Amidst her grief, she is attempting to follow her dreams of being a writer, much to her parents’ dismay. Julia is mourning the death of her older sister Olga, the “perfect mexican daughter” of the family. The play presents Julia’s story in live action. Adapted by Chicago-based Latinx playwright Isaac Gómez, the play is part of the theater’s young adult 2019-2020 season, which focuses on young people’s navigation of their family history while trying to forge their own paths.

26 (where it’ll run through April 5), taking audiences right into the heart of Julia’s self-discovery. The play adaptation of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter opened on Feb. Seeing representation in stories, she says, “makes feel less alone, that someone understands them and what they’re going through.” “I felt like I wanted to write the book I needed as a kid, young girls of color also need,” Erika Sánchez tells Teen Vogue. Now brought to life on the stage at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre, Julia’s story expands its reach and empowers a team of Latinx artists to show the power and necessity of these narratives - challenging the history of white protagonists in theater in the process. Sanchez really digs into the relationship between immigrant Mexican parents who are firm in tradition and first generation children who are 'Americanized.' Julia's parents struggle to hold on to and instill values and traditions into her as she veers away, striving for the better life they came to America to find.In Erika Sánchez’s New York Times bestselling novel I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, 15-year-old Julia Reyes navigates grief, young adulthood, and the intense expectations of her Mexican immigrant parents. The book has very strong language repeatedly throughout and addresses mature issues such as sex, abortion, infidelity, attempted suicide, mental illness, drinking, and drug use. This coming of age story offers hope where often times there is not a glimmer in sight.Īs an educator and parent, the youngest age I would be comfortable recommending this book to would be 18 unless the parent reads it ahead of time and knows what his/her child is able to handle.

The author depicts the rarely seen or known passion and dedication of teachers and the difference they make in the life of students. This book offers insights into the rich Mexican culture as well as the realities and hardships associated with immigration, poverty, and death.

Not your perfect mexican daughter