Grow Up, Luchy Zapata

by Alexandra Alessandri

A funny, relatable middle school drama about two Colombian American girls who have always been BFFs—until sixth grade turns everything upside down.

Luchy Zapata is starting middle school, and she’s muy excited. She and her two best friends, Cami and Mateo, will finally be at the same school. Luchy and Mateo will be in art class together, and she and Cami can try out for the same soccer team! As long as they’re all together, Luchy can handle anything.

But Cami has been acting weird ever since she got back from visiting family in Colombia. She’s making new, “cool” friends who just seem mean. And suddenly, everything about Luchy and Mateo is too immature for her.

Luchy is determined to help Cami remember how special their friendship is. They’ve been BFFs their whole lives, and that can’t just disappear in a poof of glitter! But…what if Cami doesn’t even want to be friends anymore?

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Sports, Latinx, Audiobook, Childrens

Hardcover

Published July 23, 2024

About the author

Alexandra Alessandri is the author of several books for children, including Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela!, Isabel and Her Colores Go to School, The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía, Our World: Colombia, Lupita’s Hurricane Palomitas, and Grow Up, Luchy Zapata, which is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her books have gone on to receive numerous distinctions, including the Florida Book Award, International Latino Book Award, Américas Award Commendable Title, and the ILA 2022 Children’s and Young Adults’ Book Award in Primary Fiction.

The daughter of Colombian immigrants, Alexandra is an adjunct professor of English at Broward College and an instructor at UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program. She received her BA and MA degrees in English from Florida International University and a Certificate in Fiction Writing from UCLA Extension.

Alexandra’s experience growing up straddling both cultures often influences her children’s fiction and poetry. When not writing or teaching, Alexandra spends her time planning the next great adventure with her husband and son, with whom she lives in South Florida. For more about Alexandra, visit http://alexandraalessandri.com.

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this!
The author was very spot-on with details of middle-school life and drama. The setting was modern day Miami, with its population of Latin American residents.
Luchy Zapata, (not Lucy!) has been looking forward to starting sixth grade with her best friends Mateo and Cami. Cami has always attended a private school, so Luchy can’t wait to start this new chapter in their lives together! When Cami returns from her summer trip to Columbia, Luchy is surprised at the changes in her best friend after only three months. Cami seems so much more grown-up, so much more “Colombian” than before. Luchy senses a distance between them, but is not sure how to approach it. At school, Cami takes up with a girl named Melissa, who seems to have a grudge with Luchy from their first meeting. Being on the soccer team together should have helped, with the Coach’s emphasis on the importance of playing as a unit, but further problems arise when Luchy’s soccer cleats mysteriously disappear right before the first match. And the situation escalates rapidly from that point on…
I was very impressed at the way the author handled the Spanish dialogue, which was vital to the story. A character would speak in Spanish, and an English translation would be then be spoken/explained by another character. This greatly contributed to the flow of the story; more helpful than a glossary of Spanish words at the end. In a Kindle format, glossaries are difficult to use, because one can’t flip pages back and forth as easily as in a print book!
*I received a digital copy fro Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Andrea Beatriz Arango]

I blurbed this one and loved it! It's in prose and a great rec for any kid who loves friendship dramas and pranks. The story is funny, sad, and most of all realistic, because friendship is HARD. I can see this one getting frequently checked out from classroom libraries

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bittersweet read of a friendship in turmoil. Grow Up, Luchy Zapata did an amazing job showing the difficulties of navigating friendships during the emotionally charged atmosphere that is middle school. I think readers can learn a lot from and sympathize with both Luchy and Cami.

At times Luchy lacked what is key in an important relationship - communication. However, by the end, readers will be able to see what makes a truly good friend by the choices Luchy makes. I liked how even if Luchy was feuding with Cami she was there for Mateo during a difficult time. Luchy wasn't perfect but was always trying to be a good friend to one of her best friends.

One of the elements I enjoyed the most throughout this story was Luchy's grandmother's cooking. So many wonderful descriptions of Latin food that made me so hungry! There was even talk about Cuban food which I particularly enjoyed. I've recently discovered a love of passionfruit pie and ice cream so reading how Luchy would drink her abuela's passionfruit juice after school made me smile. I also appreciated how easily accessible this story was with Spanish being translated into English so smoothly.

