Review: Something In Between

Something In Between by Melissa de la Cruz

From the No.1 New York Times bestselling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for readers of all ages comes a thought-provoking and timely novel about immigration, family, friendship, and finding out where you belong.
Jasmine de los Santos has always done what’s expected of her. Pretty and popular, she’s studied hard, made her Filipino immigrant parents proud, and is ready to reap the rewards in the form of a full college scholarship.

And then everything shatters. A national scholar award invitation compels her parents to reveal the truth: their visas expired years ago. Her entire family is illegal. That means no scholarships, maybe no college at all, and the very real threat of deportation. But Jasmine won't give up. Because when the rules you lived by no longer apply, the only thing to do is make up your own. 

Something In Between is such an important read. Melissa de la Cruz brings to light the struggles of undocumented families and informs her readers on the subject; likewise, she still tells a great love story. I can't recommend this enough! 

Our main character, Jasmine, has worked hard her whole life. She hopes to get into a top college. However, her parents tell her that their family is undocumented, and all her hopes seem to shatter. How can she get a scholarship to go Stanford if she isn't documented? There's also the threat of her family being forced out of the US. Jasmine still fights for her dreams though, and the book follows her journey. 

Meanwhile, there is also a cute romance unfolding between Jasmine and a senator's son. The senator, however, takes a big stance against undocumented families. That, and other things, make the relationship a tough one. Along with the main ship, I also enjoyed seeing Jasmine interact with her friends and family. 

I strongly recommend reading the author's bit at the end of Something In Between. She describes what inspired her to write the novel, and tells how her history corresponds with Jasmine's in some ways. 

Overall, I am very glad I read Something In Between. Melissa de la Cruz has opened my eyes to the fears and struggles of undocumented families... who just want to feel safe in their home, the USA. 

4/5 Stars 

*I received a free arc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

What are your thoughts on undocumented families? 

Have you read the book? Are you excited to read it?