The Everything I Have Lost

12-year-old Julia keeps a diary about her life growing up in Juárez, Mexico. Life in Juárez is strange. People say it's the murder capital of the world. Dad’s gone a lot. They can’t play outside because it isn’t safe. Drug cartels rule the streets. Cars and people disappear, leaving behind pet cats. Then Dad disappears and Julia and her brother go live with her aunt in El Paso. What’s happened to her Dad? Julia wonders. Is he going to disappear forever? A coming-of-age story set in today’s Juárez.
Culture/Community: Mexican / Mexican American
Heritage & History: Hispanic Heritage and History
Themes for Middle Grade/YA: Writing & Journals Strong Girls and Women Big Responsibilities Coming of Age Family and Friends Grief and Death Identity Immigration Mental Health Tough Topics
Format: Novel
Age Level: Middle Grade (9-14)
Book Series: Growing Up Along the Border: Stories for Young Adults Journeys in YA: Hispanic Heritage Coming of Age: Important Choices
9781947627178