Art and soccer were a big part of the story. Art helped Luchy want to explore more of her Colombian identity which she felt detached from because she isn't fluent in Spanish. While the soccer field provided a lot of frustration at first but ultimately led to peaceful resolutions.

There has been a new trend with middle-grade soccer books coming out recently with the titles Select by Christie Matheson, The Beautiful Game by Yamile Saied Méndez, Crushing It by Erin Becker, and The Soccer Diaries by Tom Palmer. Whatever the case for the trend I'm glad it brought me to this book. Grow Up, Luchy Zapata is a wonderful coming-of-age story where friendship, Colombian culture, and soccer take center stage.

Thanks to NetGalley & Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for providing me a copy of Grow Up, Luchy Zapata in exchange for an honest review. (Release Date: July 23rd, 2024)

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommending this book to the teens and the adults to understand the teens better. Realistic and well written, I would say anyone who reads this book will find it relatable as we all have passed through this stage of doubts and falling out with our closest friends at one time or the other.

I find the parts where parents/adults hiding important information in the name of protecting their kids giving rise to more trust issues really well done as well.

As from these themes, do expect a sad and grumpy read but yes I would recommend it as you will learn lots on life who are living this stage.

[Minda Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Change is a part of growing up, but does it need to happen all at once?

I wanted to share a new bilingual middle grade book with you. Grow Up, Luchy Zapata by Alexandra Alessandri is a sweet, relatable story that I truly enjoyed.

Luchy is a second-generation Colombian girl living in Miami. She and her two BFFs are starting middle school together, and she is thrilled.

However, when her best friend Cami returns from a summer in Colombia, she is acting strangely. Suddenly, she is wearing make-up, stylish clothes, and talking about boys. She wants Luchy to grow up too, but Luchy is happy just as she is.

When school begins, Cami becomes close friends with Melissa, a snobby girl who quickly pulls Cami away from Luchy. Luchy is worried. How is she going to reconnect with her best friend?

With soccer tryouts approaching, Luchy is sure that she will reconnect with Cami on the team. However, stolen cleats turn into a battle of stealing homework, art projects, and glitter bombs.

As Luchy navigates old and new friendships and middle school activities, she begins to find her way. She discovers that everybody has their reasons behind their actions.

I loved the Spanish words and phrases incorporated into the story. As a second-generation immigrant, Luchy understands but does not speak Spanish very well. I really appreciated the way that the author depicted the experience of many kids navigating multiple cultures and languages.

This is a sweet book that I highly recommend, especially to tween girls and those who love them.

[Kim Cabanting · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an adult, I'm not sure I'm supposed to love a middle-grade book as much as I loved this, but everything about the story was wonderful. The author perfectly captures the feeling of figuring out where you belong when life is changing and you don't want it to. Sometimes, no matter what we do, we can't hold on to what we have. It's in accepting the change that we find the strength to move forward.

The themes of family, culture, friendship, and coming of age all blend seamlessly to create an entertaining, moving story that makes this book unputdownable.

[Cindy Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I taught middle school for almost 20 year, so trust me when I say that Alexandra Alessandri perfectly captures the growing pains associated with these tough years. Luchy is trying to find where she belongs and figure out why her longtime best friend is acting different and becoming more of a rival. Starting a new school, changes in longtime friendships, and seeking a safe space where one can grow, explore, and excel are all topics that middle schoolers will be able to relate to as they read GROW UP, LUCHY ZAPATA. Oh, and there's lots of yummy descriptions of Colombian foods that will make you want to also buy a cookbook or a plane ticket :.)

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start with GROW UP, LUCHY ZAPATA. It hit me in the heart that's for sure. The interactions between this trio of best friends really captures the drama and stakes of being a pre-teen. LUCHY also doesn’t have a strictly neat ending which I loved. Life isn’t like that and the ambiguity and uncertainty of life is something kids begin to understand and internalize at the age of the three main characters. This book flowed so well and had me turning pages until it was done and I wondered what would happen next! I think kids from 4th grade and up will enjoy this one!

