"Lupita's first-person tale captures pivotal moments of her high-school years in the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, with glimpses back at her first six years in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. During her freshman year, Lupita discovers that her mother has cancer. . . . With poignant imagery and well-placed Spanish, the author effectively captures the complex lives of teenagers in many Latino and/or immigrant families. A promising, deeply felt debut."
-starred review, Kirkus Reviews

"This stunning debut novel in verse . . . will appeal to many teens for different reasons." -School Library Journal

"The close-knit family relationships, especially Mami and Lupita's, are vividly portrayed, as is the healing comfort Lupita finds in words." -Booklist

"Guadalupe Garcia McCall lyrically conveys the bravery of a devoted and wise young woman who journeys between Mexico and Texas. I quickly cared about the protagonist, Lupita, as she confronted her fears and doubts during a painful seasaon of her life. How lucky teens are today to read such a book and to meet Lupita, who finds solace in language, family, and the Mexican culture she cherishes."
-Pat Mora, author of Dizzy In Your Eyes, Gracias ~ Thanks, and Book Fiesta!

"Life on both sides of the United States of the United States-Mexican border is portrayed with total authenticity as background for this powerful as well as lyrical coming of age novel. . . . A magnificent new voice in Latino literature!"
-Alma Flor Ada, author of Magical Encounter: Latino Literature in the Classroom