We Were Here

What if you were forced to start over, with nothing but the clothes on your back and a secret you can't escape? Explore the raw, unfiltered journey of a teen on the run, discovering what it truly means to find your place when you've lost everything. Follow Miguel as he navigates life in a group home after a terrible event shatters his world. This isn't just a story of survival; it's a powerful look at guilt, friendship, and the difficult path to redemption. You'll learn how small acts of trust can rebuild a life.

Matt de la Peña is a Newbery Medal-winning author whose groundbreaking young adult novels have been lauded for their authentic and compassionate portrayal of working-class teens. Growing up in a bicultural, working-class family near the Mexican border, de la Peña draws from his own experiences to explore complex themes of identity, class, and hope. His background, including a journey from a reluctant reader to a celebrated writer, gives his stories a powerful and relatable honesty that resonates deeply with young people everywhere.