This semi-autobiographical novel draws on the author's own experience growing up in Manila and moving to the U.S..
The story focuses on Jasmine "inventing her own rules" when the traditional path is blocked. Reader Guide
Primarily aimed at ages 12–17, it is a frequent pick for school book clubs discussing social justice and immigration. Amazon.com: Un lugar para mí (Spanish Edition) Un Lugar Para Mi epub
Her relationship with Royce highlights the vast difference between those with political power and those vulnerable to the system.
Jasmine de los Santos is a "model student"—popular, hardworking, and the pride of her Filipino immigrant parents. She has just secured a full college scholarship when her world collapses: she learns her family's visas expired years ago. Suddenly, the future she worked for is illegal. As Jasmine navigates this new reality, she begins to rebel against the "perfect" rules she followed and finds an unexpected ally (and romance) in Royce Blakely, the son of a congressman. This semi-autobiographical novel draws on the author's own
Readers often connect with the theme of "finding a place" even when you don't feel seen or valued by society.
The book questions what it means to belong to a country that doesn't legally recognize you despite your contributions. Amazon
Jasmine struggles between her Filipino roots and her American upbringing, feeling caught "between two lands".