We Are Not from Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez is a contemporary young adult novel that follows three Guatemalan teenagers—Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña—who flee their hometown to escape violence and seek a better life in the United States, facing numerous harrowing challenges and life-threatening dangers along the migrant route. The novel examines traumatic experiences of physical, emotional, and sexual violence.

We Are Not from Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez is powerfully evocative, portraying the harrowing journey of teenagers fleeing violence in Central America. Critics praise its emotional depth and raw, realistic portrayal of trauma. Some find the graphic content unsettling, although it adds to the narrative’s authenticity. This compelling read elicits empathy and awareness.

A reader who would enjoy We Are Not from Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez is likely drawn to emotionally powerful narratives about resilience and migration. Fans of The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande and The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez will find similar themes of struggle, hope, and identity in this compelling story.

Challenging / Melancholic / Emotional / Unnerving / Suspenseful

**Pulga**  
Pulga is a 15-year-old boy from Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. He is drawn into adulthood after witnessing violence and being forced into a gang. Pulga decides to flee the dangerous environment by journeying north with hopes of seeking asylum in the United States.

**Chico**  
Chico is a 13-year-old boy and Pulga's best friend. He stays with Pulga's family after his own mother was killed. He joins Pulga on the journey north but faces challenges due to his youth and fear.

**Rey Villa**  
Rey is a dangerous gang leader and antagonist in _We Are Not from Here_. He conscripts Pulga and Chico into his gang and is a threat to those living in Puerto Barrios, pushing Pulga and others to flee.

**Consuelo**  
Consuelo is Pulga's mother and Chico's adoptive mother. She provides support and represents the ties to home that Pulga leaves behind on his journey.

Jenny Torres Sanchez

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Overview

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We Are Not from Here Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Mi Tierra (My Land)”

Part 1 We Are Not from Here Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Donde Vive La Bestia (Where the Beast Lives)”

Part 2 We Are Not from Here Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “El Viaje (The Journey)”

Part 3 We Are Not from Here Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Despedidas (Goodbyes)”

Part 4 We Are Not from Here Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Al Borde de Tantas Cosas (At the Border of So Many Things)”

Part 5 We Are Not from Here Part 5 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

We Are Not from Here Character Analysis

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Themes

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We Are Not from Here Symbols & Motifs

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We Are Not from Here

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