I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L.

Sánchez
After the sister who delighted their parents by her faithful embrace of Mexican culture dies in
a tragic accident, Julia discovers from mutual friends that her sister may not have been as
perfect as believed.

Why you'll like it: Coming-of-age story. Self acceptance. Emotional

About the Author: Erika L. Sánchez is a poet, a feminist, and a cheerleader for young women
everywhere. Since she was a 12-year-old nerd in giant bifocals and embroidered vests, Erika has dreamed
of writing complex, empowering stories about girls of color-what she wanted to read as a young adult. She
lives in Chicago, not far from the setting of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.
Questions for Discussion
1. Julia is depressed and maybe even bitter. This is part of her character, and her clinical depressed is a
major plot point. How does Sánchez accurately portray Julia’s depression and still make Julia a likable
character? Is she likable? Why or why not?
2. Much of Sánchez’s novel, told through the first-person account of a teen with clinical depression, is
bleak. Depression, the death of a sibling, an emotionally distant father, an emotionally abusive mother, and
poverty make the book heavy with sadness. How does Sanchez provide light in her novel? Is Julia’s
sarcastic humor helpful? Are her nasty obscenity-laced outbursts funny? Or terrifying? Or both?
3. The concept of a “perfect Mexican daughter” is discussed throughout the book – what characteristics
embody that idea? How does this “perfection” weigh on Julia?
4. The novel goes in to depth about Julia’s experience with therapy – how does this impact her grieving
process? If so, what layers does this add to her character?
5. While she is in Mexico, she gets to interact with her culture and heritage in a different way. Do her
relationships with Mamá Jacinta and Belén mirror relationships that she has in Chicago? Overall, how does
her time there affect her character?
6. Although Olga has passed away prior to the beginning of the book, how does Julia’s relationship with her
sister change and evolve throughout?
7. The novel ends with Julia entering a new chapter of her life, how has she changed since the beginning?
Is she bringing any part of her old self along?
(Questions provided by readinggroupchoices.com and The Writer’s Loft)