Tell Us We’re Home by Marina Budhos

In a tony New Jersey suburb, artistic Jaya, outspoken Lola, and shy Maria find an instant bond with each other, recognizing their outsider experiences of being the daughters of immigrant mothers who work as housekeepers and nannies for the wealthy families of their eighth-grade classmates.

Jaya Lal and her mother left their warm home in Trinidad after the death of her beloved father, joining family already settled in the Bronx; they’ve come to Meadowbrook for the fresh air, the better schools, in addition to the possibility of better opportunities. Lola Svetloski lives with her deadbeat father who was once a brilliant engineer back in Slovakia, her overworked mother trying her best to keep the family together, and her could-to-be-a-model older sister. Maria Alvarez is part of a large extended family originally from Mexico, whose single-parent mother relies on her a little too much.

When Jaya’s mother’s favorite employer suffers a serious stroke and she is unexpectedly accused of theft, even Jaya is unsure of how to react. Lola’s overzealous desire to help initially causes more trouble than provides assistance, while Maria’s sudden rich-boy-crazy-blindness couldn’t come at a worse time.

Alternating three distinct points of view, Budhos explores the evolving friendship with unwavering clarity. The true strength of Budhos’ latest young adult novel (check out Ask Me No Questions for another memorable read), lies in her resolute ability to never settle for easy answers or convenient happy endings.

Readers: Middle Grade, Young Adult

Published: 2010