Summary:
Gabi is a high school senior who is pulled in all directions. Her diary chronicles the sixteen year old's senior year of high school. Her best friend is pregnant, her other best friend is kicked out of his house after he comes out to his parents, her father is a meth addict and her mother nags and disapproves but is still supportive. Gabi's diary is full of teenage thoughts, poetry and her looking toward the future that she hopes will happen at Berkeley. Through the novel we see Gabi learn and grow as she deals with the world happening around her and her social and environmental awareness as well as sense of self grows.
Strengths:
This book gives a voice to a young, Latino woman in a genre that very rarely features that sort of character. As a result, there are issues discussed in this book that you won't find in very many other young adult books. Gabi struggles with racism, her weight and the problems of the people she cares about. The narrative of her diary provides a realistic look at the teenage mind, which isn't always pretty but is very honest and thought provoking. The book does not shy away from controversial topics that are important to discuss with teens like navigating romantic relationships and body image and self esteem issues.
Other Books that Feature Latina Characters:
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass
Esperanza Rising
Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi, a girl in pieces. El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press.
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