I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

By: Erika L. Sánchez

Narrated by: Kyla Garcia

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A “stunning” (America Ferrera) YA novel about a teenager coming to terms with losing her sister and finding herself amid the pressures, expectations, and stereotypes of growing up in a Mexican American home.

“Alive and crackling—a gritty tale wrapped in a page-turner. ”—The New York Times

Perfect Mexican daughters do not go away to college. And they do not move out of their parents’ house after high school graduation. Perfect Mexican daughters never abandon their family.

But Julia is not your perfect Mexican daughter. That was Olga’s role.

Then a tragic accident on the busiest street in Chicago leaves Olga dead and Julia left behind to reassemble the shattered pieces of her family. And no one seems to acknowledge that Julia is broken, too. Instead, her mother seems to channel her grief into pointing out every possible way Julia has failed.

But it’s not long before Julia discovers that Olga might not have been as perfect as everyone thought. With the help of her best friend Lorena, and her first love, first everything boyfriend Connor, Julia is determined to find out. Was Olga really what she seemed? Or was there more to her sister’s story? And either way, how can Julia even attempt to live up to a seemingly impossible ideal?

Critic reviews

“I fell in love with Erika L. Sánchez’ stunning novel....The depth, wit and searing intelligence of her writing, and her young Latina heroine, struck me to my core and left me wanting so much more." --America Ferrera, Emmy award-winning actress in Ugly Betty

“This book will change everything. . . . A perfect book about imperfection.” —Juan Felipe Herrera, Poet Laureate of the United States

“Unique and fresh.” —Entertainment Weekly

“A standout.” —NPR

“A wonderfully complex and interesting character.” —Los Angeles Review of Books

“Blistering. Julia’s persona rockets off the page and into your face from the get-go.” —Christian Science Monitor

“If you ever wanted to [understand] the harsh truths of immigrant life, this is the book you need to read.” —Bustle

“As poignant as it is incisive.” —AV Club

“An earnest and heartfelt tale.” —Booklist

“A timely and must-have account of survival in a culturally contested world.” —SLJ, Starred

“Beautifully written.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review

"Ultimately, it’s Julia herself who’s the key to the novel... She’ll resonate with many readers, and they’ll be glad to see her make it through a tough time." —The Bulletin, starred review

Culture and Mental health

loved the intersection between culture and mental health. its raw and beautiful. The author is authentic

Enjoyed

Didn’t expect the perfect anything in this book, other than being able to relate to the characters. It brought good- ad- indifferent memories, but overall enjoyable. My passengers enjoyed, my friends, and family did as well. Why? Because if you ride with me you listen to what I listen too.

Strong story

I loved this novel! It portrays a strong Chicano perspective. I think many Chicano’s can relate to some of the many themes that this novel conveys.

So Good

This book takes you on a roller coaster ride with the protagonist and leaves you on the edge of your seat.

1st generation Daughter

Loved this book. So much was relatable. All the secrets and how my generation never communicated with our parents. The trauma we carry with us is real and most if us keep it inside. Thank you for this book ❤️