Book details
When We Make It: A Nuyorican Novel
Description
"The energy. The clarity. The beauty. Elisabet Velasquez brings it all. . . . Her voice is FIRE!"-NYT bestselling and award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson An unforgettable, torrential, and hopeful debut young adult novel-in-verse that redefines what it means to "make it," for readers of Nicholasa Mohr and Elizabeth Acevedo.Sarai is a first-generation Puerto Rican question asker who can see with clarity the truth, pain, and beauty of the world both inside and outside her Bushwick apartment. Together with her older sister, Estrella, she navigates the strain of family traumas and the systemic pressures of toxic masculinity and housing insecurity in a rapidly gentrifying Brooklyn. Sarai questions the society around her, her Boricua identity, and the life she lives with determination and an open heart, learning to celebrate herself in a way that she has long been denied.When We Make It is a love letter to anyone who was taught to believe that they would not make it. To those who feel their emotions before they can name them. To those who still may not have all the language but they have their story. Velasquez' debut novel is sure to leave an indelible mark on all who read it.
Age
14-17
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
384 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Insight: 'When We Make It: A Nuyorican Novel' offers readers a deep and authentic look into the Nuyorican experience, which is a blend of Puerto Rican culture and New York City life. Reading this book provides an opportunity to understand and appreciate the unique cultural identity, struggles, and triumphs of the Nuyorican community.
- Empowering Narrative: The novel follows the journey of a young Puerto Rican girl navigating life's challenges in Brooklyn. Her story is one of resilience and determination, which can serve as an inspiration to readers. It's a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself.
- Poetic Prose: Elisabet Velasquez, being a poet, infuses her prose with lyrical beauty and raw emotion. The novel's poetic style is not only a pleasure to read but also enriches the storytelling, making the protagonist's experiences and inner world more vivid and relatable.
- Social Commentary: Through its narrative, 'When We Make It' addresses important social issues such as poverty, gentrification, and the education system. It encourages readers to think critically about these issues and fosters empathy for those who are affected by them. The book is a powerful tool for sparking discussions about social justice and community solidarity.