Before we jump into sharing info about this month’s book, we’re super excited to announce that this year we launched a new monthly “Community Kindness Sponsorship,” which helps offset the cost of the extra 15 books we hide after scavenger hunt weekend every month (the “random act of kindness” books!). This month we are so grateful to share that our friends at the Tucson Spotlight are our Community Kindness Sponsor. If you don’t know much about them, they are a new local news outlet whose mission is to provide Southern Arizona with robust, community-based journalism emphasizing solutions, local governments, education, sustainability, social services and politics, and issues through the lens of the Hispanic community.  Please follow them and subscribe if you can.

Do you know someone who might be interested in partnering with us as a Community Kindness Sponsor in 2025 ($250)? We have three slots left! Please send us an email (tucsontomegnome[at]gmail.com)!

AND NOW, for what you’ve been waiting for: all about this month’s hidden book!

About the book, from Macmillan:

Born to Mexican immigrants south of the Rillito River in Tucson, Arizona, Elizabeth had the world at her fingertips. She was preparing to enter her freshman year of high school as the number one student when suddenly, her own country took away the most important right a child has: the right to have a family.

When her parents’ visas expired and they were forced to return to Mexico, Elizabeth was left responsible for her younger brother, as well as her education. Determined to break the cycle of being a “statistic,” she knew that even though her parents couldn’t stay, there was no way she could let go of the opportunities the U.S. could provide. Armed with only her passport and sheer teenage determination, Elizabeth became what her school would eventually describe as an unaccompanied homeless youth, one of thousands of underage victims affected by family separation due to broken immigration laws.

For fans of Educated by Tara Westover and The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande, My Side of the River explores separation, generational trauma, and the toll of the American dream. It’s also, at its core, a love story between a brother and a sister who, no matter the cost, is determined to make the pursuit of her brother’s dreams easier than it was for her.

About the author, Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez:

“Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez is a storyteller, advocate, and the author of, “My Side of the River,” a memoir published by St. Martins Press/Macmillan in February 2024.

Born and raised near the U.S.- Mexico border in Tucson, Arizona, Elizabeth’s upbringing was marked by resilience and determination. At 15, when her parents were forced to return to Mexico due to issues with their immigration status, Elizabeth chose to remain in the U.S., navigating homelessness while fiercely pursuing her education. Her journey from adversity to achievement culminated in her graduation as valedictorian, a testament to her unwavering resolve.

Elizabeth then pursued higher education at the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated in 2018, earning a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. During her time at Penn, Elizabeth was selected as The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Scholar of the year, as a U.S. Department of State Gilman Scholar, and as part of competitive business programs at both Harvard and Stanford.

Upon graduating, Elizabeth worked in finance as one of the few latinas on the trading floor within Wells Fargo’s Markets division. In February of 2020, she was selected out of 1000 internal Wells Fargo applicants to participate in Wells Fargo’s Ignite partnership with the TED Institute. Her TED Talk, recounts her story of finding opportunity and stability in the U.S. while examining flaws in narratives that simplify and idealize the immigrant experience. Within a month, her talk reached over a million views. In June of 2021, Elizabeth transitioned from working in finance to technology, becoming a Product Manager at Meta where she hopes to continue to use her background and knowledge to empower communities.

Since the publication of her memoir, My Side of the River, in February of 2024, she has been featured on Hola Magazine & NPR. Her book has also been praised as a New York Times Editor’s Pick, People Magazine Best Book to Read in February, and as one of Goodreads Most Anticipated Books of 2024.”

Why I selected My Side of the River for the March 2025 Giveaway:

• This book covers a timely topic with local relevance! If you aren’t aware (or didn’t read the description above), much of this memoir takes place in Tucson and exposes a challenge that many youth in our community are facing. On average, 50% of chronically homeless adults report being homeless between the ages of 18-24 (City of Tucson).
• This book also highlights the important work that Youth on Their Own do in and for our community. If you’re not familiar with Youth on Their Own, you should check them out.
• We are on the heels of celebrating the Tucson Festival of Books last weekend, and Elizabeth was able to join us for TFOB last year! It feels good to celebrate her one year later for her paperback release AND Women’s History Month.
• If you didn’t know, Elizabeth originally shared her story through a now-viral TED Talk. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth a watch.
• Finally, if you read and enjoy this book, we hope you’ll join us on April 10 at our Solutions Focused Community Book Club! Learn more and register here: https://cfsaz.org/event/solutions-focused-community-book-club-april-10-2025/