Halfway to Somewhere - by Jose Pimienta

About the Book

Ave must adjust to a new country, a new school, and a new family dynamic when their mom and younger brother move to Kansas while their father and older sister stay in Mexico during the parents' divorce.

Book Synopsis

New school, new country, but only half a family?! Embark on a coming of age journey with a middle school teen navigating their parent's divorce while moving to a new country in this stunning graphic novel.

Ave thought moving to Kansas would be boring and flat after enjoying the mountains and trails in Mexico, but at least they would have their family with them. Unfortunately, while Ave, their mom, and their younger brother are relocating to the US, Ave's father and older sister will be staying in Mexico...permanently. Their parents are getting a divorce.

As if learning a whole new language wasn't hard enough, and now a Middle-Schooler has to figure out a new family dynamic...and what this means for them as they start middle school with no friends.

Jose Pimienta's stunningly illustrated and thought provoking middle graphic novel is about exploring identity, understanding family, making friends with a language barrier, and above all else, learning what truly makes a place a home.

Review Quotes

★ "A love letter to borderland kids working to shape, nurture, and forge their own cultural identities." --Booklist, starred review

"Quiet moments blend with richer conversations about identity, cultural authenticity, and family dynamics in this thoughtful portrayal of transition and adolescence that balances lightheartedness with more serious undertones." --Publishers Weekly

"Pimienta explores the complexities of identity through multiple lenses, including language, culture, values, gender, and family structure....An intriguing variation on border stories that looks at the challenges surrounding an intentional family separation." --Kirkus Reviews

"Pair this with Craft's New Kid for readers who need a little encouragement when making a start in an unfamiliar place." --The Bulletin

About the Author

Jose Pimienta was raised in Mexicali, Baja California and now resides in Los Angeles, CA where they work on comics and storyboards for animation and film. Suncatcher was their debut YA graphic novel and ended on many 'Best of' lists. Their second graphic novel, Twin Cities received four starred reviews and Jose's work with students, in both English and Spanish, has made they a great guest at many school across the US. In their stories, they focus on the importance of Latinx culture and the experience of growing up on the border.