In Dos Rios, Texas, life is all about borders -- and what happens when you cross the line. A fresh new series explores what it's like to grow up on the edge. A quinceanera for the record books? If Fabiola Garza had her way, her quinceanera would be as simple and as non-traditional as possible-just two airline tickets to New York City and her best friend in tow. Sadly, things hardly ever go Fabi's way. Una fiesta de quinceanera inolvidable? Si Fabiola Garza pudiera, su fiesta de quinceanera seria algo simple y poco convencional: dos boletos de avion a la ciudad de Nueva York para viajar en compania de su mejor amiga. Desafortunadamente, las cosas casi nunca son como las quiere Fabiola.
Border Town seems to always leave me feeling quite giddy. The Garza sisters have returned for another installment and this time Grandma Trini and Alexis decide to help get Fabi on a show called "Quince Dreams" after a lunch confrontation with Melodee, which of course was made worse by Milo and Alexis.
The Quinceañera story line may be over the top to some readers, but it makes sense if you read the previous installment- as Fabi's family has the tendency to make things worse before they make things better. (Which is part of the appeal to me, because there's an even handed dose of reality and fantasy.) Even the unexpected "chambelán" has a twist, which seemed strange to me, because I never envisioned Alegría going in that direction. The Border Town series has always been a good mix of Fluff and heavy issues without being melodramatic, so the allegation Abuelita Alpha made just didn't seem to fit the overall genre of the story.
The Quinceañera events are silly and light, with the exception of one scene involving Fabi's father that helps ground the book back to reality. Melodee also pulls off one vile prank that will upset you as much as it upset Fabi. Again, this is why the ending was so weird! A book that has always balanced reality with fantasy of the teenage girl variety (not demons, vampires, and ghouls) doesn't seem to match up with the ending we were given.
I wish I could say that the Quinceañera plot was what made me stick with the book, but in fact it had nothing to do with the story line. This isn't to say the plot was horrible or lacking; Alegría's main strength happens to be the characters she creates. What I really like about the series are the character interactions that center around Fabi. Fabi has such a cute, smart, and innocent perspective on those around her, which makes the complicated romance she faces both mystifying and irritating! She truly is the girl that doesn't notice anything. Every time Milo was in the picture I became a happy camper, because he's such a neat character. He could make me laugh aloud in one scene and completely sympathize for him, regarding his family background in another scene. The range of emotions this character has is probably part of the appeal. (It doesn't hurt his name is Milo.)
As for the romance? That issue became complicated due to everything that didn't happen. At the end of the story there were so many unanswered questions. At first I didn't worry about it, after all there's another book coming out, but when I saw the focus was on Alexis I admit I was a little angry. I want the Milo question answered! (Milo question= Will Fabi ever notice him and date him?) There's also another boy that makes an appearance, Daniel, and you wonder if it will be the last time we see him. Things do not bode well for Milo.
Aside from Milo, my other favorite character, Santiago, Fabi's cousin, made a major change in this novel. Telling you why would ruin the surprise, but let's just say that the story begins with Santiago and it ends with him too.
My only concern now are the loose ties surrounding the non romance among Milo/Fabi/Daniel, the friendship between Fabi and Georgia Rae, and whether or not Santiago's change will be permanent. Usually, I don't like so many loose ends, but I noticed questions I had from the first book were answered in the second. I wouldn't normally bring up loose ends in a series, but again the blurb to book three worries me. I don't doubt I'll like the story. Alegría has proven to be a cute fun writer to read. What does concern me is that the series will now be focusing on the other Garza sister, which makes it highly possible that these loose ends will never be resolved. Even the fourth book centers around Santiago. As much as he's a character I love, I don't think I'll be happy reading about him if I'm still wondering how Fabi's story ends so to speak.
For now I feel giving the book three out of five stars is a fair rating as it takes into account the awkward ending with the chambelán, but if Alegría does the unthinkable and ignores the loose ties mentioned above I will scream, possibly cry, and then throw her book across the room. (Ok, maybe not a book. I love books. I'm pretty sure a pillow will suffice.)
