118 pages • 3 hours read
Matt de la PeñaWe Were Here
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
We Were Here, a Newbury-Award-winning young adult novel by Matt de la Peña, follows the protagonist Miguel Castaneda, who, after being sentenced to a year in a group home, keeps a journal as required by the judge. Miguel navigates isolation, family tension, and spiritual growth, eventually escaping the group home with two other residents. Their journey through southern California leads to personal realizations, reconciliation, and emotional evolution. Themes include coming-of-age, impulsive decision-making, and the impact of randomness on life outcomes. The story involves mentions of juvenile detention and family trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
We Were Here by Matt de la Peña is a compelling exploration of redemption and self-discovery. Critics appreciate its nuanced portrayal of troubled youth, authentic dialogue, and emotional depth. However, some find the pacing uneven and secondary characters underdeveloped. Overall, it stands out for its raw, heartfelt narrative that resonates with readers.
Who Should Read We Were Here?
We Were Here by Matt de la Peña will captivate readers who appreciate introspective, coming-of-age narratives. Fans of Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian or S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders will find the story's themes of personal growth and grappling with adversity compelling.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
770L