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López, Diana
4 Reviews
(3)
4-6
Luna Ramos's many primas (cousins) annoy her, but especially prissy Claudia. When she locks Claudia in a bathroom at a family quinceañera, Luna is banned from wearing hats, which she uses to cover an embarrassing white patch in her hair. To make matters worse, Claudia is transferring to Luna's school. The accessible, relatable, and humorous story relays messages of loyalty and self-acceptance.
Reviewer: Katie Darrin
(3)
4-6
Buddies Dominic, Z, and Loop discover the lure of illusion through their Texas town's new magic shop, Conjuring Cats. Determined to win a teen magician's competition, they spend the summer practicing their tricks. López successfully layers rich characterization with the intrigue of magic tricks, while friendship, family, and individual conflicts present realistic challenges for the competitive boys. Trick names and magician credits are appended.
Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan
(3)
4-6
As if middle school weren't hard enough, thirteen-year-old Erica's mother is diagnosed with breast cancer. "Chia" is too busy worrying about her mom to have fun with her friends, who don't really understand her predicament anyway. Then Chia makes a promesa to God to help sponsor a fundraiser; the goal brings together all the facets of her life in a humorous, touching way.
Reviewer: Norah Piehl
(3)
4-6
Since her mother's unexpected death, Texas middle schooler Lina has had a lot to cope with: a distracted dad, boyfriend-preoccupied best friend, her own new beau, and a failing grade that's keeping her from playing sports. Encouraged by the guidance of dichos (Spanish-language proverbs), Lina realizes that she needs to let her feelings out. Lina is a sympathetic and realistic character.
Reviewer: Susan Halperin
4 reviews
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