Jennifer De Leon

Available now!

Book Buzz

TODAY Show: Read with Jenna Jr. 2023 Summer Pick! 

‘Borderless’ is a YA novel about a teenage migrant separated from her mother – NPR Here & Now

Q&A: Jennifer De Leon on her new YA novel ‘Borderless’ – Boston.com

Workshops & Presentations

If you’re interested in having Jenn visit your school or organization, please get in touch!

Borderless

Caught in the cross hairs of gang violence, a teen girl and her mother set off on a perilous journey from Guatemala City to the US border...

For seventeen-year-old Maya, trashion is her passion, and her talent for making clothing out of unusual objects landed her a scholarship to Guatemala City’s most prestigious art school and a finalist spot in the school’s fashion show. Mamá is her biggest supporter, taking on extra jobs to pay for what the scholarship doesn’t cover, and she might be even more excited than Maya about what the fashion show could do for her future career.

So when Mamá doesn’t come to the show, Maya doesn’t know what to think. But the truth is worse than she could have imagined. The gang threats in their neighborhood have walked in their front door—with a boy Maya considered a friend, or maybe more, among them. After barely making their escape, Maya and her mom have no choice but to continue their desperate flight all the way through Guatemala and Mexico in hopes of crossing the US border.

They have to cross. They must cross! Can they?

Praise

★ “De Leon (Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From) tackles stereotypes and thoroughly unravels reductive narratives about immigration in this excellent work. … Seamlessly woven elements result in a poignant, coming-of-age novel. A standout title.” – School Library Journal, Starred Review

★ “De Leon’s story offers a real-world truth: immigrants face some of the greatest injustices and uncertain futures, but they carry with them their past, their loves, and a powerful glimmer of hope.” – BCCB, Starred Review

“An engrossing exploration of youths and gang violence.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Recommended for its authentic teen voice, close mother-daughter relationship, and especially for its affecting depictions of daily life in Guatemala and the dehumanizing experience of entering the U.S. as an asylum seeker.” – Booklist

“Grabbing and nicely-woven, this tale places a girl’s inspiring determination against a harsh reality and allows fate to pull both in unexpected ways.” – Bookworm for Kids

“Those who read “Borderless” will find solace and create an intimate connection to Maya and her journey.” – LatinX in Publishing

 

Stay in Touch!

Join Jennifer De Leon's Mailing List

You'll receive occasional news and updates.

You can unsubscribe anytime.