Topics: friendship, grief, divorce, multiculturalism, bilingualism, art, identity, family, soccer, Colombia, Chile, and Miami.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Luchy is very excited for the first day of sixth grade. She hasn't seen her best friend, Cami, all summer, because Cami has been visiting family in Colombia. The two not only share Colombian, heritage, but their families both come from the same area. Luchy's father came to the country when he was very small, however, and her mother was born in the US, so Luchy's Spanish is not very good. When she catches up with Cami before school, she's a little worried; Cami is suddenly concerned about what is "cool" to wear, and interested in boys. Luchy would rather wear her leggings and unicorn t shirt, and is NOT happy with the make up kit that Cami gives her for a birthday present. Cami has also taken to hanging out with another girl who is often mean to Luchy. The three try out for the school soccer team, and when Luchy can't find her cleats, she's afraid she won't get a spot. When she overheads Cami and Melissa talking about hiding her cleats, the war is on. Soon, Luchy is taking Cami's homework, and Cami takes her art portfolio with her entire biography project in it. Mateo, who is friends with both of them, doesn't want to take sides, but is more in Luchy's corner; the two play soccer, and Luchy is discomforted to feel that maybe Mateo is cute. Creating a scrapbook of happy memories for Cami doesn't help win her friend back, and Luchy isn't sure what to do, so she escalates the pranks that she plays on her former best friend. This doesn't work well for anyone. Will Luchy be able to come to some understanding of what Cami is going through so that the two can work together to save their friendship instead of tearing each other apart.
Strengths: This had a good mix of family events and school activities, and it made the stakes a little higher that Luchy and Cami's families knew each other. Cami's parents are in the middle of divorcing, which certainly gives some insight into why she isn't willing to put up with Luchy's refusal to change a little. Mateo is a steadfast friend who also manages to keep Cami fairly happy. There are plenty of good details about Colombian culture (this is set in Miami), and some Spanish words and phrases sprinkled throughout. I enjoyed that Luchy was involved in both soccer and in art.
Weaknesses: Why is it always the tween who doesn't want to grow up that is the "good guy"? Until the sabotage started, Cami wasn't all that mean. Luchy was just so absolute in her feeling that Cami was in the wrong. Cami was just observing people around her and trying to keep up, and trying to help Luchy as well. This is a much better plan in order to be successful around other people.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Walker's Let's Pretend We Never Met, Rellihan's Not the Worst Friend in the World, or Lowe's The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman.

Note to parents of 6th grade girls: You are not doing them any favors letting them wear cat ears and pink leggings to 6th grade. My daughters and I researched what the most nondescript clothes were to wear to middle school. Jeans and t shirts with minimal messages are always a good bet, but each school is different. No reason to paint a target on oneself. Fitting in is a skill that EVERYONE needs to learn. I don't necessarily like wearing jeans to school, but it's what other teachers do. I can wear mine with my jackets as a compromise, but if I always wear dresses or pleated skirts, they might think I'm stuck up or strange. Nothing wrong with some camoflauge, Luchy!

[Luna Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grow Up, Luchy Zapata by Alexandra Alessandri is a wonderfully funny, heartfelt, and relatable middle-grade story that captures the ups and downs of friendship, identity, and growing up. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a Colombian American community, the book follows Luchy as she navigates the exciting yet challenging world of middle school. From art classes to soccer tryouts, Luchy’s adventures are full of humor, warmth, and the realistic anxieties that come with entering a new stage of life.

Alessandri’s writing is witty, engaging, and perfectly attuned to the voice of a preteen. Readers will instantly connect with Luchy’s mix of excitement, frustration, and determination as she deals with the sudden changes in her best friend Cami. The story explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery in a way that feels authentic and heartfelt, showing that relationships evolve but love and care can endure.

The book also celebrates culture and family, giving readers a joyful glimpse into Colombian American traditions and experiences, adding richness and depth to Luchy’s world. Alessandri balances humor and emotion seamlessly, making the story both laugh-out-loud funny and tenderly moving.

Grow Up, Luchy Zapata is a must-read for kids navigating the complexities of friendship and growing up. It’s a story about resilience, empathy, and the importance of holding onto meaningful connections, even as life changes. This delightful middle-grade novel is sure to resonate with readers and leave them eagerly anticipating more adventures with Luchy.

