"For all its flaws," Sara and Emiliano believe, "the United States justice system was as good as it gets on this here earth." But after barely surviving their journey across the border, the siblings aren't sure the U.S. will provide the safe haven they so desperately need in Illegal, the second installment in Francisco X. Stork's compelling young adult series that began with Disappeared.
While investigating the disappearances of young women in her hometown of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, reporter Sara Zapata uncovered a human trafficking ring. Sara's investigation turned her family's world upside down, forcing them to flee their home. Ten days ago, she arrived at Fort Stockton Detention Center, where she will be detained until her asylum request is heard. Meanwhile, younger brother Emiliano lays low in Chicago with their father, a permanent resident, where he is trying to get an incriminating cell phone to someone who can help uncover the criminals behind the trafficking ring. As they come to realize U.S. justice isn't swift, and danger followed them from Mexico, Sara and Emiliano wonder if they'll ever be safe.
Stork's Illegal is a thrilling and heartbreaking look at immigration and the U.S. judicial system. While Emiliano and Sara are the main focus, Stork does a beautiful job of depicting a variety of immigration experiences, as well as others' perceptions of immigrants. Sara and Emiliano narrate alternating chapters, incorporating the stories of those around them into their own traumatic accounts: Sara bears witness to other women being held in the detention center on asylum claims; Emiliano sees how much his father gave up to appear "American." Thought-provoking and insightful, Illegal is a bold examination of conscience, hope and the courage to do what's right. --Kyla Paterno, freelance reviewer