Sweet 15

Gr 6—9—This little bit of light reading tells the story of Destiny Lozada and her quinceañera. Her loving Puerto Rican-American family, made up of a hardworking father, a slightly pushy mother, and a rather overbearing sister, helps keep the plot moving as the teen decides how she feels about a traditional party and whether she even wants one. Her friends Stephanie and Erin remain largely on the fringes but help her get out of a couple of tight situations, such as a babysitting episode that goes awry. Mrs. Lozada is swept up in planning the perfect quinceañera, while America, Destiny's sister, fights tooth and nail against traditional female stereotypes and cultural expectations. Destiny is caught in the middle, with the added pressure of the ever-mounting expense and a crush on Nicolas, who may turn out to be more of a cad than a prince. In the end, Destiny calls a halt to the expensive party and plans an alternative that suits her unique style and her family's budget. Entertaining and chatty, and with an assortment of lively characters, this novel will appeal mostly to girls who are making their own way through the labyrinth of friendship, first boyfriends, and parental expectations.—Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX