A Stonewall Young Adult Honor Book, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe meets The Sun is Also a Star in this Ya contemporary love story from Jonny Garza Villa, Ander Santi Were Here, about a nonbinary Mexican American teen falling for the shy new waiter at their family's taqueria. Finding home, falling in love, and fighting to belong, the Santos Vista neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas, encompasses all Ander Martinez has ever known: the aroma of pan dulce, the blend of Spanish and English echoing through the streets, and especially their role at the family's taqueria. As Ander prepares to leave for art school, the prospect of leaving behind these familiar comforts brings hesitation. To prevent Ander from growing complacent during their gap year, their family "fires" them, urging them to transition from restaurant life to focusing on their murals and college preparation. That is until they meet Santiago Lopez Alvarado, the charming new waiter. Their natural attraction leads to a blossoming romance that helps Ander understand their identity as an artist through Santi's eyes. Ander becomes Santi's guide to feeling at home in Santos Vista and the United States. However, when Ice agents come for Santi, Ander realizes the fragility of their sense of home and love...
A Stonewall Young Adult Honor Book, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe meets The Sun is Also a Star in this Ya contemporary love story from Jonny Garza Villa, Ander Santi Were Here, about a nonbinary Mexican American teen falling for the shy new waiter at their family's taqueria. Finding home, falling in love, and fighting to belong, the Santos Vista neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas, encompasses all Ander Martinez has ever known: the aroma of pan dulce, the blend of Spanish and English echoing through the streets, and especially their role at the family's taqueria. As Ander prepares to leave for art school, the prospect of leaving behind these familiar comforts brings hesitation. To prevent Ander from growing complacent during their gap year, their family "fires" them, urging them to transition from restaurant life to focusing on their murals and college preparation. That is until they meet Santiago Lopez Alvarado, the charming new waiter. Their natural attraction leads to a blossoming romance that helps Ander understand their identity as an artist through Santi's eyes. Ander becomes Santi's guide to feeling at home in Santos Vista and the United States. However, when Ice agents come for Santi, Ander realizes the fragility of their sense of home and love...