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Sue Gutiérrez #1
Srta. Quinces (Miss Quinces)
Rising star Kat Fajardo's debut middle-grade graphic novel about a girl who would rather do anything other than celebrate her quinceañera!
Sue solo quiere pasar el verano leyendo y haciendo cómics en el campamento con sus amigos, pero en lugar de eso se embarca con sus padres y sus dos hermanas en un viaje a Honduras a visitar a la familia, que vive en medio del campo, ¡así que no podrá mandar mensajes y no tendrá cable ni internet! Las cosas empeoran cuando la mamá de Sue anuncia que le harán una quinceañera sorpresa a la chica, aunque esto es lo último que ella desearía. ¡No se imagina vistiendo un vestido enorme, abultado y colorido! ¿Qué podrá hacer? ¿Cómo sobrevivirá todo este tiempo con sus revoltosos familiares?
Sue just wants to spend the summer reading and making comics at sleepaway camp with her friends, but instead she gets stuck going to Honduras to visit relatives with her parents and two sisters. They live way out in the country, which means no texting, no cable, and no Internet! The trip takes a turn for the worse when Sue's mother announces that they'll be having a surprise quinceañera for Sue, which is the last thing she wants. She can't imagine wearing a big, floofy, colorful dress! What is Sue going to do? And how will she survive all this "quality" time with her rambunctious family?
Sue solo quiere pasar el verano leyendo y haciendo cómics en el campamento con sus amigos, pero en lugar de eso se embarca con sus padres y sus dos hermanas en un viaje a Honduras a visitar a la familia, que vive en medio del campo, ¡así que no podrá mandar mensajes y no tendrá cable ni internet! Las cosas empeoran cuando la mamá de Sue anuncia que le harán una quinceañera sorpresa a la chica, aunque esto es lo último que ella desearía. ¡No se imagina vistiendo un vestido enorme, abultado y colorido! ¿Qué podrá hacer? ¿Cómo sobrevivirá todo este tiempo con sus revoltosos familiares?
Sue just wants to spend the summer reading and making comics at sleepaway camp with her friends, but instead she gets stuck going to Honduras to visit relatives with her parents and two sisters. They live way out in the country, which means no texting, no cable, and no Internet! The trip takes a turn for the worse when Sue's mother announces that they'll be having a surprise quinceañera for Sue, which is the last thing she wants. She can't imagine wearing a big, floofy, colorful dress! What is Sue going to do? And how will she survive all this "quality" time with her rambunctious family?
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2022
179 people are currently reading
1920 people want to read
About the author
Kat Fajardo
27 books46 followersKat Fajardo (they/she) is a Honduran Colombian award-winning cartoonist and illustrator from the lively and magical place of Loisaida, New York City.
They are the creator of Miss Quinces, which was a National Indie Bestseller, received a Pura Belpre Honor for illustration, two starred reviews, and was selected as a summer reading pick by Entertainment Weekly, Publishers Weekly, The Horn Book, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. It was also added to the The Spirit of Texas (SPOT) Reading Program by the Texas Library Association. It was the first Graphix title to be simultaneously published in English and Spanish (as Srta. Quinces).
They are a graduate of the School of Visual Arts, and their work has been recognized by online publications such as Remezcla, El Hispanic News, School Library Journal, Huffington Post Latino Voices, and more. Kat loves to create playful and colorful work about self-acceptance and Latine culture.
When they aren’t making comics, you might find them collecting small junk for scrapbooking, listening to spooky podcasts, or chasing after their sock-stealing pups, Mac and Roni. Kat lives in Austin, Texas. Visit them online at katfajardo.com.
They are the creator of Miss Quinces, which was a National Indie Bestseller, received a Pura Belpre Honor for illustration, two starred reviews, and was selected as a summer reading pick by Entertainment Weekly, Publishers Weekly, The Horn Book, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. It was also added to the The Spirit of Texas (SPOT) Reading Program by the Texas Library Association. It was the first Graphix title to be simultaneously published in English and Spanish (as Srta. Quinces).
