ALA Booklist (Thu Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

Pura Belpré Award winner McCall (Under the Mesquite, 2011) chooses the tumultuous borderlands of Texas and Mexico at the time of the Mexican Revolution as the setting for her latest. Loosely based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, this story's lovestruck, but not quite so ill-fated, teens face opposition from their families and the growing unrest in their community. Eighteen-year-old Joaquín del Toro can think of nothing but Dulceña Villa, though a feud between their families means that the pair's interactions are limited to secret notes and meetings. Their romance is but a framework for the violence erupting in their Texas county between Tejanos (Texans) and Anglo Rangers, who are practicing their own brand of racism-driven vigilante justice. Though the dialogue doesn't always ring true, the historical aspects of the narrative are eye-opening. McCall infuses the little-discussed uprising in South Texas with Spanish (defined in a glossary) and primary-source newspaper clippings, and gives women a vital role in the Tejano fight for justice. A powerful story of love in the face of great odds.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

McCall-s (Summer of the Mariposas) complex historical novel explores a seldom-covered era: the struggle between American-born Mexicans (Tejanos) and white Americans in border towns during the Mexican Revolution of the early 20th century. Narrated by 18-year-old Tejano Joaquín del Toro, a secret poet impassioned both by his love for 18-year-old Dulceña Villa and his strong sense of justice, the book covers three-and-a-half bloody years in the small Texas town of Monteseco in graphic detail. Initially torn apart by their fathers- opposing stances on dealing with the corrupt Rangers who rule the town, Joaquín and Dulceña are set up as Romeo and Juliet figures, but startling revelations bring the families to work for the same side. Sophisticated readers will appreciate the intricate political and ethical questions raised, as well as their relevance to contemporary border issues. McCall-s depiction of two important female characters, who stand out for their strength and grace in an otherwise staunchly traditional-and often hot-headed-male hierarchy, is especially compelling. A character list helps readers track the extensive cast, primary-source newspaper clippings appear throughout, and back matter includes a glossary, historical background, and reading suggestions. Ages 12-up. (Sept.)

School Library Journal (Fri Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

Gr 6 Up-A story of the love of a young couple during the Mexican Revolution in 1915, with a Romeo and Juliet twist. The unrest of the revolution affects everyone in two fictional towns, Monteseco and Las Moras. Joaquín writes poems and his thoughts in a journal about the revolution but has never shared them with anyone. Dulceña writes articles about the revolution for her father's newspaper under a pen name. Her pieces are about the violence the Texas Rangers cause against the Mexican citizens in the region. The Rangers even resort to killing the Mexican citizens when they do not follow the Rangers' orders. Dulceña's father's printing shop comes under fire for what he prints in the newspapers. Joaquín and Dulceña keep their relationship a secret because of the happenings of the revolution. Their letters are covertly delivered by a friend of their families. The couple try to meet at night when no one is around and hope not to get caught, very much like the protagonists of the source material. The author keeps readers in suspense, while slowly revealing details about the characters' involvement in the revolution. An author's note sheds light on McCall's inspiration and research, and a glossary gives definitions of Spanish words used throughout the book. VERDICT A good purchase for historical fiction collections, especially where there are fans of Ashley Hope Pérez's Out of Darkness. Minerva Alaniz, Texas Tech University Library

Voice of Youth Advocates

JoaquÝn sees tensions boiling up between Tejano insurgents and the Texas Rangers. Wanting to do his part, JoaquÝn reacts and publishes an incendiary poem in a local paper. His publication drives a wedge between his family and the family of his beloved Dulce±a, forcing them to meet in secret. At one such meeting, Dulce±a is nearly raped by two lawmen, and JoaquÝn now realizes how bad things have become. Trying to get justice for Dulce±a, JoaquÝn discovers his family's deep involvement in the Tejano's fight against rampant vigilantism and lawlessness and uncovers the role that everyone around him plays in the fight against injustice. But it is not until a critical juncture when loved ones are killed and imprisoned that JoaquÝn must decide if he can stand up with only his words in order to make a difference.This novel offers a deeply moving look at the Mexican Revolution in Texas from 1913 to 1916 through the eyes of a passionately sensitive young man. A well-paced plot is surrounded by an atmospheric and richly realized picture of Texas and its inhabitants during this period of great stress. Addressing issues of race and gender, the novel is balanced so well that readers will deepen their understanding without feeling like they have been forced into the knowledge. Juxtaposed with fiction and nonfiction texts and with just a touch of Romeo and Juliet, the novel offers much for classroom applications, and its beautiful love story and rich historical vision offer find much for pleasure readers to enjoy.Rachel Wadham.