The Journey:
Lupe,
a petit beautiful Mexican 12-year-old girl, identified only by the
alias assigned to her by the FBI, is suddenly missing from the Los
Angeles placement center, leaving only her most cherished possession
behind, a self-made book of poems, photography and artwork entitled “To
Santa Claus and Little Sisters”.
Lupe’s confidential file
reveals that has she been struggling with suicidal thoughts and attempts
for years. Little Lupe also has a contract on her life placed by her
own incarcerated parents. Her brother is an active gang member with the
notorious Mexican Espinoza cartel from Tijuana that specialize in child
trafficking and ransom kidnappings.
Refusing to accept the
hypothesis that Lupe ran away on her own free will, risks would have to
be taken by a young naive Boston-born teacher - including the
recruitment of his most dangerous student, Chata.
Seventeen-year-old Chata, a bold and controlling overweight active
member of the Baby Locas Division of the 18th Street Gang in South LA,
struggles between two opposing worlds and purposely brings both together
in the back alleys of Los Angeles one moonless night.
Both would have to question their belief system many times in order to survive when circumstances were not in their favor.
To these young catalysts, Chata and Lupe, I am forever grateful for the
spark that you ignited in me, for any real survivor characteristics
that I possess are due to you.
And lastly, to all the young girls that I have had the honor to work with, who like Anonymous, unfortunately committed suicide - I want you to know that you are dearly loved and missed.
You changed my life.
Thank you girls.
In your honor, I have shared our story in “Santa Claus and Little Sister”.
The Journey: Lupe, a petit beautiful Mexican 12-year-old girl, identified only by the alias assigned to her by the FBI, is suddenly missing from the Los Angeles placement center, leaving only her most cherished possession behind, a self-made book of poems, photography and artwork entitled “To Santa Claus and Little Sisters”. Lupe’s confidential file reveals that has she been struggling with suicidal thoughts and attempts for years. Little Lupe also has a contract on her life placed by her own incarcerated parents. Her brother is an active gang member with the notorious Mexican Espinoza cartel from Tijuana that specializes in child trafficking and ransom kidnappings. Refusing to accept the hypothesis that Lupe ran away on her own free will, risks would have to be taken by a young naive Boston-born teacher - including the recruitment of his most dangerous student, Chata. Seventeen-year-old Chata, a bold and controlling overweight active member of the Baby Locas Division of the 18th Street Gang in South LA, struggles between two opposing worlds and purposely brings both together in the back alleys of Los Angeles one moonless night. Both would have to question their belief system many times in order to survive when circumstances were not in their favor. To these young catalysts, Chata and Lupe, I am forever grateful for the spark that you ignited in me, for any real survivor characteristics that I possess are due to you. And lastly, to all the young girls that I have had the honor to work with, who like Anonymous, unfortunately committed suicide - I want you to know that you are dearly loved and missed. You changed my life. Thank you girls. In your honor, I have shared our story in “Santa Claus and Little Sister”.
"Wow, this story just grabs you! Heart and mind! It begins so innocent and pastoral and before you know it you're headlong into the frightening and troubled world of young girls on the streets of LA. Such an important work. Everyone must read!"
"Highly Recommend! This is a wonderfully uplifting book that shows the old addage "you can't judge a book by it's cover" is true. The characters seem 'real' and not flat. Real people living real life. Sometimes a life is not so pretty, but the love and caring always shines through. I'd highly recommend this book to older teens, (who tend to judge others too quickly.), as it may teach them a lesson in humility."
-Barnes & Noble Reviews
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