Across A Hundred Mountains

Reyna Grande
37 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
YA
Published in 2006

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Book Brief

Reyna Grande

Across A Hundred Mountains

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

286

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Education

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Mexico • 1980s

Theme
Coming of Age
Topic
Education
First Publication Year

2006

Publisher

Atria Books

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Across a Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande alternates between the stories of Adelina, an adult in Los Angeles searching for her missing father, and Juana, an 11-year-old girl in Mexico whose father leaves to find work in the U.S. Adelina ultimately finds her father’s remains, while Juana assumes Adelina’s identity to cross the border. Sensitive topics include family separation, sexual coercion, and loss due to migration.

Melancholic

Emotional

Inspirational

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

3,806 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Reyna Grande's Across A Hundred Mountains is praised for its poignant portrayal of immigration and family separation, coupled with compelling character development. Critics commend the emotive narrative, though some note a slow pace and predictability. Overall, it is lauded for its powerful, heartfelt storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Across A Hundred Mountains?

A reader who would enjoy Across A Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande is someone who appreciates poignant, character-driven narratives about immigration, identity, and resilience. Fans of Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street and Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits will find this novel particularly compelling.

4.0

3,806 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

An 11-year-old girl from a small village in Mexico who experiences numerous hardships and is resolute in her search for her father. Her journey highlights her determination and courage.

A young American woman who runs away from home at 15 and ends up working in a challenging environment in Tijuana. She forms a significant connection with Juana during their encounters.

Juana’s mother, who faces significant loss and hardship, including losing children. She is deeply affected by her husband's absence and struggles with personal challenges.

Juana's father who leaves for the United States to find work and is remembered for his love and aspirations for his family. His absence is a pivotal element in Juana's life.

A debt collector in Juana’s village, known for his unpleasant demeanor and who influences the fate of Juana's family through his actions.

A compassionate midwife and healer in Juana's village who supports Juana and her family in various ways.

Amá’s son who is separated from his family at birth and raised separately but plays a role in reconnecting family ties later in the narrative.

A caring doctor who develops a relationship with Juana in Los Angeles. He is characterized by his close relationship with his family and his attentive nature.

The owner of the apartment building where Juana resides in Los Angeles, known for his kindness and encouragement in Juana’s educational pursuits.

A woman with a troubled past who spends time at the shelter where Juana works, forming a meaningful connection with Juana through shared experiences of grief.

Juana’s godmother and once close friend of Amá, who becomes estranged due to village gossip but later reveals important family information.

Book Details
Pages

286

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Education

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Mexico • 1980s

Theme
Coming of Age
Topic
Education
First Publication Year

2006

Publisher

Atria Books

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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