, poems, and more by various authors, readers will have an opportunity to view varying perspectives from the storytellers. Compiling writings such as these, not only allows for readers to understand more about living as a Mexican-American today, but also the cultural and societal struggles of feeling as though one doesn’t belong. Readers will be consumed by each piece as the voice of each writer plunges into the depths of topics and scenarios often overlooked or dismissed today. 

Review Excerpt(s)

"Superlative . . . A memorable collection." --Booklist 

"Voices reach out from the pages of this anthology . . . It will make a lasting impression on all readers." --School Library Journal

"This superb anthology of short stories, comics, and poems is fresh, funny, and full of authentic YA voices revealing what it means to be Mexican American . . . Not to be missed."--School Library Connection

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Poem: Have students explore the issues that surround crossing the borders that divide our society and their lives by writing a narrative poem. 

• Discussion Questions: What did you learn about Mexican and Mexican American communities by reading this book? How do the authors share their truths while subverting stereotypes?

• Discuss the theme of having to “defend who we are, where we were born, and prove to others that we are, in fact, Americans” runs through several works in this anthology. Have students discuss or write about the following: 

-Why does this happen? 

-Has this ever happened to you?

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed: 15 Voices from the Latinx Diaspora by Saraciea J. Fennell
• We Are Not from Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez
• I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez