The Distance Between Us: Young Readers Edition

Reyna and her siblings move into Papi and Mila’s Highland Park one-bedroom apartment. They own the building, but rent out the larger units so Papi can make money and pay back what he borrowed for the smuggler. The siblings sleep in the living room together.

Los Angeles is beautiful, but strange to Reyna. She’s surprised that no one plays in the neighborhood and by all of the big shiny stores. For the rest of the summer, the siblings stay home watching television while Papi and Mila work at the retirement center where they met. One day, Papi and Mila take them to Santa Monica and they visit the beach for the first time. Papi insists that Reyna get in the water even though she’s scared. She begs him not to let her go, and he doesn’t.

Mago writes regular letters to Mami and includes pictures of her, Reyna, and Carlos. They want Mami to think they’re happy and safe and don’t tell her anything “about Papi’s dark side” (154). He often drinks and gets angry and violent.

Reyna is excited to start school but gets scared when September comes. She wishes she could go to junior high with Mago and Carlos.