Now I'm anxious to get the next book in the series. I wonder what will happen to Fabi and most importantly, if I'll care as much about Alexis as I do about Fabi.
This is such a cute book, but I reserve my full judgement until I see how this story truly ends.
Have you ever read a book that gets you so attached and just makes you keep reading? This book might be one of those too. In 'Quince Clash' a girl named Fabi learns to be careful who to trust and to always enjoy themselves and to not care what people think of her. The setting is in Dos Rios, Texas. This setting is important because this is where all the events take place. The theme of this book is I would say, Hope. The conflict is person vs person because Fabi and Melodee have beef over who's party will be best. In this book a girl named Fabi (short for Fabiola) has a girl named Melodee who HATES her guts. Melodee basically bullies her. One day, Melodee brags to Fabi about having a quince, so one of Fabi's friends tell her that she is too. Melodee makes a bet that whoever has the best quince, the one who didn't has to shave her head. The deal was on, but Fabi didn't want to have one. It was hard for her to tell her mom about having one because she wasn't rich, and she already had 2 hospital bills to pay for her father who was in very poor condition. Once she told her, her mother was very happy. Fabi's grandmas were too. They told her not to worry about the money. Her grandmas entered a contest to win for 'Quince Dreams', a tv episode where if you send a letter on why you should have the opportunity to win, and if they like your story they choose you and they pay for everything. Fabiola's grandma Trini and Alpha decided to write the letter themselves so Fabi didn't have to worry about a thing. While they waited to get the call a couple days later they got a call saying they won. The cast flew from L.A to film Fabi and her quince. After, Fabi needed a chambelan. She met a boy named a boy named Daniel who seemed very charming. She was so into him and he made it seem that he was too. While on the other hand, Melodee was already finished planning her party. It was all set for Saturday, she was so sure she was mint going to shave her head. Fabi, was asking herself why did she win? What did her grandmas say in the letter. When she asked to see the letter, Trini pulled back and didn't let her until Fabi was able to snatch it. She was in shock, she didn't know what to say. It read that Fabi was going to die, she only had one month left to live because of a "disease" not even the doctors knew what it was. Fabi cried, why would they lie? She ran and ran until she couldn't anymore, she sat on a field, noticing Daniel playing ball. He saw her upset and asked what was wrong. Fabi told her the truth, he was in shock, she had already asked him to be her chambelan, would he say no? All he told her was that she had to tell the tv cast. Fabi felt better and did try to tell. On the day of Melodee's party, Fabi noticed Daniel beside her as she said that was her boyfriend. Fabi was in shock, she broke down there. Melodee walked over and told the camera guy the whole truth. Fabi had nothing to do but run away. Her grandma came to find her and pleaded her for a forgiveness of what they've done, Fabi thought that it was okay after all they tried to help. When the cast went to talk to Fabi the lady said it was okay and she also had problems when she was her age and never had a quince because they were so poor, she said they still wanted to do her quince. Her big day came, it was a success. Everyone enjoyed it, Daniel wanted to come back to her but she just rejected him. Melodee was shocked, she knew she had lost, she knew her party wasn't as well as Fabi's was. In the end, Fabi enjoyed her day and didn't let her come between anymore. The title 'Quince Clash' relates to the story because it relates how the girls are fighting for who has the best Quince. The point of view is mostly 1st person and a bit of 3rd person because Fabi and family member speak in the story but the author sometimes explains their emotions and what they're doing. I was surprised when Daniel ended up being Melodee's boyfriend. It shocked me because this meant that Melodee had set Fabi up. She made Daniel act like he liked Fabi when he really just wanted to get information out of her to tell Melodee. I give this book a 5 out of 5 because I really liked it and it was able to relate to many things. The author taught many lessons and explained the story well. It thought that you shouldn't trust EVERYBODY because they might just be pretending to like you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The characters in this book are Fabiola, Melodee, Santiago, Grandma Trini, Grace, Milo, Alexis, and Abuelita Alpha. They all have different but in some similar personalities. No one is compared to Melodee though, she's cruel, annoying, rich, and a bully. Fabiola, however, has a very nice, caring, hard working, shy personality. Santiago, is her cousin, and he can light up a room with one sassy remark. He is funny, caring, and serious when needed too. Grandma Trini is amazing!!! She has a loving, funny, and crazy fun personality. Grace, the one who's making it happen, with the quince, is nice, hard working, and very understanding. In some parts of the book she surprised me. Milo, is Fabi's friend. They are very close but they start drifting apart when the show was going on. He has a nice, sassy, caring, and funny personality. Alexis, is Fabi's sister, and is any other sister. She is annoying, loving, caring, and nice. Abuelita Alpha, is amazing. She has such a straight up attitude but other than that loving.
