Spain or Shine

January 1, 2006
Gr 6-9 -Sixteen-year-old Elena, who is a quiet and shy dreamer, feels as if she doesn't fit in with her overachieving siblings. To get a different perspective on life as well as a chance to stretch her wings, she signs up to study in Spain for a semester. Once there, she makes new friends, including Miguel, a good-looking local teenager. She longs to start a relationship with him, but even though he pays special attention to her, she is too insecure to believe that he would actually be interested in her. Meanwhile, her experiences in drama class show her that she has a real talent for playwriting as well as acting. Ultimately, Elena's stay abroad teaches her to come out of her shell and take on new situations. She builds lasting friendships, gains independence and self-confidence, and even falls in love. Incorporating descriptions of San Sebastian and life in this scenic seaside town, the narrative creates a strong sense of place. Elena's emotional growth is clearly and believably depicted and the plot keeps the story moving quickly. An enjoyable read." -Kim Carlson, Monticello High School, IA"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2005
Gr. 6-9. Books in the Students across the Seven Seas series start with the heroine's written application for the study abroad program. The information is supplemented by parenthetical bits of truth. Elena Holloway's application introduces her as a high-school junior and states her desire to explore her Spanish heritage and her hope that her experience will enrich her playwriting. "Truth: I plan to spend every spare moment lounging on the beach and taking in the Spanish night life." That's what she starts out doing, but her passion for playwriting gets her back to work, and then, in a effective twist, onstage.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)