Sixth graders Anika Veerkar, Benicio “Benny” Flores, and Libby Abrams constantly study their surroundings, hoping to find the next feature story for their online neighborhood newsletter. But they’ve never turned their inquisitive gazes on themselves before. A chance question about Libby’s door decoration leads the friends to realize they’re all from immigrant families. This discovery prompts their next big questions: Where are our families from? Why and how did they come to the United States? As the friends learn their families’ histories and deal with upsetting news about Anika’s stay in the country, they vow to cherish what brings them together.

Anika, Benny, and Libby are neighborhood friends—and known to be relentlessly curious. They’re always asking questions, and their interest in sharing the answers has led them to start an online newsletter. Encouraged by their parents, they venture out into the community to investigate the most engaging stories.

About the Author

Halli Gomez writes for children and young adults and works at her local independent bookstore. When no one is looking, she sock-skates through the house and talks to dogs as if they are humans. When people are looking, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and breaking out of escape rooms with her family. Halli lives in North Carolina with her husband, two boys, and two dogs.