60 pages • 2 hours read
Paola Mendoza, Abby SherSanctuary
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Sanctuary by Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher, set in a dystopian 2032 America, 16-year-old undocumented immigrant Vali must navigate a perilous journey from Vermont to California with her younger brother Ernie after their father is deported and murdered, and their mother is arrested. The siblings seek refuge in seceded California, a sanctuary for immigrants, while evading government agents, enduring treacherous landscapes, and relying on the aid of allies to survive. The book addresses xenophobia, violence, and trauma faced by immigrants.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Sanctuary by Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher is a gripping dystopian novel that resonates with contemporary socio-political issues. Reviewers praise its intense, fast-paced narrative and emotional depth. However, some readers find the plot predictable and the character development lacking in complexity. Overall, it is a compelling read that invites reflection.
Who Should Read Sanctuary?
Readers who appreciate dystopian settings and immigrant narratives will find Sanctuary by Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher compelling. Fans of The Hunger Games and Refugee will be captivated by its blend of suspense, resilience, and social commentary, making it a must-read for young adult dystopian fiction enthusiasts.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
HL750LBook Details
Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction
Survival Fiction
Modern Classic Fiction
Race / Racism
Immigration / Refugee
Relationships: Family
Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice