Solis is the highly anticipated companion novel to Sanctuary, authored by activist Paola Mendoza and award-winning writer Abby Sher. This near-future dystopian story, set in 2033, explores the lives of undocumented immigrants in a labor camp, touching on themes of xenophobia, human rights, and the fight for survival. Following the emotional intensity and critical acclaim of Sanctuary, Solis deepens the narrative with a tale of resilience and rebellion.

In a harsh, authoritarian version of the United States known as the New American Republic, undocumented immigrants are forced into labor camps. Among them is Rania, a seventeen-year-old girl of Lebanese descent from Chicago, and her mother. They endure grueling conditions as they mine a toxic mineral called aqualinium, which the government seeks to harness for control over global weather. The stakes are dire, as the experiments on the immigrants become increasingly fatal.

The novel is told through four different perspectives: Rania; Jess, a former officer of the Deportation Force; Vali, a fellow prisoner; and Vali’s mother, Liliana. Together, they plot a revolution to liberate themselves from the camp's horrors, knowing that rebellion might be their only chance at survival.

Solis excels in its portrayal of both the psychological and physical toll of living under an oppressive regime. Mendoza’s personal background as an immigrant and activist shines through, giving the story an authenticity that makes the characters’ experiences feel raw and real. Sher’s contribution brings strong pacing and structure, with the use of multiple narrators enriching the complexity of the narrative.

The book effectively raises questions about the ethical implications of government control, the exploitation of vulnerable populations, and the intersection of environmental issues with human rights. The story's emotional depth, combined with its fast-paced plot, keeps readers engaged and connected to the characters' struggles. Themes of resistance and sacrifice are central to the novel, making it as much a call to action as it is a dystopian thriller.

This is a bold and urgent novel that resonates with current global issues surrounding immigration, climate change, and government authority. Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher offer readers an intense, thought-provoking journey into a dystopian future that feels all too possible. A must-read for fans of speculative fiction and young adult dystopian literature, Solis encourages readers to consider the price of freedom and the power of collective resistance.

The authors' second young adult novel together is on sale on 10/8/24. Paola Mendoza is an author, activist, artist, filmmaker, and co-founder of the Women’s March. She has been featured in media outlets such as TheSkimm, Shondaland, Equality Now, and more. Abby Sher is an award-winning author and artist. I had the pleasure of interviewing both authors, and it was an enriching experience to dive deeper into the novel and their creative universe.

I asked Paola: "In your case, how much do you reference Colombia? Or is your focus more on the process of integration and adaptation to this new home in a new country? When Rania dreams in California, she dreams of a paradise with mangoes. Was the inspiration perhaps Colombia?"

She added: "Colombia is central to all of my work. I left Colombia when I was very young, three years old to be exact, and I moved back to Colombia when I was 14. I moved back to Bogotá in the '90s, in other words, in the height of the Pablo Escobar era. Colombia was being ripped apart by violence, and my mother sent me back because here in the United States, I was being torn apart by racism, xenophobia, and poverty. What I found in Colombia was not a country ravaged by violence but rather my home. I spent three years in Colombia. Those three years changed the course of my life forever. This is why Colombia is in everything I create. I am so proud to be Colombian. I am forever grateful and forever indebted to my beautiful country. I have so many childhood memories about mangoes. So yes, Rania dreaming about mangoes in California is a nod to my love of mangoes and also to the memories of my childhood in Colombia."

I asked Abby Sher what she hopes readers, especially young adults, take away from this story, and she responded: "I hope readers feel empowered and hopeful after reading this book. The world we’ve envisioned is very brutal, but it’s also the spark of a fierce resistance movement, led by young adults. I want to be clear — I don’t think young adults are responsible for fixing the world. There are many people, both in Solis and Sanctuary, who band together to fight for humanity. No one needs to take up this cause alone. But it is up to each one of us to speak out for the rights of everyone."

When I asked for a final message to young immigrants and readers, Paola added: "The first thing I want to say to immigrants, both young and old, is that we belong here. Regardless of what politicians say, what the media says, what social media says, this is our home. We have the right to be here. We are foundational to the culture, to the economy, and to the future of this country. I know that being an immigrant in this country — and being Latino, for that matter — can feel very lonely at times, but you are not alone. Go find your community, the brave people who will stand with you, the compassionate people who will protect you, the people who can imagine a better world and are working toward building it."

If you haven't already, make sure to add Solis to your must-read list!