The Crossing (Paperback)

Twelve year old Maria Perez is living in poverty in rural Monterrey, Mexico. Her father died ten years ago, leaving Maria and her mother, Anita, to fend for themselves. There are few jobs in the area, but Anita has done everything she can to ensure their meager survival. Things are getting worse, and one day Anita is faced with a terrible choice. She makes a desperate attempt to break the never-ending cycle of poverty, with disastrous results. Does a better life exist across the border? Is the agonizing risk of an illegal border crossing the price of the stable home and security Maria craves? 'The Crossing' is a touching, emotional story of one girl's strength and determination for survival, freedom, and a better life.