I Am Not Alone 12+
About this book
Alberto's life isn't easy: He's an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who lives with his sister's abusive boyfriend-but he'd always accepted his place in the world. Until he starts hearing the voice of a man called Captain America, a voice that wants him to achieve more, no matter the cost.
Grace has it all: She has a supportive boyfriend, she's on track to be valedictorian, and she's sure to go to the college of her dreams. Still, nothing feels right to her any more after the divorce of her parents, and feels she needs something more.
When Alberto and Grace meet, they have an immediate and electric connection. But when Alberto is present at the scene of a terrible crime, he becomes a suspect. And with his developing schizophrenia, he's not even sure he believes in his own innocence.
Can Grace find a way to prove Alberto's innocence to himself and the world?
This is a page-turning thriller and a sensitive story about mental health, love, and community that will appeal to anyone who has struggled with their place in the world, from award-winning author Francisco X. Stork.
Reviews
Praise for I Am Not Alone:
A Junior Library Guild Selection
★ "An affecting, deeply emotional story. An important book." -- Booklist, starred review
★ "Alberto's suspected schizophrenia makes him heartbreakingly susceptible to both the best and worst of humanity. An illuminatingly powerful story about mental illness, young love, faith, and hope." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "This taut and suspensefully plotted emotional drama offers a nuanced, poignant story of friendship in the face of adversity." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review
"The narrative's high-stakes conflicts are front and center, [but] it's the sheer sweetness of Alberto and Grace's love story that sets the tone of this hopeful read." -- Publishers Weekly
"An intricate hunt for truth through the maze of mental illness. Stork's resonating, empathic fiction once again provides audiences with convincing reasons to believe "I am not alone." -- Shelf Awareness
