You may be wondering what a Quinceañera is? A Quinceañera is a traditional party for a young Mexican girl when she turns 15. It signifies that the young girl is becoming a woman.
Back to the book. Estrella Alvarez is a young, smart girl who is raised in the barrio with her mom, dad, and two brothers. Estrella has won a scholarship to Sacred Heart, an upscale high school in the wealthiest part of San Jose.
Estrella's life has changed. She has dropped all of her old friends for new ones at her new school. She is basically embarassed about her home life -- her life in the barrio. She tries to fit in with her new rich friends, but it's not working out. Her mom wants to give her a big Quinceañera, but Estrella is against it. She thinks it is lame and embarassing. What if her new friends found out?The preparations for the Quinceañera are driving the whole family crazy. Her mom and her aunt are going completely overboard, making huge plans and spending too much money that the family does not have. It seems like Estrella's parents are always fighting. Finally, Estrella decides she wants out and yells at her mom and dad -- the party is off.
It takes a boy from the barrio and her old friends to make her see that she is the one who has changed -- and not for the best.
Will Estrella wise up? Will she make amends, and let her new friends into her real life? And what about the Quinceañera?
This book has taught me a lot about Mexican culture and the closeness of family. While I would recommend this book, please be aware that it is a young adult book due to some language.
Adios!
Miss Josefína
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