They are a graduate of the School of Visual Arts, and their work has been recognized by online publications such as Remezcla, El Hispanic News, School Library Journal, Huffington Post Latino Voices, and more. Kat loves to create playful and colorful work about self-acceptance and Latine culture.
When they aren’t making comics, you might find them collecting small junk for scrapbooking, listening to spooky podcasts, or chasing after their sock-stealing pups, Mac and Roni. Kat lives in Austin, Texas. Visit them online at katfajardo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 426 reviews
March 27, 2022
The cover of this new coming-of-age graphic novel does such a great job of portraying the struggles of Suyapa (Sue). She is turning fifteen and has a vision of a summer where she goes to camp with her friends. Instead Sue is getting on a plane with her mom, dad, and two sisters to visit family in Honduras. Then she discovers that a quinceañera has been planned for her. Sue does not want the big party, the people staring at her, and most certainly not the pink dress! This #OwnVoices graphic showcases the family cooperation in putting together a quinceañera as well as the significance of this event in the life of the honored teen. Includes photos and additional quinceañera info. This new graphic will be released on May 3 in both Spanish and English simultaneously.
Thank you to Scholastic Graphix and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Scholastic Graphix and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2023
4 stars for this delightful middle-grade graphic novel, my choice for Hispanic Heritage month. Lovely story about a geeky girl who goes to see family in Honduras & learns about her family, heritage & traditions along the way. Very sweet & quirky too!
December 23, 2022
I’m not sure why this took me so long to read but it was an interesting and fun read. Readers follow Sue who wants nothing more than to spend the summer with her friends at camp. Instead, her parents take her and her sisters to Honduras to visit her family including her abuelita. While there, Sue finds out that she’ll be made to go through with her quinces. She’s not a fan of the traditions, the dancing, or the attire. In exchange for participating in the quinces, Sue is permitted to go to summer camp. CW: panic attack on page
What I enjoyed about this graphic novel is definitely the cultural representation of what it means to be “caught in the middle.” The author illustrates what it’s like not being American enough and also not being Latine enough. Readers see that struggle play out across numerous panels of the book. I also enjoyed that not only did Sue love artwork but she shared that passion with her grandmother. They have a close bond and relationship that reminded me of the dynamics that I shared with my great grandmother. When Sue doesn’t feel like she’s good enough or that no one understands her, she has that relationship to turn to as a means of comfort. I love when kids are able to build a unique bond with their grandparents. It serves as such a vital support system when things get dicey with parents. I also enjoyed all the information that middle grade readers get about the process of a quinces. There’s so much work that goes into it and so many intricate aspects of it that illustrate what it means to go from childhood to adulthood. It definitely is a part of the windows, mirrors, and sliding glass door concept that I talk about so much.
One of the main things that I struggled with while reading this book was Sues voice. Part of me only realized how old she really was because of the quinces. Outside of that, she read much younger and exhibited behavior that was much younger than someone of her age group. I also think that she should have been old enough to realize what her family was going through but it never really clicks until it’s too late. I also didn’t care for the fact that there were family members who made fun of Sue for liking different things. Especially because she didn’t want to wear a pink dress. They make some hurtful comments that are never really addressed.
Overall, this was a solid read and I’m looking forward to checking out more from this author! I know they have an extensive backlist.
What I enjoyed about this graphic novel is definitely the cultural representation of what it means to be “caught in the middle.” The author illustrates what it’s like not being American enough and also not being Latine enough. Readers see that struggle play out across numerous panels of the book. I also enjoyed that not only did Sue love artwork but she shared that passion with her grandmother. They have a close bond and relationship that reminded me of the dynamics that I shared with my great grandmother. When Sue doesn’t feel like she’s good enough or that no one understands her, she has that relationship to turn to as a means of comfort. I love when kids are able to build a unique bond with their grandparents. It serves as such a vital support system when things get dicey with parents. I also enjoyed all the information that middle grade readers get about the process of a quinces. There’s so much work that goes into it and so many intricate aspects of it that illustrate what it means to go from childhood to adulthood. It definitely is a part of the windows, mirrors, and sliding glass door concept that I talk about so much.
One of the main things that I struggled with while reading this book was Sues voice. Part of me only realized how old she really was because of the quinces. Outside of that, she read much younger and exhibited behavior that was much younger than someone of her age group. I also think that she should have been old enough to realize what her family was going through but it never really clicks until it’s too late. I also didn’t care for the fact that there were family members who made fun of Sue for liking different things. Especially because she didn’t want to wear a pink dress. They make some hurtful comments that are never really addressed.
Overall, this was a solid read and I’m looking forward to checking out more from this author! I know they have an extensive backlist.
May 25, 2022
I sometimes get at upset thinking about not having had a quinceañera, and this felt like the closest thing I would have to that experience. And for that I am grateful. When I was younger (and he’ll even to this day) I was this wild haired tomboy who was socially awkward, hated heels, and preferred wearing the color black and being comfortable above all else. I spent clothes money on books! And these are just the similarities I had with Sue that do not stem from us both being Hispanic. I could relate to every family dynamic in this book from her relationship with her mother, her sister, and her Abuelita.
Family reunions did look like a thousand cousins screaming and us all stuffed in a house sleeping on the floor. I love the focus on tradition and food and culture and just what a beautiful lush experience being Latin is and man I wish I get to go to my mothers homeland one day.
The only thing that threw me off is while I prepared to have a feel good time going in, I wasn’t aware that this would tackle grief and considering just how close I am with my Abuelita this hit too hard and I almost put the book down. But I’m glad I pushed through. I am most definitely going to buy a finished copy of this one (not just to support the author which I want to do but because so much of Hispanic culture is rooted in vibrant colors and I feel like I missed out on half the experience reading this in black and white) and passing my ARC down to one of the kids. (Who is also Honduran 🥰)
Family reunions did look like a thousand cousins screaming and us all stuffed in a house sleeping on the floor. I love the focus on tradition and food and culture and just what a beautiful lush experience being Latin is and man I wish I get to go to my mothers homeland one day.
The only thing that threw me off is while I prepared to have a feel good time going in, I wasn’t aware that this would tackle grief and considering just how close I am with my Abuelita this hit too hard and I almost put the book down. But I’m glad I pushed through. I am most definitely going to buy a finished copy of this one (not just to support the author which I want to do but because so much of Hispanic culture is rooted in vibrant colors and I feel like I missed out on half the experience reading this in black and white) and passing my ARC down to one of the kids. (Who is also Honduran 🥰)
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July 27, 2023
More than anything, Suyapa wants to spend the summer hanging out with her friends and then spending it at sleepaway summer camp—except her mom is so strict and won't let her do anything fun. Sue has to spend the summer in Honduras with her family. No internet. No cell phones. And worse—Sue has to have her quinces. All pink, just like her mother dreamed.
But Suyapa's abuela has other ideas, and no matter what, Sue is going to find a way to make this awful quinces hers.
I really enjoyed this. Sue is a "weird kid": that is, a girl who prefers black to pink, who likes art to boys, and manga to being social. She likes combat boots over heels, hates social events, and wants to hang with her other arty friends. In other words, Suyapa is a cool kid who doesn't know she's a cool kid just yet, even though she's found her friend group.
I'm sad that abuela had to die to advance the plot and to have Sue's mom realize that her children aren't miniature replicas of herself and have their own desires, but there was a lot of foreshadowing involved there so it's not much of a spoiler. It's was still an annoying plot point (how many of these graphic novels feature the death of a grandparent right as we get to really like said grandparent??).
