"The Secret Side of Empty" is a young adult novel by Maria E. Andreu. The story follows M.T., a high school student who is hiding a secret from her classmates and friends: she and her family are undocumented immigrants from Argentina living in the United States. M.T. struggles to balance her desire to fit in with her fear of being discovered and deported. She dreams of attending college and pursuing a career as a writer, but her status as an undocumented immigrant makes these goals seem impossible. As she navigates the challenges of being a teenager while hiding her identity, M.T. also confronts the harsh realities of America's immigration system and the toll it takes on individuals and families. The novel offers a poignant and timely exploration of the experiences of undocumented immigrants and the impact of immigration policy on young people's lives. It has been praised for its honest and empathetic portrayal of a complex issue, and its message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
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