SANTIAGO'S ROAD HOME

Timothy Andrés Pabon's narration merges Spanish and English, high emotions, and tension in this audiobook. Since his mother's death when he was 5, Santiago has been shuffled among relatives who neglect and abuse him. Pabon expresses the 12-year-old's resignation, then a glimmer an idea. Might he escape from Mexico to the U.S.? Pabon contrasts Santiago's original hopelessness with the kindness of a single mother and a little girl who welcome him into their family. Their bond builds as the trio take on the threats of murdering coyote guides, grueling desert travel, and, the worst, separation from each other. Pabon also stresses Santiago's resilience and growing hope amid the horrors of a detention center. This heartfelt story personalizes the injustices suffered by refugee youth. S.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2020]