But Suyapa's abuela has other ideas, and no matter what, Sue is going to find a way to make this awful quinces hers.
I really enjoyed this. Sue is a "weird kid": that is, a girl who prefers black to pink, who likes art to boys, and manga to being social. She likes combat boots over heels, hates social events, and wants to hang with her other arty friends. In other words, Suyapa is a cool kid who doesn't know she's a cool kid just yet, even though she's found her friend group.
I'm sad that abuela had to die to advance the plot and to have Sue's mom realize that her children aren't miniature replicas of herself and have their own desires, but there was a lot of foreshadowing involved there so it's not much of a spoiler. It's was still an annoying plot point (how many of these graphic novels feature the death of a grandparent right as we get to really like said grandparent??).
July 15, 2022
I am doing what I never thought I would do.....
I am rating a graphic novel a rather low score.
This was tough for me to do. But here is why.
I have a wonderful co-worker who proudly shares about her Hispanic heritage. She also had a quincenera. What she has talked about and what this book describe are two VERY different parties. Now, could be a regional/cultural things. Perhaps a quincenera in Mexico is different than a quincenera in Honduras....but that's the thing....this book ultimately did not leave room for explaining the differences. And that bothered me.
I also found the main character to be whiny and annoying and terribly unlikeable. Actually the mom (who is forcing her daughter to have a quincenera) is too. That also ruined the book for me.
I am rating a graphic novel a rather low score.
This was tough for me to do. But here is why.
I have a wonderful co-worker who proudly shares about her Hispanic heritage. She also had a quincenera. What she has talked about and what this book describe are two VERY different parties. Now, could be a regional/cultural things. Perhaps a quincenera in Mexico is different than a quincenera in Honduras....but that's the thing....this book ultimately did not leave room for explaining the differences. And that bothered me.
I also found the main character to be whiny and annoying and terribly unlikeable. Actually the mom (who is forcing her daughter to have a quincenera) is too. That also ruined the book for me.
August 24, 2022
When Suyapa's family goes to Honduras to visit family over summer break she gets forced into having a quinceañera. As a girl who does not like the spotlight or anything frilly she is less than thrilled, but through the course of the planning learns the importance of family tradition.
While I really enjoyed this graphic novel I will say that the age of the main protagonist threw me off a little. Suyapa is 15 years old but really reads like a 12 year old. Her interactions with her parents, siblings, and friends just made her seem a lot younger than her stated age. Other than that I felt the story was fun and that I really loved the development of the relationship between Suyapa and her older sister Carmen.
While I really enjoyed this graphic novel I will say that the age of the main protagonist threw me off a little. Suyapa is 15 years old but really reads like a 12 year old. Her interactions with her parents, siblings, and friends just made her seem a lot younger than her stated age. Other than that I felt the story was fun and that I really loved the development of the relationship between Suyapa and her older sister Carmen.
November 15, 2024
4.5-5 stars
Loved learning more about quinceañeras and finding myself represented somewhat through the main character. The struggles Suyapa faces are very relevant and relatable for most 15 year olds trying to find their confidence in who they are among their peers and family. It was touching seeing how everyone came into their own as the story went on. There were no villains when mistakes or wrong decisions were made as the author did a fabulous job showing the how everyone came into their decisions. And when it looked like all would fail Abuelita Rita greased those wheels for compromising lol.
Loved learning more about quinceañeras and finding myself represented somewhat through the main character. The struggles Suyapa faces are very relevant and relatable for most 15 year olds trying to find their confidence in who they are among their peers and family. It was touching seeing how everyone came into their own as the story went on. There were no villains when mistakes or wrong decisions were made as the author did a fabulous job showing the how everyone came into their decisions. And when it looked like all would fail Abuelita Rita greased those wheels for compromising lol.
June 18, 2022
An American teenager takes a summer trip with her family to her grandmother's home in Honduras, where she is surprised with a colorful quinceañera despite her dislike of parties and everything pink. It's a struggle between tradition and identity as a New York girl moves from resisting to connecting more fully with her family.
The interesting details about the quinceañera help offset the cliched bits with the strict mother, the squabbling sister, and the wise but ailing grandmother.
The interesting details about the quinceañera help offset the cliched bits with the strict mother, the squabbling sister, and the wise but ailing grandmother.
October 16, 2023
Oh my stars this is SO. CUTE.
Sue Gutierrez doesn't quite fit in. She is an awkward latina teenager who prefers quiet space and art, as opposed to her loud family. During the summer she wants nothing more than to go to camp with her friends, but her controlling mother has other plans. Sue and her family travel to see extended family in Honduras, and during the trip her mother springs a surprise on her: Sue will have all the lights on her for a quinceañera! The attention, and partying, and big floofy dress are a nightmare for Sue. Will she be able to survive this celebration with her sanity intact?
There is so much to like about this book. The main character is instantly likable, and her family members feel real and fleshed out. The art is gorgeous and just pops right off the page. I love the settings in Honduras and I love how Sue learns to deal with her feelings over her family and this whole trip. Perfect read-alike for Telgemeier and other realistic graphic novels for kids.
Sue Gutierrez doesn't quite fit in. She is an awkward latina teenager who prefers quiet space and art, as opposed to her loud family. During the summer she wants nothing more than to go to camp with her friends, but her controlling mother has other plans. Sue and her family travel to see extended family in Honduras, and during the trip her mother springs a surprise on her: Sue will have all the lights on her for a quinceañera! The attention, and partying, and big floofy dress are a nightmare for Sue. Will she be able to survive this celebration with her sanity intact?
There is so much to like about this book. The main character is instantly likable, and her family members feel real and fleshed out. The art is gorgeous and just pops right off the page. I love the settings in Honduras and I love how Sue learns to deal with her feelings over her family and this whole trip. Perfect read-alike for Telgemeier and other realistic graphic novels for kids.
December 19, 2022
This was a super cute coming of age comic. I loved the real teenage experiences shared. Kids/teenagers are something else. So dramatic and whiny. I loved it. It was relatable and very true. I did have a problem with the mom forcing her to have the Quinceañera but only because of the way she went about doing it. She didn't consider Suyapa's likes and dislikes at all. It took a tragedy for her to give in to what her daughter wanted and I wonder if this wouldn't have happened if she would have changed the dress and shoes at all. Probably not, and that bothers me. I'm glad the mom realized she was being too hard and gave in a little. I don't want these girls to grow up and not talk to their mom.
The party and visiting Honduras, even if only by comics, was so cool to see. When the kids got there and had to ride on the back of the pick up truck! The scenery!! Her little sister getting chased by a turkey!! It was all a very fun read!
*Side note* Something that bothered me
The party and visiting Honduras, even if only by comics, was so cool to see. When the kids got there and had to ride on the back of the pick up truck! The scenery!! Her little sister getting chased by a turkey!! It was all a very fun read!
*Side note* Something that bothered me
May 17, 2024
This is a really cute story about Suyapa, a freshman from New York with Honduras immigrant parents. She is an aspiring artist and envies her friends at school for their "cool" summer vacation plans. While all her friends are going off to summer camp, she goes to visit her mom's family in Honduras. She spends a lot of time wishing she was going with her friends instead but starts to realize how special her summers in Honduras are. The moments between Suyapa and her grandma were my favorite. Her grandma encourages her form her own identity and to go against people's expectations for her but she also teaches her to not be ashamed of where she comes from. I wasn't sure if this would be the right age range for my 4-6 graders but I think they will enjoy reading Suyapa's story. It was sweet, heartwarming, and fun. The illustrations are wonderful as well.
