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The Book of Unknown Americans

The Book of Unknown Americans book cover
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Fiction Fiction Young Adult Romance Historical Fiction

by Cristina Henríquez

starstarstarstar_halfstar
3.85 (22.5K ratings)
calendar_today 2014
description 286 pages

The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez holds a well received rating of 3.85 out of 5, based on 22.5K reader ratings. First published in 2014. The book spans 286 pages.

About The Book of Unknown Americans

A dazzling, heartbreaking page-turner destined for breakout status: a novel that gives voice to millions of Americans as it tells the story of the love between a Panamanian boy and a Mexican girl: teenagers living in an apartment block of immigrant families like their own.After their daughter Maribel suffers a near-fatal accident, the Riveras leave México and come to America. But upon settling at Redwood Apartments, a two-story cinderblock complex just off a highway in Delaware, they discover that Maribel's recovery--the piece of the American Dream on which they've pinned all their hopes--will not be easy. Every task seems to confront them with language, racial, and cultural obstacles.At Redwood also lives Mayor Toro, a high school sophomore whose family arrived from Panamá fifteen years ago. Mayor sees in Maribel something others do not: that beyond her lovely face, and beneath the damage she's sustained, is a gentle, funny, and wise spirit. But as the two grow closer, violence casts a shadow over all their futures in America.Peopled with deeply sympathetic characters, this poignant yet unsentimental tale of young love tells a riveting story of unflinching honesty and humanity that offers a resonant new definition of what it means to be an American. An instant classic is born.

Detail Value
Author Cristina Henríquez
Published 2014
Pages 286
Genres Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Romance, Historical Fiction
Average Rating 3.85 / 5.00
Total Ratings 22,461

Reader Ratings & Analysis

Rating Overview

3.9
starstarstarstar_halfstar
22.5K ratings
With a rating of 3.85, The Book of Unknown Americans is rated below the global average of 4.17. Compared to its genre average of 3.99, it performs below the genre benchmark.

How It Compares

3.85
This Book
3.99
Romance Average
4.17
Global Average

Frequently Asked Questions

What genre is The Book of Unknown Americans?

The Book of Unknown Americans is categorized as Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Romance. Its primary genre classification is Romance.

Is The Book of Unknown Americans worth reading?

Based on 22.5K reader ratings, The Book of Unknown Americans has an average score of 3.85 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."

How many pages is The Book of Unknown Americans?

The Book of Unknown Americans has 286 pages.

Who wrote The Book of Unknown Americans?

The Book of Unknown Americans was written by Cristina Henríquez. It was first published in 2014.

What is the ISBN for The Book of Unknown Americans?

The ISBN-13 for The Book of Unknown Americans is 9780385350850.0.

Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 14, 2026