The Crossing

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 could 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. Maria's life is turned upside down when she is separated from her mother. With no one else to turn to for help, Maria must learn to rely on her self when everything seems hopeless. She develops courage and perseverance in the face of constantly changing circumstances, in hopes of being reunited with Anita. But then, with their old life swept away, what must they do next? How can they build a future for themselves--and where? Does a better life exist somewhere across the border between Mexico and the United States? 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.