May 19, 2022
Heartwarming and hilarious! I was that awkward nerdy teen who did NOT want a 15 either- even though I do like dresses and pink (just not those huge uncomfortable ones). Excellent job at introducing readers to the various aspects of the culture- both directly and peripherally.
September 5, 2023
what a wonderful surprise
I haven’t read anything by this author, but the wonderful cover caught my eye, so I decided to give it a try. The illustrations are wonderful and really capture the emotions of the main character as she dreads a summer without her best friends (the only ones who “get” her) and with her crazy family in Honduras (who totally don’t get her). This was a wonderful story of a girl learning to embrace all of who she is, and not worrying so much about what others think about her. I absolutely shed tears with this one, but it was so wonderful and I can recommend it to anyone, but especially the kids who feel like they’re the odd one out, both in their family and at school. Embrace your inner weirdness kid!
I haven’t read anything by this author, but the wonderful cover caught my eye, so I decided to give it a try. The illustrations are wonderful and really capture the emotions of the main character as she dreads a summer without her best friends (the only ones who “get” her) and with her crazy family in Honduras (who totally don’t get her). This was a wonderful story of a girl learning to embrace all of who she is, and not worrying so much about what others think about her. I absolutely shed tears with this one, but it was so wonderful and I can recommend it to anyone, but especially the kids who feel like they’re the odd one out, both in their family and at school. Embrace your inner weirdness kid!
February 26, 2025
This was really cute and I loved the illustrations and story.
The setting in the Honduras was unique for me and I found all the preparations for Suyapa's quinceneara very interesting. It was a wonderful look at a different culture.
The best part of the story was Suyapa's relationship with her abuelita, her grandmother. It reminded me so much of my own grandma and it was adorable. Her journey from hating everything to do with her summer to enjoying herself with her family was very sweet.
It's great that so many wonderful books are being written for MG readers these days. So many things about this book are identifiable across cultures. I enjoyed this book very much.
The setting in the Honduras was unique for me and I found all the preparations for Suyapa's quinceneara very interesting. It was a wonderful look at a different culture.
The best part of the story was Suyapa's relationship with her abuelita, her grandmother. It reminded me so much of my own grandma and it was adorable. Her journey from hating everything to do with her summer to enjoying herself with her family was very sweet.
It's great that so many wonderful books are being written for MG readers these days. So many things about this book are identifiable across cultures. I enjoyed this book very much.
December 1, 2022
I might be a little biased because Kat is a friend of mine, but I loved this book. The colors are gorgeous and I enjoyed the teenage drama! Would definitely recommend for any Latinx young reader or library have this on their shelves.
April 2, 2023
All the stars! One of my favorite books of the year!
September 26, 2022
Absolutely loved this MG graphic novel! Living in San Antonio, I have learned a lot about quinceañeras, but I love how this story goes into some more detail about the meanings behind those traditions and offers a more personal feel based on Kay’s lived experiences. The author’s notes in the back are pretty neat, too! I had the good fortune to hear Kat Fajardo speak at the Texas Library Association conference. I am confident this is the first of many wonderful pieces of work!
December 4, 2024
Update - 2024: Read for school project - liked it slightly more on a re-read, but my points still stand. 2.5 stars rounded up.
I really disliked a) the pacing of this story (felt too rushed and like too many things were crammed together) and b) the characters - everyone apart from the oldest and youngest sister just were not very likable.
The traditions talked about for this quince were pretty common ones - just not ones that I had in my quince or that other friends had in theirs, so it was kinda weird to hear them talked about like they are at every quince. I received different symbolic gifts at my quince ceremony and didn't receive others. Another friend stated that an important part of the quince was having a big cake - not present at my quince or this book. Honduras is going to have different traditions than Mexico, but I would appreciate a simple statement at the author's notes that stated "This is true for my quince but other countries and even regions might have different traditions". As my friend mentioned, Puerto Rico has a quince-ish thing, but they don't call it a quince - they have another name for it.
