Renovation for Home & Heart

How would you feel if your mother took off for a job opportunity for the entire summer and left you with a father you’ve never met? That is exactly what happens to Almudena. She doesn’t speak Spanish, and Xavier (her Guatemalan mystery dad) doesn’t speak much English. Add in that she’s now expected to help him restore an old brownstone and deal with his bossy girlfriend and her prickly son? Let’s just say she could imagine a better scenario for her summer. Over the course of her stay with Xavier, Almudena begins to venture further into the mostly Latin American neighborhood. This brings up some issues for her, since she was brought up by her white mother and has a very tenuous grasp on the other side of her heritage. As she helps Xavier to repair the house, it becomes apparent that there are other relationships that could also use some restoration. 

I loved following Almudena’s journey. I can’t imagine only just discovering half of where you come from at age 14. There are very understandable moments of frustration for her, but she also leans into the love for the people and community. The community itself is very vibrant, but it is also in a state of uncomfortable evolution. This is a wonderful story of both a girl and a neighborhood in a state of transition. The art is really inviting and clear. If this post doesn’t convince you, please note it also won the Printz Award (a major award for teen literature) as well as a host of other nominations and nods. This one is definitely worth checking out! 

#teenreads #graphicnovels #awardwinner #family #realistic #latinx