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Alvin

Story Review of My Diary from Here to There

Characters: Amada, Mama, Papa, Amada’s other relatives and brothers, Michi

Setting: House in Juarez, Nana’s house, House in El Monte

Plot: Amada is upset about moving to the U.S.


My Diary from Here to There is a (possibly real) story about a family of Mexican immigrants who go to the U.S. for new opportunities. Amada, a young girl from Mexico, overhears her parents talking about moving to the U.S. Amada is saddened, thinking about the life she will leave behind, and worried about the life she will come to next. Her brothers, though, didn’t think much of the move and were even happy about going there. They left, and the drive there was grueling, but they eventually got to Amada’s grandparents’ house in Mexicali, but the boys caused trouble—so much that they kicked them out. Eventually, though, their father came back from his farm work in the U.S., and they had a new life, but they may return to Mexico again. Amada's experiences as a young Mexican immigrant provide a relatable perspective on the challenges and hopes of starting a new life in the U.S., or any other new place. The story highlights the contrasting emotions within the family, as Amada grapples with her fears and uncertainties while her brothers embrace the adventure. Through their journey, the book sheds light on the resilience and determination of immigrant families in pursuit of better opportunities.


Amada's feelings about the move to the U.S. were a mix of sadness, worry, and uncertainty, but gradually calmed during the move. As a young girl, she had grown up in a community in Mexico for her life, surrounded by family and friends. The thought of leaving all of that behind was overwhelming, and she struggled to come to terms with the fact that her life was about to change drastically. She worried about what the future held and wondered if she would ever be able to adjust to the new country and its culture. Amada's fears were compounded by the fact that she didn't speak English and didn't know anyone in the U.S. Her sense of isolation and alienation was palpable, and she felt like an outsider even before she had left Mexico. However, despite all of her fears and worries, Amada was also curious about the new life that awaited her. She was excited about the prospect of new adventures and opportunities, and she was eager to see what the U.S. had to offer. The conflicting emotions that Amada experienced are a testament to the complexity of the immigrant experience, and they highlight the courage and resilience required to start a new life in a foreign land.


 Amada's family had mixed feelings about the move to the U.S. Her parents, like Amada, also worried a bit about leaving behind their life in Mexico. They were concerned about the challenges they would face in a new country, such as finding work and providing for their family, especially with the conditions of the time. However, they also held onto hope and were optimistic about their future, seeing the move as an opportunity for a better life and more opportunities for their children. Amada's brothers, on the other hand, were excited about the adventure of moving to a new place. They were eager to see what the U.S. had in store for them, and didn’t worry about the move and leaving Mexico. Despite the range of emotions, Amada's family ultimately decided—and had to—leave their past life in Mexico to find new opportunities in the States and hope to adjust to life there, especially since Amada’s father can’t find a job in Mexico.



Amada's story sheds light on the unique experiences and emotions that immigrants often face when starting a new life in a foreign land. Her initial fears and sense of isolation are common among those who leave behind their familiar surroundings. However, her curiosity and excitement also underscore the resilience and hope that drive individuals to seek new adventures and opportunities. Amada's family, too, represents a spectrum of emotions, with her parents balancing their worries with the optimism of a better life for their children. The contrasting attitudes of her brothers highlight the diverse perspectives within a single-family unit. Ultimately, their decision to leave Mexico reflects the difficult choices that immigrants often confront, as they weigh the challenges of uprooting their lives against the potential for a brighter future. Amada's story serves as a reminder of the complexity and courage inherent in the immigrant experience, as people navigate the unknown and strive to create a new sense of home in a foreign land. Through the story of Amada and her family, readers gain a deeper understanding of the mixed emotions and experiences that immigrants often face. The book highlights the resilience, determination, and courage required to navigate the unknown and build a new sense of home. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and support for those who undertake the difficult journey of immigration.


In conclusion, My Diary from Here to There is a touching story that provides a glimpse into the lives of immigrant families who leave their homes in search of new opportunities. The story highlights the complex emotions and experiences that are often associated with immigration, such as the mix of fear, excitement, and hope that Amada and her family experienced during their journey. Through Amada's story, readers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that immigrants face when they move to a new country, as well as the resilience and determination required to overcome those challenges. As we read and learn about stories like Amada's, we are reminded of the importance of empathy and understanding towards those going through major life transitions, especially when those transitions involve uprooting one's life and moving to a foreign land. We can strive to provide support and resources to help make the transition smoother and work towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming society for immigrants and their families.


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