Zitlally's family is undocumented, and her father has just been arrested for speeding and deported back to Mexico. As her family waits for him to returnโtheyโve paid a coyote to guide him back across the borderโthey receive news that he and the coyoteโs other charges have been kidnapped and are being held for ransom. Meanwhile, Zitlally and a new friend find a dog in the forest near their trailer park. They name it Star for the star-shaped patch over its eye. As time goes on, Zitlally starts to realize that Star is her fatherโs โspirit animal,โ and that as long as Star is safe, her father will be also. But what will happen to Zitlallyโs dad when Star disappears?
โA vibrant, large-hearted story.โโPublishers Weekly, Starred (on Red Glass)