The Street Belongs To Us

More about the book

In 1984 Los Angeles, two best friends, Alex and Wolf, transform their torn-up street into a playground for their imaginations. Alex, a tomboy who prefers short hair and her brother's hand-me-downs, and Wolf, a troubled boy in a soldier's uniform since his mother's death, find joy in the chaos of construction. They embark on a summer adventure, engaging in a playful street war against rival kids. Their excitement leads them to establish a headquarters in a deep trench, but Alex's grandmother warns them about the dangers of unearthing buried things—some long to be found, while others do not. Despite her wisdom, rooted in her experiences through the Mexican Revolution and immigration, the children ignore her caution and dig deeper into their surroundings. The story is brought to life with expressive black-and-white illustrations by Gabriela Godoy, capturing the essence of youthful summers filled with endless possibilities. This vibrant tale weaves together themes of family, friendship, and the complexities of Mexican-American identity, offering a heartfelt exploration of acceptance and the bittersweet nature of growing up.