Fifteen Candles

July 1, 2010
Gr 7–10—-licia Cruz has big dreams. She's working as a summer intern at City Hall in order to polish up her college résumé when she has a chance to help a friend plan her "quinceañera" The teen has four close friends, each with a distinct style and strength, which makes the group work well together. As Alicia begins her research on "quinces" she decides that the friends have what it takes to start a business. She proposes the plan to them, and they immediately begin to launch their Amigas enterprise. However, as the time for the party draws near, the partners experience some issues. Chambers does a good job of developing five characters who are working through some growing pains but come out of the situation triumphantly. The narrative is a little heavy on food descriptions and designer-label name-dropping, but it shows practical elements of learning to mature. The author gives a nod to the cultural implications of "quinces" as well as to the fact that not everyone can afford a big party. Instead, many people have to plan and budget, something the Amigas run into during their preparations. A light read that will be of most interest to Hispanic populations.—"Emily Garrett Cassady, North Garland High School, Garland, TX"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2010
Grades 6-10 Its Alicias quince aos, and even though her thoroughly modern parents took her to Spain for her quinceaera, most of her friends are having elaborate parties to celebrate their entry into womanhood. When she realizes that a fellow intern in the mayors office needs help in planning her quince, Alicia envisions a new business venture for her and her three best friends, Amigas Inc. What initially seems to be easy money turns into miscommunication, hurt feelings, and potential disaster. This somewhat unrealistic feel-good story is populated with cute and talented teens, tolerant and tolerated adults, gorgeous houses regardless of economic strata, first-blush romance, and barely veiled life lessons. A warm celebration of Latin culture, especially the traditional quinceaera, this is the first in a series that is sure to draw a large audience.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)