Ander & Santi Were Here

Plot Summary

Ander, a gay, Chicane, non-binary teen, has taken a gap year to work on their art before heading off to college. They love living in San Antonio and have been able to decorate their city with murals of Selena, La Chalupa, cacti, and other pieces of their life and culture. Then they find out they’ve been replaced at their family’s taqueria, being let go so they can spend even more time painting murals and creating art. Ander tries not to be mad, and his replacement, Santiago Garcia, a beautiful boy, makes it a bit easier. The two fall for each other fast, but Santi has a secret that could ruin everything: he’s undocumented, and ICE agents are all too eager to remind him that he doesn’t belong.

Critical Evaluation 

Ander & Santi Were Here is the story of a non-binary Chicane artist who is unapologetic for who they are, what they feel, or what they believe. Ander is such a strong and clear character that from the very beginning, they jump off the page and force their passion for art, love of their community, and unabashed horniness onto the reader in a jarring but refreshing way. While the story is about what “home” is and that every person deserves a place to belong, I was touched more by how Ander already belongs so clearly and powerfully in their family and town. 

From the beginning, I was surprised by how accepting Ander’s family was. They had no trouble with their pronouns, making sure to use “e” instead of the gendered “o” or “a” on all of the Spanish words to describe them, calling Ander “bebite” and “m’ije,” and calling them their child instead of son or daughter. Reading a book about queer people, I’ve come to expect there to be some tension with a friend or family member, some discussion of coming out or a person making a mistake, but Ander’s people never question them and never mess up. Ander wears provocative clothing, is free and loose with their feelings, and the only thing they get yelled at for is their decisions regarding their schooling, safety, or choice in a certain off-limits guy (it’s Ander). I was shocked to see a queer teen so accepted by their family as a given, not as something that had to be earned or fought for. It was beautiful. Even Santi, when we learn more about him, quickly fit in with Ander, not missing a step nor being ashamed of them, no matter the situation (except when Ander purposefully embarrasses him). By having Ander’s queerness be just another aspect of their life, the love story could just be about them and Santi and the fear that accompanies Santi’s undocumented status. 

This is a queer love story that reads like any other love story, not one that has to have telltale signs of a queer experience (even though the book and characters are steeped in the queer community). Queerness is normalized, and it warmed my soul. No matter the horrible things that happened to Santi and the pain it caused Ander as well, this book was cozy and warm because it showed a world where queerness was unquestioned, even if just in this community. The acceptance of who Ander was went down to the fact that the Spanish words weren’t italicized; they were just part of the sentences without any differentiation. All parts of Ander, his culture, and his identity are just an unquestioned part of the fabric of the text. There is power in this acceptance. This is a book about hope, and it reflects that hope beyond just the plot into the very world Jonny Garza Villa has created. 

I have so many more words that I could use to praise this book, but at the end of the day, my love of this book is deep and personal. I’m afraid that I cannot separate that, and if this book taught me anything, I don’t think that I should. 

Creative Use for a Library Program

While not necessarily a fun or thrilling idea, it would be great to dedicate time and space to creating resources for undocumented immigrants in the area. This includes the teens who are part of DACA or just undocumented in general. The library should have information packets (in multiple languages, not just English and Spanish) that are easily accessible without needing to ask for assistance to allow for privacy. The library could also host information sessions for those who wish to help undocumented workers. As hubs of information, it’s part of our work to be informed and prepared to help all of our patrons, even those who are not citizens. Part of this might also require the library to rethink library card requirements, such as driver's licenses and/or photo IDs, that may prevent people from accessing our services. 

Resources for undocumented immigrants and those who wish to help:

• PDF of resources created by the National Latinx Psychological Association

• National Immigrant Justice Center

• Informed Immigrant

• RAICES in Texas

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation

While there are mentions of underage drinking and a few scenes where they are smoking pot, these actions are done under the supervision of their parents and with permission. This book is more likely to be challenged on its queerness and specifically how sex-positive it is. 

The book does not describe any sex scenes. There is usually either a before or after scene where it is clear what Ander and Santi have done, but no sex is ever described. But, as it is in first-person narration, the reader gets to see just how horny and raunchy Ander is, particularly regarding Santi. They even explicitly mention a trip to HEB to get some lube and electrolyte drinks before having a busy day… the text is not subtle, but it’s also not explicit. 

The reality is that these are things that teens are doing and thinking. This is a realistic portrayal of a nineteen-year-old’s thoughts, and none of it is harassing or troubling. Ander is very unapologetic, but they are also cognizant of good and safe sexual practices. Whether people like it or not, teens can be raunchy and lustful. Ander & Santi Were Here just reflects that, producing a beautiful and loving romance. I’m not sure if it was done for the purpose of preventing challenges, but the fact that no sex scenes are depicted helps prevent accusations of the book being pornographic. Instead, it is an over-the-top at times but mostly wholesome and sexually realistic story, 

Reason for Inclusion

Ander & Santi Were Here is a powerful book that I emotionally resonated with throughout. I remember being a teen and reading Something Like Summer by Jay Bell, excited to read about gay teens who grow up and find joy. Seeing this representation helped me to accept myself and see that I still had a wonderful future ahead of me. The book, though, has not held up for me over time. The writing isn't very strong, and the characters can be a bit grating. Reading Ander & Santi Were Here just makes me wish I were able to read it as a teen instead. While the conflict of the book centers around undocumented workers, immigration, and the absurdity of borders, it is also a happy, if not a bit fraught, queer love story. I saw myself in Ander, remembering the passionate love and infatuation of first love, and deeply caring about people and social causes, and creating art. This book needs to be on shelves to give other queer teens a beautiful love story that doesn’t center around coming out and where acceptance is a given, not as something to be earned or fought for. I want so many others to read this book because of how much of it is filled with joy and love. There is now a part of my heart that says, “Ander and Santi Were Here.”