"Um...what's that?
I knew it was the perfect quinces
dress when I saw it in the catalog...
plus it was on sale!
And by perfect,
you mean a blob
of pink vomit?!
Suyapa, don't be ridiculous.
It's so pretty!
BUT IT'S SO...
PINK!"
Sue knows what she likes; it isn't often what her sisters like to spend their time doing. Instead, she likes to draw and be with her friends. Her sisters like outfits and hairdos that hold no interest for Sue. To say she is surprised when the family announces they are planning to celebrate her quinceanera with their extended family in the Honduras is an alarming understatement.
Off they go to the home of her grandmother, in a rural area of the homeland. Abuelita is happy to teach Sue about the cultural importance of the quinceanera. When her grandmother dies, Sue puts aside some of her reservations and arguments to honor family traditions and still have the ceremony that will make her happy.
Being 15 is not easy, as those who have been there will well know. This graphic novel looks closely at being your own person while trying to be true to family and tradition. Readers will certainly appreciate the humor, the learning, and the challenge of meeting others' expectations while being true to your teenage self.
The artwork is filled with the day-to-day struggle to deal with conflict, humor, and angst, while also presenting expressive faces and a growing understanding between the characters. Using blue font when Spanish is spoken and black for English exchanges helps readers know that Sue is adapting to life with her Honduran family.
Everyone learns, as the summer progresses, to try to see another's point-of-view, and to appreciate each other as they work to find compromise in celebration and family.
An author’s note, additional information about quinceaneras, and photographs can be found in back matter.
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