A Dream Called Home: A Memoir

Grande (Across a Hundred Mountains) made it into the United States on her third attempt at crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. At age 15, she became a resident alien. Her father stressed higher education as an important step in achieving her goals; however, she could not rely on him or her mother for support as she negotiated the challenges of achieving the "American Dream." In this memoir, Grande shares her story of growing up Mexican American yet not fully understanding the meaning behind her identity. As a student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Grande felt out of place and questioned herself. But her gift for storytelling helped her thrive. She writes about her experiences in Mexico, her parents and siblings in the United States, and how they contributed to her becoming who she is today. In the end, she realizes that where she comes from is a core part of her storytelling.