Across a Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande alternates between the stories of Adelina, an adult in Los Angeles searching for her missing father, and Juana, an 11-year-old girl in Mexico whose father leaves to find work in the U.S. Adelina ultimately finds her father’s remains, while Juana assumes Adelina’s identity to cross the border. Sensitive topics include family separation, sexual coercion, and loss due to migration.

Reyna Grande's Across A Hundred Mountains is praised for its poignant portrayal of immigration and family separation, coupled with compelling character development. Critics commend the emotive narrative, though some note a slow pace and predictability. Overall, it is lauded for its powerful, heartfelt storytelling.

A reader who would enjoy Across A Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande is someone who appreciates poignant, character-driven narratives about immigration, identity, and resilience. Fans of Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street and Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits will find this novel particularly compelling.

Melancholic / Emotional / Inspirational / Contemplative

**Juana García**  
An 11-year-old girl from a small village in Mexico who experiences numerous hardships and is resolute in her search for her father. Her journey highlights her determination and courage.

**Adelina Vasquez**  
A young American woman who runs away from home at 15 and ends up working in a challenging environment in Tijuana. She forms a significant connection with Juana during their encounters.

**Amá (Guadalupe Ramírez de García)**  
Juana’s mother, who faces significant loss and hardship, including losing children. She is deeply affected by her husband's absence and struggles with personal challenges.

**Apá (Miguel García)**  
Juana's father who leaves for the United States to find work and is remembered for his love and aspirations for his family. His absence is a pivotal element in Juana's life.

**Don Elías**  
A debt collector in Juana’s village, known for his unpleasant demeanor and who influences the fate of Juana's family through his actions.

**Doña Martina**  
A compassionate midwife and healer in Juana's village who supports Juana and her family in various ways.

**José Alberto (Miguel García)**  
Amá’s son who is separated from his family at birth and raised separately but plays a role in reconnecting family ties later in the narrative.

**Dr. Sebastian Luna**  
A caring doctor who develops a relationship with Juana in Los Angeles. He is characterized by his close relationship with his family and his attentive nature.

**Don Ernesto**  
The owner of the apartment building where Juana resides in Los Angeles, known for his kindness and encouragement in Juana’s educational pursuits.

**Diana**  
A woman with a troubled past who spends time at the shelter where Juana works, forming a meaningful connection with Juana through shared experiences of grief.

**Antonia**  
Juana’s godmother and once close friend of Amá, who becomes estranged due to village gossip but later reveals important family information.

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Across A Hundred Mountains Summary and Study Guide

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Pages 1-31

Across A Hundred Mountains Pages 1-31 Summary & Analysis

Pages 32-62

Across A Hundred Mountains Pages 32-62 Summary & Analysis

Pages 63-88

Across A Hundred Mountains Pages 63-88 Summary & Analysis

Pages 89-124

Across A Hundred Mountains Pages 89-124 Summary & Analysis

Pages 125-155

Across A Hundred Mountains Pages 125-155 Summary & Analysis

Pages 156-179

Across A Hundred Mountains Pages 156-179 Summary & Analysis

Pages 180-219

Across A Hundred Mountains Pages 180-219 Summary & Analysis

Pages 220-255

Across A Hundred Mountains Pages 220-255 Summary & Analysis

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Across A Hundred Mountains Character Analysis

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Across A Hundred Mountains

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