Until I Find Julian

Until I Find Julian by Patricia Reilly Giff, 151 pages

Mateo's brother, Julian, is in the United States illegally working.  When his friend, Tomas, comes back alone, Mateo and his family are worried.  Mateo decides to find Julian.  He manages to get near the border and finds help in a girl who calls herself Angel.  Angel helps him get across the border and teaches him a little bit of English.  They are able to find the place where Julian used to live but he isn't there and Mateo isn't sure how to find him.  He is determined not to give up and wonders why Angel is still around helping him.  He is grateful for her help and company but seems to have a secret that she refuses to share.  This is a sweet story for slightly younger chapter book readers.  While it is fairly simplistic, it works for younger readers and I liked it pretty well.