Reviews for Just Like Us by Helen Thorpe commend its empathetic portrayal of four Mexican-American girls navigating the complexities of immigration in the U.S. The narrative is lauded for its deep research and humanizing storytelling. Criticisms include occasional pacing issues and a tendency to overemphasize certain points, which may detract from the overall impact.

Readers who delve into social issues, immigration stories, and cultural identity complexities, similar to fans of The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande and Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario, will find Just Like Us by Helen Thorpe compelling. This book intertwines personal narratives with political discourse, making it ideal for those interested in real-life immigrant experiences.

Just Like Us by Helen Thorpe is a nonfiction account of four Mexican girls—Clara, Elissa, Marisela, and Yadira—growing up in Denver, Colorado, facing challenges shaped by their differing legal statuses. As they navigate high school, college, and personal struggles, including financial and cultural barriers, their experiences are significantly impacted by the larger political climate on immigration. The story includes a double murder.

Informative / Emotional / Inspirational / Challenging / Contemplative

- Helen Thorpe is a journalist and author known for her detailed and empathetic portrayals of complex social issues.
- Just Like Us: The True Story of Four Mexican Girls Coming of Age in America explores themes relevant to immigration and cultural identity, resonating with ongoing societal discussions.
- Before becoming an author, Helen Thorpe was a staff writer at The New York Observer and later contributed to The New Yorker.

**Marisela Benavidez**  
An undocumented immigrant brought to the U.S. as a child, Marisela is a dynamic, hardworking individual who juggles her education with a job and activism, ultimately working for a community action organization.

**Yadira Vargas**  
An undocumented immigrant like Marisela, Yadira is a serious and reserved individual who faces familial challenges and responsibilities while working alongside Marisela at a community action organization.

**Elissa Ramírez**  
An American citizen by birth, Elissa attends Regis College and gradually loses touch with her friends who attend the University of Denver.

**Clara Luz**  
A legal resident who eventually becomes a citizen, Clara is initially conservative and shy but grows more extroverted, and she has the opportunity to study abroad during her college years.

**Helen Thorpe**  
The author, who has a personal connection to the immigrant experience, writes compassionately about the lives of Marisela, Yadira, and other young women navigating legal and social challenges.

Helen Thorpe

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Part 1: “Instantaneous Rate of Change”

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Just Like Us Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

Just Like Us Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Many Dwelling Places”

Part 2, Chapters 1-4

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Part 2, Chapters 5-10

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Part 2, Chapters 11-22

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Part 3: “Lo Que Pasó Pasó (What Happened Happened)” 

Part 3, Chapters 1-8 and Epilogue

Just Like Us Part 3, Chapters 1-8 and Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Just Like Us: The True Story of Four Mexican Girls Coming of Age in America

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