Alejandro has a lightning-like scar, on his butt. Although he'd like to wear it on his forehead he can't. He must lay low. Born in the desert when his parents crossed into the U.S. from Mexico fourteen years ago, he's "illegal" even though he's lived every single day in the U.S. So he stays to himself, hanging with his own kind. But he has a few others he trusts too. Like Crazy Bev, who runs the local playhouse and utilizes him in more and more productions. And Maggie, who loves acting and Alejandro. And Sedge, Alejandro's best bud. Mostly, however, he keeps his plans and activities hidden, protecting his family and obeying his parents. In his hoodie, he meekly endures taunts, ridicule, and threats from members of Grassroots Boots and like-minded people. Alejandro tires of always laying low. Yeah, things have soured: the economy, jobs, tolerance. Yet at school, he wins a what-it-means-to-be-an-American essay contest. And his mother has a baby girl. Additionally, Alejandro, who moves like a zippy fire hydrant, gets the chance to play soccer on a regular team, with a coach, uniforms, and referees. But as soon as Alejandro realizes he's an American no matter what others might say or do, his family falls apart. And Alejandro makes a trip of his own back to the border.