Solito by Javier Zamora is a harrowing memoir about the author’s attempts to immigrate to the US from El Salvador when he was only nine years old, a trip he took unaccompanied because he was to meet his parents once he arrived safely across the border. The crossing, a stretch of 9 weeks when he was not in touch with anyone from his family, was arduous, risky and scary, including overnight boat rides to reach Mexico, long treks through scorching hot deserts and US immigration police patrolling and waiting to return migrants to their home countries. Throughout, Javier relies on – and develops close relationships with – the other people his coyote was paid to bring, forming a temporary family that provided him support and comfort. Solito is a difficult and emotional read, perhaps a bit too long, but one that has stayed with me long after I turned the last page. I have learned that there is a sequel being written, and I will absolutely be picking that up.