Cómeme si te atreves

July 1, 2016

Gr 10 Up-Babia has lived with her aunt Gloria ever since her parents' deaths in a fire. Babia is often teased for being overweight, but she loves her life and is happy with her aunt and cat, Mousse de chocolate. When her rich aunt Claudia and Claudia's daughter Helena come to visit, Babia is surprised at Claudia's offer: spend the summer accompanying and becoming friends with Helena, and Babia will receive 2,000 euros. While at first offended at Claudia's remarks that Babia's less than beautiful appearance will serve to enhance her daughter's-and in turn help Helena find a husband-the protagonist quickly realizes that it is an easy way to make money, and agrees. But when an old friend of Babia's, Daniel Creek, returns for the summer, her life and heart become entangled with his once more. Flashbacks provide insight into the teen's past, her friendship with Daniel, and her life with her aunt. As the summer progresses and Babia is forced to spend time with Helena and Daniel, she learns that not everything is as it seems, and experiences love (both emotionally and physically). Witty and clever, the Spanish text flows perfectly. Readers will find themselves laughing at and enjoying the humor and development of the characters, especially Babia, and appreciating the confidence she has in herself from the start. Pair with Julie Murphy's Dumplin'. VERDICT Recommended for libraries serving Spanish-speaking teens and adults.-Selenia Paz, Helen Hall Library, League City, TX

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.