Latino Voices for Young Adults

See also: Bibliografia en Espanol Para Los Adultos Jovenes

Alegria, Malin. Estrella's Quinceañera. 2006. (YA Fiction Alegr.M)

In this touching debut novel, Estrella Alvarez is about to turn 15, and there's nothing her meddling mother and T'a Lucky want more than to throw her a gaudy "quinceaqera"--a party that Estrella would rather avoid. Young Adult. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc. (MS,HS)

Alvarado, Lisa. Sister Chicas : Novel. 2006. (Fiction Alvar.L)

Taina's turning fifteen-and is so dreading her Pepto-pink quinceaera, her Sweet Fifteen.What about her secret Jamaican artist boyfriend? Should she let "Mami" choose her escort, or follow her heart-and ignite a family riot? Grachi must choose between being the good Chicana-and grabbing "la oportunidad de la vida," Now she needs her Sister Chicas more than ever... Leni's the rebel-with a punk style and an attitude to go with it. But as she tries to make sense of her roots with her Chicas, her life gets more complicated, especially when her childhood friend turns into a handsome rockero... And even though Taina, Grachi, and Leni don't always agree on things-like boys, clothes, and music-nothing gets in the way of their friendship.

Alvarez, Julia. Before We Were Free. 2004. (YA Fiction Alvar.J)

Anita de la Torre never questioned her freedom living in the Dominican Republic. But by her 12th birthday in 1960, most of her relatives have emigrated to the United States, her Tio Toni has disappeared without a trace, and the government's secret police terrorize her remaining family because of their suspected opposition of el Trujillo's dictatorship. Using the strength and courage of her family, Anita must overcome her fears and fly to freedom, leaving all that she once knew behind. From renowned author Julia Alvarez comes an unforgettable story about adolescence, perseverance, and one girl's struggle to be free.

Alvarez, Julia. Finding Miracles. 2006. (YA Fiction Alvar.J 2006)

Milly Kaufman IS an ordinary American teenager living in Vermont--until she meets Pablo, a new student at her high school. His exotic accent, strange fashion sense, and intense interest in Milly force her to confront her identity as an adopted child from Pablo's native country. As their relationship grows, Milly decides to undertake a courageous journey to her homeland and along the way discovers the story of her birth is intertwined with the story of a country recovering from a brutal history. Beautifully written by reknowned author Julia Alvarez, "Finding Miracles" examines the emotional complexity of familial relationships and the miracles of everyday life.

Alvarez, Julia. Saving The World : A Novel. 2006. (YA Fiction Alvar.J & CD Fiction Alvar.J)

Alma is set on writing another of her bestselling family sagas, but when she discovers the story of 22 orphan boys who were selected in 1803 to act as RcarriersS of the smallpox vaccine in an attempt to vaccinate Spain's American colonies, Alma's newest novel develops into something very different.

Cameron, Ann. Colibrí. 2003. (YA Fiction & YA Spanish Fiction Camer.A)

She was little and quick and pretty. Her mother nicknamed her Colibr #237; , Spanish for "Hummingbird." At age four she was kidnapped, torn from her parents on a crowded bus in Guatemala City. Since then, she's traveled with "Uncle," the ex-soldier and wandering beggar who has renamed her Rosa. Uncle has always told Rosa that he searched for his parents but had no success. There's almost no chance Rosa will ever find them--but Rosa still remembers and longs for them.

Canales, Viola. The Tequila Worm. 2005. (YA Fiction J Canal.V)

Sofia comes from a family of storytellers. Here are her tales of growing up in the barrio, full of the magic and mystery of family traditions: making Easter "cascarones," celebrating "el Dia de los Muertos, "preparing for "quincea-era, "rejoicing in the Christmas "nacimiento," and curing homesickness by eating the tequila worm. When Sofia is singled out to receive a scholarship to an elite boarding school, she longs to explore life beyond the barrio, even though it means leaving her family to navigate a strange world of rich, privileged kids. It's a different "mundo," but one where Sofia's traditions take on new meaning and illuminate her path. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc. (MS)

Cisneros, Sandra. Caramelo, Or, Puro Cuento : A Novel. 2002. (YA Fiction Cisne.S & Spanis Fiction Cisne.S & CD Fiction Cisne.S & eAudiobook)

Now in paperback, the celebrated author of "The House on Mango Street" delivers an extraordinary bestseller, told in language of blazing originality: a multigenerational story of a Mexican-American family whose voices create a dazzling weave of humor, passion, and poignancy--the very stuff of life.

Cisneros, Sandra. The House On Mango Street. 2001. (YA Fiction Cisne.S & CD Fiction Cisne.S)

Esperanza's life growing up in Chicago is told through a series of stories and observations about seemingly ordinary people, things, and events.

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