You Are Not Alone
Guides by Deb – Keeping your books in the hearts of young readers and in the hands of those who care for them.
You Are Not Alone
Written by Francisco Stork
Published by Scholastic
ISBN-10: 1338736264
ISBN-13: 978-1338736267
Synopsis: Award-winning author Francisco X. Stork revisits some of the themes and ideas that made Marcelo in the Real World such an unforgettable novel.
Alberto’s life isn't easy: He's an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who lives with his sister's abusive boyfriend―but he'd always accepted his place in the world. Until he starts hearing the voice of a man called Captain America, a voice that wants him to achieve more, no matter the cost.
Grace has it all: She has a supportive boyfriend, she’s on track to be valedictorian, and she’s sure to go to the college of her dreams. Still, nothing feels right to her any more after the divorce of her parents, and feels she needs something more.
When Alberto and Grace meet, they have an immediate and electric connection. But when Alberto is present at the scene of a terrible crime, he becomes a suspect. And with his developing schizophrenia, he’s not even sure he believes in his own innocence.
Can Grace find a way to prove Alberto’s innocence to himself and the world?
Teaching Values & Instructional Focus
I Am Not Alone offers a powerful, compassionate exploration of identity, mental illness, immigration status, belonging, and hope. Through the intertwined stories of Alberto and Grace, students are invited to examine how internal struggles, societal pressures, and trauma shape adolescent decision-making. The educator guide encourages deep literary analysis while fostering empathy and emotional awareness, asking students to consider persona, perception, trust, altruism, and moral responsibility. By addressing schizophrenia and depression with sensitivity and clarity, the guide helps reduce stigma surrounding mental health and opens space for honest, age-appropriate conversation. Reflection-based questions prompt students to analyze character motivations, recognize warning signs, and understand the importance of compassion, self-awareness, and seeking help — reinforcing the message that no one has to face hardship alone.
Educational Content, Standards & Age Range
This guide supports rigorous secondary-level instruction through standards-aligned literary analysis, research-based inquiry, and reflective writing. Students engage in close reading, textual citation, character comparison, thematic exploration, and evidence-based discussion aligned with Common Core State Anchor Standards for Reading, Writing, and Speaking & Listening. A central project focuses on identifying mental health warning signs, requiring students to locate textual evidence, analyze character behavior, and synthesize learning through structured written response. The guide thoughtfully integrates social-emotional learning with academic skill development, making it especially valuable for English Language Arts classrooms, advisory programs, and cross-curricular health and humanities instruction. Designed for grades 7–12 (ages 12 and up), this guide is particularly well suited for middle and early high school students ready to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health, identity, justice, and resilience.
