Under the Mesquite

Under the Mesquite
By Guadalupe Garcia McCall.
Lee & Low Books, 2011. 224 pgs. Teen fiction

Lupita has always enjoyed (and been slightly frustrated by) her large family; they're close and loving and life is good, as they've moved to the U.S. but still frequently visit relatives in Mexico. However, her mother's cancer diagnosis changes everything and Lupita tries to deal with school as well as taking care of her seven younger siblings.

This book is sad and pretty and lovely. (I don't know if I've ever called a book pretty before, but something about this one really is.) Lupita's struggle--and her mother's as well--are portrayed so realistically. This is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a good sad but hopeful book, a good novel in verse, or a just a plain good book.

4 stars. Clean read.