Also, I didn't like how Sue's mom forced her to have a quince. A quince is a lot of money and planning and you should have the option to not do it - I had a quince and my little sister did not. I *am* half-Mexican, but my mom's parents (Mexican immigrants) gave my mom a choice to do or not do a quince - and my mom was the only daughter. I didn't like that this mom essentially forced her daughter to go through an elaborate ceremony and went behind her back and then got upset when Sue (rightfully) got hurt/upset/mad about her mother going against her decisions.
The older sister was the MVP of this whole book.
Rant over.
I really disliked a) the pacing of this story (felt too rushed and like too many things were crammed together) and b) the characters - everyone apart from the oldest and youngest sister just were not very likable.
The traditions talked about for this quince were pretty common ones - just not ones that I had in my quince or that other friends had in theirs, so it was kinda weird to hear them talked about like they are at every quince. I received different symbolic gifts at my quince ceremony and didn't receive others. Another friend stated that an important part of the quince was having a big cake - not present at my quince or this book. Honduras is going to have different traditions than Mexico, but I would appreciate a simple statement at the author's notes that stated "This is true for my quince but other countries and even regions might have different traditions". As my friend mentioned, Puerto Rico has a quince-ish thing, but they don't call it a quince - they have another name for it.
Also, I didn't like how Sue's mom forced her to have a quince. A quince is a lot of money and planning and you should have the option to not do it - I had a quince and my little sister did not. I *am* half-Mexican, but my mom's parents (Mexican immigrants) gave my mom a choice to do or not do a quince - and my mom was the only daughter. I didn't like that this mom essentially forced her daughter to go through an elaborate ceremony and went behind her back and then got upset when Sue (rightfully) got hurt/upset/mad about her mother going against her decisions.
The older sister was the MVP of this whole book.
Rant over.
July 16, 2022
Loved this SO much. Should be a big hit with my graphics-loving students (especially those who, like my own kids, are “neither from here nor from there”).
October 30, 2023
it was good when her moms mom died it was sad
October 17, 2022
Sue's always felt like an outsider in her family. Sue's quinceañera is looming, but Sue has no interest in ballroom dancing and wearing a big poofy dress. She wants to go camping with her friends! Her family goes to Honduras to visit family, including her aging grandmother.
At first I didn't love the illustration or lettering aesthetic, but these characters are relatable and it sucked me in. This has a lot of appeal for the Juvenile Graphic Novel fans, but lands in YA because it's about a 15th bday. I appreciated the distinctness of Sue's relationships with each family member.
Extra star for the rep.
At first I didn't love the illustration or lettering aesthetic, but these characters are relatable and it sucked me in. This has a lot of appeal for the Juvenile Graphic Novel fans, but lands in YA because it's about a 15th bday. I appreciated the distinctness of Sue's relationships with each family member.
Extra star for the rep.
December 29, 2021
Loved this graphic novel. I enjoyed the relationship between the grandmother and Sue, how she tells her its ok to be weird. Sue learns more about her background than she expected. Thanks for the afterwards by the author, explaining all the different aspects of a quincenera. Helped me to understand it a little more. I look forward to reading this again when the whole graphic novel is colored in.
August 26, 2022
Miss Quinces is an engaging, immersive graphic novel about identity, Latin-American culture, a love for art, and family. Despite starring a 15-year-old protagonist, this middle grade novel still reads young and will be accessible to tween readers looking for a graphic novel. Major points for being funny and relatable all while tackling grief, teenage angst, and the struggle to belong.
May 19, 2022
I cried real tears reading this. I was so moved by the family bonds, ridiculous hijinks, annoying but lovable little kids, and general vibe of this whole story.
June 6, 2022
So lovely to see Honduras represented in a children’s graphic novel! A mirror for my sisters. 💕🇭🇳
October 22, 2022
Miss Quinces is a graphic novel that was highly advertised in the Scholastic Book Fair flyers. It turns out our school library already had a copy, so I grabbed it and read it at the desk while manning said book fair!
