‘This gripping debut about a Mexican-American misfit is alive and crackling – a gritty tale wrapped in a page-turner… Part detective story, part coming-of-age tale, Sánchez’s novel doesn’t shy from heavy subject matter.’

– New York Times

‘This book will change everything… A perfect book about imperfection.’

– Juan Felipe Herrera, Poet Laureate of the United States

‘Unique and fresh.’

– Entertainment Weekly

‘A wonderfully complex and interesting character.’

– Los Angeles Review of Books

‘If you ever wanted to [understand] the harsh truths of immigrant life, this is the book you need to read.’

– Bustle

‘Years ago, I fell in love with Erika L. Sánchez’ stunning novel... The depth, wit and searing intelligence of her writing, and her young Latina heroine, struck me to my core and left me wanting so much more.’

– America Ferrera

”Why does everything hurt all the time?” might be the perfect YA fiction line… It may seem melodramatic, but like so many questions raised within young adult fiction, it’s one we return to throughout our lives… The tensions of first-generation immigrants are explored deftly… Sánchez gives an authentic teen voice here. There’s a specific ache associated with being young and hurting… and it leaps off the age in this novel… This is a gorgeous novel.’

– Irish Times

‘An earnest and heartfelt tale.’

– Booklist

‘This powerful, compelling novel covers issues relating to present-day teenagers – ethnicity issues, cultural stresses, mental health – but the vivid American context sets them at a slight distance for British readers, and opens up opportunities for discussion.’

– School Librarian