[Ciara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Luchy is really excited to start middle school, especially since this is the first time that she and her best friends, Cami and Mateo, will be at the same school! But ever since Cami got back from her summer trip to Colombia, she's been acting weird, trying to force Luchy to act more "grown-up." And while things are still good with Mateo, people keep asking if they're "a thing", but Luchy just wants to be his friend! She doesn't want anything to change, especially not with Cami, so she decides to do something that will remind Cami just how great their friendship was before things changed.

Overall, I enjoyed this story and loved Luchy as a character. I also loved the characterization of her Abui and parents; though strict, it's clear that they love her and support her even if she doesn't always agree with them. I also enjoyed the fact that Luchy and Mateo just stayed friends and there didn't have to be a romance between them.

The place where this book fell short for me was when Luchy and Cami started sabotaging each other. Yes, I'm aware that they are 11 and that's what 11-year-olds do, but after a while it felt over the top. However, I did like how the resolution showed that even though they made up, their friendship may not entirely be the same.

Overall a great book that I would recommend to any soon to be middle schooler who is worried about things changing.

[Karen Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun emotional roller coaster of a story. I read this book after finishing a book and discussions all about kids and emotions, so I think I was extra in tune to the characters and their emotions and what was fueling them. Which was fun because there is so much tween emotion going on in Grow up, Luchy Zapata. And it is so relatable. The middle school years are such a time of uncertainty and change and development for so many youth. I really love that you are able to see the good, the bad and the ugly in Luchy. That even though the story is told from her point of view it feels like an honest and real version of what it is like, not just justifying all that she does. I love the culture that is tied in throughout the story. That we get to learn a bit about her Columbian roots through her initial distaste for the culture and everchanging feelings about it. While this book is especially relevant for kids experiencing the stress of middle school, it could be enjoyed by someone feeling great in school or someone well past the middle school years. I look forward to reading more by Alessandri.

[Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ... · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much happens in the lives of kids during their middle school years. It is all about change. Peer pressure grows, puberty begins, expectations are bigger and friendships change. Both of my kids had friendships implode in the first weeks of sixth grade, as the kids around them tried to find their own places in their new world.

Alexandra Alessandri brought all the angst and worry to life in her new book Grow Up, Luchy Zapata. The story takes us into the world of the title character, who is excited to start middle school and to reunite with her best friend, Cami, who was away from home visiting family. Unfortunately she quickly finds that her friend is looking for something different now. She wants to grow up: suddenly she cares about makeup, boys and fitting in with the more popular girls. Luchy feels abandoned. She feels like she is no longer enough.

The author explores identity and self-acceptance, allowing her character to feel the emotions associated with that sense of not belonging. I think a lot of children could see themselves in this story, and might find better ways to handle their own feelings of insecurity.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luchy is looking forward to starting middle school with her best buddies Cami and Mateo. Cami has been away for the summer in her native Colombia and when she returns just before school starts, Luchy notices some subtle changes in her friend, who seems more grown up than before. The gap between them only widens when school starts and Cami begins hanging out with Melissa, who doesn’t seem to like Luchy very much. When it’s time to try out for the school’s soccer team, Luchy’s cleats go missing, leading to an escalating series of pranks between the two that puts the future of their friendship in doubt.

The author beautifully captures the ups and downs of the challenging transition to middle school and the navigation of the changing friendships that often takes place. Elements of Luchy and Cami’s Colombian culture are seamlessly woven in and add depth to the story. Many readers will make connections with this book and find comfort in its pages as they follow Luchy’s journey.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing an eARC of the book with me.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friends to enemies can happen so quickly in middle school!
⚽️
Luchy’s best friend spent the summer in Columbia, but now she’s finally back and they’re ready to start middle school. The only problem is Cami is now obsessed with boys, makeup and being popular while Luchy doesn’t feel like she’s changed at all. Their other best friend, Mateo, doesn’t want to get involved, but soon it’s obvious both girls are drifting apart with new friend groups and interests. When Luchy’s cleats go missing on the day of soccer tryouts, she blamed Cami and kicks off a feud for the ages.
🇨🇴
This was such a great MG book by Alexandra Alessandri about friendship, growing up and growing apart. I found it to be realistic and bittersweet. The Spanish language, Columbia and soccer take center stage here. I want this to be a series that continues! I would follow these characters all through middle school and beyond!

