Tell Us We're Home - Softcover

"A substantive, timely read about the current state of immigrants in the US." --"Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"

""Tell Us We're Home" reveals the thoughts, the aspirations, and ultimately the humanity of three young women whose immigrant and class status have made them outsiders but no longer invisible." --Readergirlz.blogspot.com

"The characters and setting have depth. . . . Budhos offers no easy answers here, just the hope that the characters, and society in general, will find the right direction." -- "Booklist"

"A thoroughly enjoyable and insightful read that treats the immigrant characters as fully developed rather than stereotypes." -"VOYA"

"Budhos tells [Jaya, Lola, and Maria's] story with a warmth that is ultimately sweet and rewarding...["Tell Us W'e're Home"] is elevated by writing that is intelligent and earnestly passionate."

--"The New York Times Book Review"

"Moms and grandmothers, if you read "The Help "by Kathryn Stockett, you will appreciate that this book is along the same lines for contemporary adolescent girls... The girls' struggles and their mothers' challenges present jarring situations about perspective and compassion. We recommend this book, especially if you participate in a mother-daughter book club or any book-discussion group." "--The Winston Salem Journal"

*"These fully realized heroines are full of heart, and their passionate struggles against systemic injustice only make them more inspiring. Keenly necessary." --"Kirkus, "STARRED REVIEW

Jaya, Maria, and Lola are just like the other eighth-grade girls in the wealthy suburb of Meadowbrook, New Jersey. They want to go to the spring dance, they love spending time with their best friends after school, sharing frappés and complaining about the other kids. But there’s one big difference: all three are daughters of maids and nannies. And they go to school with the very same kids whose families their mothers work for.

That difference grows even bigger—and more painful—when Jaya’s mother is accused of theft and Jaya’s small, fragile world collapses.

When tensions about immigrants start to erupt, fracturing this perfect, serene suburb, all three girls are tested, as outsiders—and as friends. Each of them must learn to find a place for themselves in a town that barely notices they exist.

Marina Budhos gives us a heartbreaking and eye-opening story of friendship, belonging, and finding the way home.