Gaby, Lost and Found

June 1, 2013
Gaby Ramirez Howard faces the same ups and downs as any 11-year-old girl, but they are made more complicated by her mother's absence. Three months ago, the factory where Gaby's mother worked was raided, and she was deported to Honduras, a country Gaby has never seen. Though she lives with her dad, Gaby basically parents herself with the help of her friend Alma's family. Her physical and emotional needs are barely met at home. Gaby's world brightens when her class begins a long-term volunteer project at the Furry Friends animal shelter. Like her mom, Gaby is an animal lover, and she develops her writing talent by crafting adoption profiles for the cats and dogs. Although bullies torment her with taunts of "illegal" and "alien," caring adults in the community and strong friendships empower the resilient Gaby to find her voice. Readers from many backgrounds will empathize with Gaby's struggle to do what is right for the animals she has come to love at Furry Friends, as well as with her suffering, as she wonders if and when her mother will make the journey back to the United States. Cervantes' debut novel presents young readers with an age-appropriate glimpse of what happens when immigration status separates families. A timely, touching and nuanced portrayal of real-life challenges experienced by children in mixed-status families. (Fiction. 8-12)

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August 1, 2013

Gr 5-8-When Gaby Ramirez Howard's mother is deported back to Honduras, the sixth-grader's life is anything but stable. Her father often forgets to purchase food, but worse, neglects his daughter emotionally. She is an outcast at St. Ann's where classmates tease her about her family life. With everything falling apart, the protagonist finds strength and self-confidence in the class service project at their local animal shelter. She showcases her writing skills, creating individual profiles for each animal. Although her life parallels many of the abandoned pets, Gaby takes on the role of protector and defender. Her profiles and hard work help many animals find a new home and a true family, something that Gaby is lacking. The plot and tone are spiced with Spanish words along with tidbits of Honduran culture. The author humanizes the controversial issue of illegal immigration and paints an emotionally compelling story. The short chapters and simple plot will keep readers engaged. Kids will be initially attracted by the animal-shelter theme but ultimately maintain interest due to Gaby's absorbing story. The novel provides a glimpse into the lives of young people growing up in modern society, and is a welcome addition to middle-school collections.-Mary-Brook J. Townsend, The McGillis School, Salt Lake City, UT

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