*SPOILER ALERT* To sum up all the events rolled up into one is going to be hard, but I'll do my best. Like me, Fabi never really wanted a quince. She wanted to use her money for something better. Like me, she wants to leave and go some place new and beautiful. She wants to go to New York with her best friend and have an amazing time. BUT, she gets into a argument with Melodee during lunch, IN FRONT OF EVERYONE. The argument was about who would've had a better quince, and that's how a competition was created. They sent a message to show called, "Quince Dreams" hope that they get their attention. They do, and things end up going great. She meets a boy named, Daniel who seems cute and nice, but turns out he played her and everything gets ruined because of him. During Melodee's quince, she outs how Fabi got on the show and yeah. During the middle of the book, nothing much happens honestly, just family problems, because her Dad ended getting sick but feels better in the end. Things turn out great during Fabi's quince, but she danced with the devil. She literally danced with the Devil, but he was disguised as a handsome guy. It creates tension, and her grandma kicks him out with a broom and he goes out by the window, but first he blows a kiss to Fabi. Later that day, they found the footprints, and Fabi was shook. during the end, everything starts going back into place and ends perfectly and normally as possible.
The conflict is that Melodee created a competition. The competition is about who will have a better quinceanera. Melodee or Fabiola? Sounds intense, but the real intense part is that Fabi can't afford a quinceanera, because her family isn't as rich as Melodee. Knowing Melodee, she will do whatever it takes to win, no matter what the expenses are. What will Fabi do?
The problem is solved by her sister, Alexis, her grandma, Trini, and her friend, Milo. They heard about a show called, "Quince Dreams" who help girls make their dreams come true. They pay for everything for your quinceanera, and you don't have to worry anything about money issues. They also film you throughout the whole experience of planning your quince. But going back to how they solved the problem was, they sent a message to the show, and they hoped that they chose Fabi out of many other girls. I think a couple days later, they called them to let them know that they have been chosen. So the problems went away. However, after Fabi finds out how she got on, she gets upset, and realizes she has to tell Grace the truth, and hope that they will still film her. She got on the show because when Alexis and Trini sent the message, they lied about some things. They lied about Fabi dying and that she only had one month to live. However, when Grace finds out, she's disappointed, but understands what she is going through. When Grace was young, her family couldn't afford all the expenses for the quince. so, the show continues on.
To me the overall meaning is the importance of love a family can give. There wasn't many moments with her family, but every time there was, it was beautiful. Her family isn't rich, but they're rich by heart. Every family goes through hard times, but it's okay. because it creates a stronger bond. Family will always be there, even when you don't knowledge it. I think something that is all common to people is a love from someone.
I would recommend this book to people, because it has a great plot. I also recommend it to people who love reading fiction books.
This book was suprisingly interesting. I never knew what to expect, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! It reminds me of when I would read the Bulfor High series in seventh and eigthn grade. Throughout the book I felt a ton of different emotions, such as sadness, shock, fear, happiness, and often times confusion. This book was funny and I would definetly read the rest of the series.
What I really enjoyed about this book was how much Fabi's family cared for her and how they want Fabi to have the best quincenera ever with a little bit of help. When I figured out what Alexis (her sister)and her Aunt Trini did for Fabi, i was shocked but i also understood why they did it.
