A Path to the World: Becoming You

Ages 14 And Up, Grades 9 And Up

A chorus of essays from a variety of voices, backgrounds, and experiences, exploring what it means to be human and true to yourself.

What does it mean to be yourself? To be born here or somewhere else? To be from one family instead of another? What does it mean to be human? Collected by Lori Carlson-Hijuelos, A Path to the World showcases essays by a vast variety of luminaries—from Gary Soto to Nawal Nasrallah to Ying Ying Yu, from chefs to artists to teens to philosophers to politicians (keep your eyes peeled for a surprise appearance by George Washington)—all of which speak to the common thread of humanity, the desire to be your truest self, and to belong.

About the Author

Lori Carlson-Hijuelos was born in Jamestown, New York. She went to college at Indiana University, earning a master’s in Hispanic literature. She has taught at several universities, most recently Duke, and is the editor of several books and collections for children and young adults, including Cool Salsa, Sol a Sol, Voices in First Person, Burnt Sugar Caña Quemada, and Path to the World. She lives in New York City.