Sue doesn’t want to go visit her relatives in Honduras. She’d rather draw comics at camp with her friends. Things get even worse when she learns her family is planning her quinceañera, which she wants nothing to do with. However, it might be one of the few ways she can connect with her aging Abuelita…
This is a cute graphic novel. The art reminds me of the of the “CalArts” style that is popular on Cartoon Network. (I think that’s what it is, at least!) I think kids will like this, especially coming off of Encanto, another Hispanic story that focuses on family and a pair of sisters who don’t see eye-to-eye.
This story deals with being different, grief, friends versus family, language and cultural differences, and more. I think that this story that will resonate with many people, even if they aren’t from a quinceañera culture.
Sue doesn’t want to go visit her relatives in Honduras. She’d rather draw comics at camp with her friends. Things get even worse when she learns her family is planning her quinceañera, which she wants nothing to do with. However, it might be one of the few ways she can connect with her aging Abuelita…
This is a cute graphic novel. The art reminds me of the of the “CalArts” style that is popular on Cartoon Network. (I think that’s what it is, at least!) I think kids will like this, especially coming off of Encanto, another Hispanic story that focuses on family and a pair of sisters who don’t see eye-to-eye.
This story deals with being different, grief, friends versus family, language and cultural differences, and more. I think that this story that will resonate with many people, even if they aren’t from a quinceañera culture.
January 18, 2023
I laughed out loud several times in this book as Suyapa processed the world through her lens, trying to fit in but staying true to herself. You could tell fairly early on where the plot was going but I was still so sad when Abuelita passed. But I loved the message and the incredible legacy she left behind. It makes you wonder what impact you have on others, most of the time you're not even aware. I don't think Abuelita was aware.
I loved how she and her daughter (Mami) viewed Suyapa's differences! Nobody can put you in your place like your mom and no one can love you like your grandma!
LOVED LOVED LOVED Fajardo sharing her own quinces pictures. Also loved the Honduran-American representation.
Looking forward to so much more from Fajardo. Excited that she's in Austin too!!
I loved how she and her daughter (Mami) viewed Suyapa's differences! Nobody can put you in your place like your mom and no one can love you like your grandma!
LOVED LOVED LOVED Fajardo sharing her own quinces pictures. Also loved the Honduran-American representation.
Looking forward to so much more from Fajardo. Excited that she's in Austin too!!
December 25, 2024
The cover of this graphic novel has always been enticing to me. It’s cute and colorful and just looked fun. The book is about a Honduran American girl who loves to draw comics, dreading a trip back to Honduras over the summer as her friends eagerly anticipate a fun summer at camp. Soon, we find out that within the trip, she is to prepare for her quinceanera, a rite of passage for Hispanic girls. She is vehemently against it, but her mom and her grandmother convince her. The book focuses on her preparation and her family in Honduras. I found the endnotes especially interesting as they describe what each element of the ceremony is about. Very innocent book about what it is like to disagree with your parents wishes. Easy book to recommend to young graphic novel fans.
February 2, 2023
Loved this graphic novel! I learned a lot about quinceañeras. I knew the basics that it was a party for a 15-year-old Latina becoming a woman. It was always compared to it being similar to a sweet 16 party or a bar or bat mitzvah. But I learned how it is more religious than I first learned. I loved learning about the different traditions that go with a quinceañera.
Even though the main character is 15 years old, I think this book is very appropriate for upper elementary to high school readers.
Bonus: it is a 2023 Pura Belpré Youth Illustration Honor winner!
A must-read and highly recommended for all libraries!
Even though the main character is 15 years old, I think this book is very appropriate for upper elementary to high school readers.
Bonus: it is a 2023 Pura Belpré Youth Illustration Honor winner!
A must-read and highly recommended for all libraries!
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