Fabi evolved throughout the story. In the beginning she was shy and sort of reserved, she acted this way because Melodee would bully her and she was afriad to stand up to her. Then lated in the story she started to get confidence. She did not let what happened to her at Melodee's quincenera get the best of her on her special day. But I do not understand why she was totally clueless about Milo's feelings toward her. I also respect how she worked hard in school and to provided for her family
I rate this book four out of five stars because of all the suprising twist. I would definetly read the series if I had a chance to. Although, when I read the epilogue I was confused. But I recommened this book.
It was just one normal day, until Melondee goes up the Fabi and starts to tell her about, how she is having a and how Fabi isn't having one, becuase her family is stupid and poor. Alexis (Fabi's younger sister) and Fabi's friend Milo, tell Melondee is having a and that Fabi's will be a way better party then her's. Melondee doesn't believe that so she says that her's will be way better. Melondee comes up with a bet and Alexis and Milo agree to it, when Fabi is telling them no. With a cute boy and a lot of problems, Fabi doesn't know if this was the right thing to do. Can Fabi have it all?
This book was pretty good. It had an interesting plot to it and it had good discriptions. I like Fabi's character a lot, she reminds me a little like me at times. Throughout this book I felt really bad for Fabi, she went through some really hard times. I think Fabi is a strong, amazing women. I would recommend this book to people who like drama types of books. There is a lot of drama in this book of the series. I gave this book 4 stars, becuase i thought the author did a good job writing it, but there were some parts the were so so. Just overall, I really enjoyed this book.
Fabi a shy poor girl. Melode rich mean girl.They hold a bet to see who would have the best Quinceanera the loser shaves head and be a servant to the winner for a month.Fabi doesn't have alot of money to have a grand Quinceanera,But melode is rich and she can have the best Quinceanera.Alexis Fabi's come to the rescue she tells Fabi about a show that helps you have the best quinceanera if they had a good story to tell for the show.Alexis comes up with a good idea but doesn't tell Fabi because she knows Fabi would not agree with her.So she secretly writes a letter to the show after few days get's accepted.The producers comes to see Fabi to her house.Fabi is happy but wonders how they accepted her.The producers arranged everthing for her and the cameras follow her everywhere she feels like a celeb.Melode heard about Fabi's show and she gets jealous and knows she would lose and doesn't want to get the punishment so she goes to Fabi's quinceanera and ask for forgiveness for behaving bad.Fabi lets her go and enjoys her quinceanera.I recommed it to anyone who wants to read and also learn that being mean doesn't get you anything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Fabiola is the main character of the book, "Border Town", she's nice, caring, shy, a hard-worker, and any other simple girl I guess. Melodee is another character in the book, she's the one that starts a situation. Her attitude is annoying, mean, rich, and a bully. Her cousin, Santiago, is a great person, however, he's nice, caring, but also can be serious when needed too. Her two grandma's Trini and Alpha are very different from personalities. Grandma Trini is loving, a little crazy in having too much fun, but however amazing. Abuelita Alpha is very straight up, she has a very fire attitude, but is nice. Grace is the person who helps Fabiola with preparing for the quinceanera. She's honestly really nice, caring, understanding. Milo is Fabi's close friend. He is funny, cool, nice, sassy, and understanding. Her sister, Alexis, is any another sister, annoying, fun, caring, and loving.
To sum up
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
In this installment of the quick-read YA series Border Town, Fabiola Garza, or Fabi, gets caught up in a quinceanera throw down with popular mean girl Melodee. But when her young sister and too-sexy-for-her-own-good Grandma Trini get involved, Fabi's dream for a fab fifteen-year-old party turns her world into a nightmare of puro drama. Some of the scenarios have the hard-to-swallow shenanigans of a TV sitcom--Modern Familia anyone?--but I still loved the flashes of folklore threaded throughout. Shout-outs to all the small towns that are strung up and down the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas was also a sweet touch.
I'm enjoying the series because of the portrayal of Latino/a characters you see in your neighborhood, school, and even the mall with ordinary problems not necessarily related to immigration.
Even though Fabiola Garza would rather take the money one would spend on a quinceanera and go to New York City, when Melodee Stanton accuses Fabi of not having a quinceanera because the Garzas are poor--the bet is on. But, the Garzas really don't have that kind of money to put on a glitzy party.