CW: cancer, divorce, bullying, theft

[Ashley Granillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for giving me a chance to read this story in advanced.

Luchy and Cami have always been the Wonder Twins. But when sixth grade rolls round, and Cami gifts Luchy makeup for her birthday, things are no longer unicorns and glitter anymore. When will Luchy grow up and wear makeup like her cooler friend, Cami?

This book explores one of the hardest things about growing up: losing your best friend at a pivotal time in life. I so wish I had Luchy to learn from as a young girl when many of my BFFs started finding who they were outside of our friendship and the things we cherished. At times, this made me laugh and others, I could feel the one side of my heart shaped BFF necklace yearn for its other piece.

Middle schoolers will appreciate a story that gives them both comfort and hope when sixth grade starts heading in an unexpected, not so friendly direction.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixth grade is turning out to be nothing like Luchy Zapata dreamed it would be. Sharing middle school with her BFF Cami was supposed to be awesome. But Cami came back from Columbia a different person. Someone Luchy doesn't recognize or understand. Instead of growing closer, they aren't even talking to each other. Instead, they are sabotaging each other with mean tricks and spiteful pranks. Will Luchy be able to save their friendship? Or is it time to move on? Why does everything good seem to turn bad in 6th grade? How will Luchy find her way? These and other compelling questions will be answered in this kid-friendly story of change, culture, family, and friendship. And what it means to be true to yourself and your friends. This story is a gem that transcends culture and teaches all of us to honor and fight for what really matters.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle school is rough. Luchy and Cami are starting sixth grade and entering a bigger world. Luchy is happy with the way things are, while Cami wants to hurry up and make things different. This is a universal theme of people growing and changing at different paces. An added layer is how connected you are to your family's roots. Luchy and Cami's families are from Columbia, Luchy is not as confident in her Spanish-speaking skills and has never been to her family's home country, while Cami is fluent in Spanish and has been to Columbia. The author's skill here is that she is able to help the reader see all the characters as fully fleshed out people with multiple feelings. The reader can feel sympathy for both Luchy and Cami as they struggle through different situations.

[Brianna Hopkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pros: very relatable to the middle school experience! I remember my friendships changing and feeling the need to grow up but not knowing how. This story captures that perfectly! I also loved how Luchy wrestled with her identity as a Colombian American. I know that struggle all too well.

Cons: as a teacher, I was SO ANNOYED at the behaviors of these children!!! The whole book they’re responding to eachother unkindly, stealing things, etc and I’m like???? There’s not a single adult that will probe and figure out what’s going on?? The whole plot of the story revolved around children just not communicating and adults not stepping in when appropriate. It’s like, they just accepted the child saying “I’m fine” and moved on. Any caring teacher or parent would see something was wrong.

[Mónica Mancillas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for allowing me read an advanced review copy of this wonderful book! Luchy Zapata is excited to kick off middle school with her elementary school BFF. But when her bestie returns from a summer trip to Colombia with a new interest in boys and popularity, Luchy finds herself cast aside. Alessandri could teach a master class on writing the perfect middle grade voice. She tackles the incredibly relatable difficulties of the middle school transition in a way that will have young readers screaming for justice and older readers crying from the memory of their own middle grade heartaches. I cannot recommend this title highly enough!

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle school is hard and navigating friendships can be even harder.

Finally in the same school together, Luchy doesn't expect her relationship with her best friend, Cami, to change. Why does going into middle school change anything anyway? But Luchy is surprised to find that she can't relate to Cami anymore and Cami becomes a bit mean.

Relatable and poignant, Grow Up, Luchy Zapata by Alexandra Alessandri is a middle grade fiction that we can all relate to. I liked the mix of languages within the book and the Colombian influence the author brought to the story.

A really solid book with really strong themes and lessons.

Thank you Simon Kids for the gifted copy.

