Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
We Are Not from Here
Jenny Torres Sanchez
We Are Not from Here
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jenny Torres Sanchez
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
The rumble of the freight train shakes the ground beneath their feet, and the sharp scent of dust fills the air. Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña clutch their few belongings, hearts pounding as they step into the unknown, chasing a hope that glimmers beyond the horizon. Their journey is filled with danger and heartbreak, but also fierce friendship and courage.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the harrowing journey of three teenagers fleeing violence in Guatemala as they travel through Mexico toward the U.S. border. It offers a realistic and empathetic portrayal of migration, resilience, and hope, suitable for readers aged 9-12, though it includes mature themes of peril and loss. Parents should be aware of emotionally intense content related to family separation, danger, and survival.
Why we rated We Are Not from Here 12IE
We Are Not from Here is written at a Level 7 reading level across 368 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, We Are Not from Here works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate We Are Not from Here as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Family Separation, Dangerous Journey, Emotional Intensity.
Thematically, We Are Not from Here explores friendship, family, survival, social justice, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, family, survival.
- ✓ Readers (and parents) who care about award-recognized writing — We Are Not from Here carries an award.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781984812261
- Pages
- 368
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- May 19, 2020
- Type
- Fiction