Alexis, Fabi's younger sister, and both abuelas become fairy godmothers who find a unique way for Fabi to have a quinceanera to beat all quinceaneras--and it pays for itself.
A book in the Border Town series. Fabiola does not want a big quinceanera. She would rather use the money to go to New York with her best friend. However, when mean girl Melodee throws down the gauntlet about who will have a better party, Fabi can't just walk away. Fabi's sister and her grandma get caught up in the excitement and try to get her party hosted by a reality TV show. An excellent addition for your Latina collection.
In the book Border Town Quince Clash was about a girl named Fabi who didn't want a Quinceanera but got trapped and had to compete by a bully Melodee at having the best quincerea in town. Fabi has to deal with this show that her sister and grandma got her into called Quince dreams. I recommended this book if you like teen drama. Also if you have read other Border Town books.
I really like the culture that is infused into this series, although others might be able to comment on the authenticity. Fabi is lovable and the story is entertaining for middle school reader, especially mine who have experienced both Texas and Mexican culture. I will continue the series!
The book I read was Quince Clash by Marlin Alegria. This book is a really good book in my opinion. It is a book where you can actually connect your life with it if you are Latino or bilingual. Being able to know what they are saying and how you can connect your life to it is so amazing to me. The way the author describes this book with good details make me more interested in the book. Basically what this book is about is about how Fabiola gets in a big situation which is, a quinceañera competition. There’s this really mean girl who does not get along with her and always likes to show off. She tells Fabiola that she is going to have a quinceañera and that it’s going to be the best one but then Fabiola steps up and tells her she is going to have a quinceañera even better. Little do they know that she really doesn’t have enough money for one. What I really like about this book is that this author explains the book with realistic information and details. You can read this book and really imagine it in your head. Most of the things she talks about in this book is something that can actually happen. I like the way she can help me understand the book by connecting my personal life with what’s going on. I give this book a 5 out of 5. I do recommend this book to anyone who is bilingual or wants to learn a little bit of Spanish. It’s a really good detailed book.
Have you had a quince ? A quince is a tradition for Hispanics that throw a big party on their 15. When I first read this book “Quince clash” I immediately thought there was going to be conflict and something was going to go wrong, was I correct, yes I was. It was two main girls that ended up having a competition against each other to see who would throw the biggest and funnest quince of the year. Everybody at school would go to both of their quinces and vote on which one they enjoyed better. The two girls that are in competition was Fabiola and Melodee. Melodee was the mean rich girl, she already planned on making her party so big that everyone wouldn’t stop talking about it. Fabiola only wanted a small party, but ever since that challenge Fabiola’s sister got involved and started planning the biggest party for her sister. She had so much to work in so little time, she needed to find chambelanes and damas, those are people that are in her court by her side. Later on Fabiola ends up having a little issue throughout the book. She believes that this quince will be a nightmare. At the end she will have fun and enjoy that moment.
This book is absolutely filthy and Scholastic sent it to us for the Middle School Book Fair. Teachers and Librarians, please take a look at this book before you start selling it. It was in the reduced price box.
Page 1: "Whenever he drank he had to pee a lot." Page 2: "Santiago had a weakness for women in tight jeans and heels-the higher the better." Page 3: "He jumped on top of the mound, straddling her body between his thighs, and bent to kiss Maria Elena on the mouth." Page 6: "He swore to give up women and alcohol and go to school and even to class."
There is also swearing, drugs, alcohol, lots of lusting, ruined reputations, an so on.
Some of my 8th grade girls will like this. It’s kind of Harlequin romance-y and because of the little bit of sex and drugs, it won’t be for everyone. Overall, a good choice for some of my kids who want s lighter read
If you are a fan of Nickelodeon type shows, or Disney shows for kids, this Border Town Series will be a good read. Think Hannah Montana, but with Chicanxs. Think That's So Raven, but in a town on the Texas-Mexico border.
