Solito, Solita: Crossing Borders with Youth Refugees from Central America

Mayers (English, City Coll. of San Francisco) and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Freedman (From Cradle to Grave) portray the sadness and heartache of people emigrating primarily from Central America in evocative detail in this oral history that pulls no punches, chronicling everything from sexual abuse and mental torture to the emotional pain of having to leave behind loved ones, or getting separated from family members while trying to enter the States. The story of each interviewee is headlined with their names, country of origin, and perhaps most poignant, age. Children as young as nine speak about running from violent drug cartels, corrupt governments, extreme poverty, and family dysfunction. Each narrative provides a face and a genuine experience, challenging readers to avoid sweeping generalities and engage in the visceral humanity at play.