[Maritere Rodriguez Bellas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book to help preteens navigate the ups and downs of middle grade. Through main character Luchy, and the others like Cami and Mateo, Alexandra Alessandri does and amazing job at portraying the many changes, transitions, and emotions children experience as they leave elementary school behind and begin middle school- especially those raised in bicultural homes, where language and culture play a significant role in their upbringing. Family and friendship are central themes this story, which truly captures the real-life emotions a tween can experience. Highly recommended for school and home libraries.

[S.A. Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel captures the social angst (and drama) of middle school with an authentic and relatable voice, adding a layer of academics and sports to give the characters greater depth. As a Miamian, I loved all the local references, including a nod to our favorite bookstore, Books & Books. As a Latina, I loved the rich representation of Columbian and Latine cultures. The ending was particularly lovely as it showcased an artistic celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting some of our acclaimed artists.

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle school is hard and things don’t always go as we planned them. Luchy is excited to be starting middle school with her two best friends, Cami and Mateo, but ever since Cami came back from visiting family in Columbia, she is acting weird. Cami is making “cool” new friends and leaving her BFFs behind. Can their friendship survive the heartaches of middle school?
I love that this book is filled with Colombian culture. I think students will be able to connect with the characters and the universal issues in this book.

[Dre Loves Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grow Up, Luchy Zapata is the perfect back to school read for a rising Middle School student or really any tween coming of age. There's friend drama, belly butterflies, and the familiar tug of war between growing up and staying true to you. Luchy Zapata is a lovable, spunky character with flaws and imperfections we can all relate to. I also loved the intermingling of intergenerational family stories and the twists and turns this fun, fast-paced novel takes. You’ll root for not only Luchy, but her friends and family too.

[Mrs. B. Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good quick read for younger middle schoolers. Colombian-American Luchy is starting 6th grade, and middle school brings its share of problems - friend drama, mean girls, soccer drama etc. I liked that Luchy stayed true to herself, and was accountable when she messed up. There is a good amount of Spanish sprinkled throughout the book, but the author cleverly gives enough context clues so that non-Spanish speakers can still understand what’s being said. Warning: The description of Colombian foods will make you hungry!

[Terry Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things go from bad to worse for Luchy Zapata. Why can't she get back to the way things were before her bestie Cami went to Clombia for the summer. And to make matters even worse, they are starting seventh grade in a new school where all sorts of things can go wrong. It's difficult to tell whether Luchy and Cami will ever weather the storm and get back their friendship. But as always, Alexandra Alessandri weaves a compelling story that kept me wanting to turn the page.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Electronic copy provided by Edelweiss Plus

Middle grade readers are going to empathize with Luchy’s transition to middle school, which does not go as she’s planned. Her best friend has grown distant and she’s trying to determine why…as she tries to maintain another close friendship and navigate new classes along with an opportunity to join a sports team. I liked how her family provided support and the satisfying conclusion.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friendships can change drastically when middle school starts. Luchy is young for her grade, Cami older. Along with Mateo they have been best friends for a long time. Cami spends the summer in Colombia, she’s changed according to Luchy. Will they rediscover their best friendship in middle school? Love all the Colombia references, things I remember from my time there like hot chocolate with white cheese melted in it

[Julie Ditton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle school is all about change. Alexandra Alessandri has written a coming of age story that blends several themes; navigating middle school, changing friendships, peer pressure, hispanic culture, soccer, and art. When Cami returns home to Miami after her summer visiting relatives in Columbia, she is no longer the BFF that Luchy recalls. The girls are about to start sixth grade, and according to Cami, Middle school is all about change. She is interested in makeup, boys and fitting in. Lucy is in no hurry to grow up and feels abandoned by her best friend who is now ignoring her. the author has done a fantastic job of portraying a young girl who doesn't feel enough. - Not hispanic enough, because she doesn't speak Spanish; not good enough on the soccer field for her Dad, not grown up enough for her own best friend. I enjoyed the balance of Spanish from the grandmother and translation or explanation through dialogue or context. When the story ends and issues are resolved, life lessons are learned. However, like life, things are not tied up in a neat bow and Luchy still has changes ahead of her.

I recommend this great book for any middle school student.