We Were Here [Hardcover]

Matt de la Pena (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 13, 2009

The story of one boy and his journey to find himself.

When it happened, Miguel was sent to Juvi. The judge gave him a year in a group home—said he had to write in a journal so some counselor could try to figure out how he thinks. The judge had no idea that he actually did Miguel a favor. Ever since it happened, his mom can’t even look at him in the face. Any home besides his would be a better place to live.

But Miguel didn’t bet on meeting Rondell or Mong or on any of what happened after they broke out. He only thought about Mexico and getting to the border to where he could start over. Forget his mom. Forget his brother. Forget himself.

Life usually doesn’t work out how you think it will, though. And most of the time, running away is the quickest path right back to what you’re running from.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up—Miguel struggles to forgive himself for a tragic event that changed his life and his family forever. He willingly accepts his one-year sentence to a juvenile detention center and the requirement that he keep a journal. De La Peña uses the conceit of the journal to tell the story in Miguel's words. At the center, Miguel befriends Rondell, a mentally challenged teen prone to violent outbursts, and Mong, a troubled boy with myriad physical and emotional problems. Mong organizes an escape, and with little apparent thought, Miguel and Rondell agree to join him. The boys' convoluted travels take them up and down the California coast and are recorded in Miguel's journal, along with his personal journey of self-discovery. It is frustrating that the salient event, the one that led to Miguel's incarceration, is kept from readers, and most other characters, until the end of the book. Once the truth of what happened is exposed, it is difficult to comprehend the callousness shown to Miguel by other family members; in fact, readers may question why he was imprisoned at all. The premise of juvenile delinquents on the run, camping out, and trying to survive and to find themselves will appeal to teens, but the story is just too drawn out to hold the interest of most of them.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA
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About the Author

Matt de la Peña lives and writes in Brooklyn, New York, where he teaches creative writing.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (October 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385736673
• ISBN-13: 978-0385736671
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.2 x 8.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #569,971 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Matt de la Pena's debut novel, Ball Don't Lie, was an ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults and an ALA-YALSA Quick Pick and is soon to be released as a motion picture starring Ludacris, Nick Cannon, Emelie de Ravin, Grayson Boucher, and Rosanna Arquette (based on the screenplay he co-wrote with director Brin Hill). de la Pena's second novel, Mexican WhiteBoy, was an ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adult (Top Ten Pick), a 2009 Notable Book for a Global Society, a Junior Library Guild Selection and made the 2008 Bulletin for the Center of Children's Literature Blue Ribbon List. His third novel, We Were Here, will be published by Delacorte in October, 2009. His short fiction has appeared in various literary journals, including: Pacific Review, The Vincent Brothers Review, Chiricu, Two Girl's Review, George Mason Review, and Allegheny Literary Review. de la Pena received his MFA in creative writing from San Diego State University and his BA from the University of the Pacific, where he attended school on a full athletic scholarship for basketball. He currently lives in Brooklyn, NY, where he teaches creative writing.

Website: mattdelapena.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Honest and Straight Forward, October 22, 2009

By 

Darcy Wishard "libraryloungelizard.com" (Kelso, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: We Were Here (Hardcover)

Reading outside my favorite genres is something that is sometimes difficult for me to do... but I try to when I can so that I can recommend books to lots of different readers. This effort on my part is sweetly rewarded when I find books like We Were Here.

This is a story of a boy who must face his past and deal with the fact that he is not the only person on the planet who wasn't given an easy life. In fact Miguel finds out that his is just one story among many.

After being sent to a boys home Miguel meets Rondell and Mong. Despite barely knowing each other they decide to runaway and go to Mexico where Mong supposedly has some connections that will lead them all to a better life.

What they really find is friendship, hard times and the knowledge that in order to move on to the future you have to face your past.

This is a really great book...the story is honest and straight forward but not overwhelming. The author does a great job of giving us all the details without being overly emotional or going for the shock factor. This book made me want to read all of Matt de la Pena's books, he is a great writer!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Road Trip for Teens and Adults, October 29, 2009

By 

Bookish Brooklynite (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: We Were Here (Hardcover)

I'm a big fan of de la Pena's writing and in this latest book he delivers a deeply moving, highly literary, and incredibly engaging novel that both teens and adults can thoroughly enjoy. De la Pena nails the urban language and voice of his young protagonist, Miguel, and his two unlikely friends, delivering a powerful character study of three boys who are of different races, religions, and are all overcoming deep personal tragedy. It is a book that takes you on a journey through the eyes of these teens who are struggling to find their way in life. This book will move you, entertain you, and break your heart. And if you don't believe me, just look at what the "experts" have to say:

". . . fast, funny, smart, and heartbreaking." - Booklist

"A story of friendship that will appeal to teens and will engage the most reluctant readers." - Kirkus Reviews

I must admit that I couldn't say it better myself.

Read this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Read!, October 20, 2009

By 

S. Little "lovelibros" (Carrizo Springs, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: We Were Here (Hardcover)

We Were Here is Matt de la Peña's latest book and it's a clear winner. The characters are great, funny and sad adventures, and a great storyline that keeps you hanging on until the end.

I don't want to give away most of the story; but, it's about Miguel, his developing friendship with two other boys from the group home and their adventures and mis-adventures, and his relationship with his brother and mother. There are some twists and turns that the reader does not see coming and the mystery of Miguel's past keeps the reader hooked to the end. The characters were so believable and he nailed their personalities perfectly. I laughed, I cried, and couldn't put the book down.

Very satisfying read and a great ending. This book for young adults would be great for all readers including relunctant readers.