Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Must-read story about mental illness and the power of love.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
As I AM NOT ALONE begins, Alberto is living in New York City with his heroin-addicted sister, Lupe; her abusive boyfriend, Wayne; and their baby, Chato. Alberto is studying hard for his GED and working as a house painter for Wayne. He's also struggling with the beginnings of schizophrenia and has started hearing a menacing voice he's named Captain American. The voice tells Alberto that he and his sister are garbage, that stealing is OK, and that he should go back to Mexico. When he's sent to do a job at a posh townhouse, Alberto meets Grace, the overachieving valedictorian of her class who's on her way to Princeton. The two have an immediate connection and make plans to meet again, but before that can happen, Alberto is accused of murdering Wayne's aunt. Alberto has no memory of killing anyone, but Captain American has no such doubts. You're a murderer, the voice tells Alberto. With the police looking for him, Alberto turns to Grace, the only person he thinks might help him. But it's not only Grace that offers help, it's her blind grandfather, her 12-year-old-cousin, and a rabbi. As Grace and Alberto look for the real killer, their feelings for each other begin to deepen into what could be love.
Is It Any Good?
Alternatively inspiring and heartbreaking, this mystery wrapped in a sweet and gentle love story puts a sharp focus on the realities of being young, undocumented, and mentally ill. I Am Not Alone also explores issues and challenges that will be relatable to many readers -- the pressure to perform well at school, depression after a parent's divorce, ending a long-term relationship, disagreements about faith within a family, and a loved one struggling with addiction. The story is told in Alberto and Grace's alternating perspectives, and their voices are interestingly distinct, though both reveal the power of asking for help and helping, of dealing with a mental illness head on, and of supportive community. Put this important book into the hands of every teen you can, and then talk with them about it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the compassion that Grace, Joseph, Benny, and Rabbi Sacks show to Alberto in I Am Not Alone.
What does Alberto's story about the difficulties of being young and undocumented in the United States aim to illuminate for readers?
What resources are available at your school or in your community for teens who are struggling with mental health issues? Do you think enough is being done to help?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : July 18, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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