The Only Road

By Alexandra Diaz

Part of the The Only Road series

A boy flees Guatemala, risking everything for a new life in the U.S.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,802 ratings

320 pages

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Jaime's life in Guatemala shatters when his cousin is murdered by a ruthless gang. Fearing he's next, Jaime embarks on a perilous journey to New Mexico with his cousin Ángela. As they navigate danger and uncertainty, Jaime must confront his fears and find courage in the face of loss. Will he find safety and a new beginning, or will the shadows of his past catch up with him? This gripping tale of survival and hope explores the lengths one will go to for a chance at a better life.

From the publisher

PURA BELPRÉ HONOR BOOK ALA NOTABLE BOOK “Powerful and timely.” –Booklist (starred review) “An important, must-have addition to the growing body of literature with immigrant themes.” –School Library Journal (starred review) Twelve-year-old Jaime makes the treacherous and life-changing journey from his home in Guatemala to live with his older brother in the United States in this gripping and realistic middle grade novel. Jaime is sitting on his bed drawing when he hears a scream. Instantly, he knows: Miguel, his cousin and best friend, is dead. Everyone in Jaime’s small town in Guatemala knows someone who has been killed by the Alphas, a powerful gang that’s known for violence and drug trafficking. Anyone who refuses to work for them is hurt or killed–like Miguel. With Miguel gone, Jaime fears that he is next. There’s only one choice: accompanied by his cousin Ángela, Jaime must flee his home to live with his older brother in New Mexico. Inspired by true events, The Only Road is an individual story of a boy who feels that leaving his home and risking everything is his only chance for a better life. It is a story of fear and bravery, love and loss, strangers becoming family, and one boy’s treacherous and life-changing journey.