I really enjoyed this book. I'm getting a better feel for the characters. I love the slightly supernatural touches. I really liked the battle of the quinces and the grandmothers with no boundaries (although I feel blessed not to have them in my life).
Si yo era la terapeuta de Fabi, cuando ella descubró que su hermana y abuela mentiraron al programa de telivisión, le diriá a contar la verdad. La verdad te pone libre, y si ella no dice nada, la mentira solo va a empereorar. Si Fabi dijo la verdad al programa antes de Daniel, soy seguro que la habría hecho lucir mejor, y ella también se sintiría menos culpable. Ni siquiera fue su culpa en primer lugar.
Si Fabi no me escuchó y Melodee todavia era la que contó el programa, le diriá que ella necesita hablar con Grace, disculparse, y explicar la situación. Si Fabi está sincero y cuenta la verdad, creo que Grace perdonará ella. Si no, Fabi hizo todo lo que pudo, y solo puede aprender su lección y seguir adelante. Pero, es muy probable que Grace la perdonará porque, una vez más, no fue su culpa. Fue la culpa de Abuela Trini y Alexis; ellas eran los mentirosas, incluso si significaban bien.
Lucy Rogers
Melodee es una niña mala. Ella intimida a Fabi por todo el libro. Piensa que es mejor que ella solo porque su familia tiene más dinero que la familia de Fabi. La Melodee debe aprender una lección sobre como ser una persona decente. ¡Ella necesita una teurapista como yo!
Si fuera la teurapista de Melodee, yo primero escucharía a su perspectiva de la situación. Creo que es importante escuchar a su perspectiva porque podría entender mejor por qué dijo esas cosas malas a Fabi. Próximo, yo la daría mi consejo.
Esto es mi consejo para Melodee: trata de imaginar si estaría en la posición de los otros ántes de actuar. No sabes con qué lucha cada persona que conoces. En el caso de Fabi, trata de entender que ella no tiene tantos ventajas como ti. Finalmente, trata a tus pares como tú quisieras ser tratada. Si hicieras más esfuerzo a ser simpática a ellos, te van a tratar con la amabilidad en cambio.
Carolina Lopez Si yo fuera Fabi estaría tan feliz de tener una Quinceañera. Siempre quiero una fiesta así . Me encanta la idea de grandes vestidos y toda su familia cercana y amigos estando allí contigo. Sin embargo, la familia de Fabi le mentio. Me sentiría muy triste si mi familia me mintiera. En una familia necesitas confianza. Tienes que confiar en ellos y tener confianza en que siempre te van a decir la verdad.También veía que lo estaban haciendo para mi beneficio y lo agradecería. Fabi era demasiado tarde para decirle a Grace que su familia mintió. No tengo ni idea de lo que haría en esa situación. Me daría mucho miedo decirle algo.No querría delatar a mi familia, pero al mismo tiempo es cosa mala a mentir, especialmente sobre algo tan grande como esta situación. Pero al final, Fabi terminó consiguiendo su fiesta y todo funcionó. Todo el mundo estaba contento especialmente Fabi.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Lizette Chacha Este libro proporciona información sobre un problema común a todas las personas porque no tener dinero para una quinceañera es común y quinceañeras compitiendo entre ellas. Hay muchos que si tienen dinero para hacerle una quinceañera lujosa y al gusto de su hija pero hay muchos que no tienes esa oportunidad. Aun eso hacen todo lo posible para hacer la fiesta lo más bueno. En esta situación es Fabiola y Melodee y sus quinceañeras y cuál va hacer lo mejor. La familia de Fabiola no tiene tanto dinero como la familia de Melodee para hacer la quinceañera lujosa. Y están en competencia en cual quinceañera va hacer la mejor y si una no es mejor todos van hablar mal de la otra. También en vida real muchas quinceañeras hablan mal de otras fiestas y están en competencia para hacer la fiesta de ella más elegante y no enfocan en lo ellas mismas quieran solo en lo que otros van a pensar. También Fabi recibe ayuda de “Sueños de quinceañera” y en tiempo presente ay un programa “My dream quinceañera” que publica la quinceañera de la niña y el proceso.