Sweet Fifteen - Softcover

Bertrand, Diane Gonzales

3.82

33 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 155885133X ISBN 13: 9781558851337

Publisher: Arte Publico Press, 1995

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A compelling coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of a traditional quincea�era celebration.

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From School Library Journal:

Grade 8 Up?Rita Navarro wants to help Stefanie Bonillo, who obviously needs a friend, but since she is only the young woman's seamstress, she feels she can't do much. Stefanie's quinceanera (coming-out party) is fast approaching, and the teen is grieving over the death of her father. Rita's opportunity to help comes when Stefanie spends a week with her Uncle Brian over the winter holidays. Rita offers her a job in her shop; soon their friendship blossoms, and Brian becomes interested in Rita. Ethnic values are honestly portrayed in this sincere novel. Rita's character is skillfully sewn as she becomes a pivotal player in each turn of events. Many admirable virtues are woven throughout the chapters?family traditions, respect for one's elders, compassion, and friendship that changes into true love. Although this book is longer and the main character is older than in most stories written for YAs, it does offer positive role models of Hispanic women. An acceptable purchase.?Jana R. Fine, Clearwater Public Library System, FL
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist:

Gr. 8^-12. Bertrand's novel is many things: an easy-reading, sweet romance; a story of families as engrossing as a "telenovela" ; an interesting portrait of the day-to-day lives of middle-class Latinos; and a celebration of Latino culture. While sewing the dress for 14-year-old Stefanie Bonilla's quincean{�}era (a fifteenth-birthday celebration), Rita Navarro becomes increasingly involved with Stefanie's troubled family, falling in love with Stefanie's uncle and befriending her grieving, widowed mother. While helping the family members shatter barriers in their relationships, she matures and learns to recognize her own strengths. Rita is occasionally too sensitive and caring to be true, but the story will engage readers, even reluctant ones, from its beginning to its satisfying end. Chris Sherman

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