Gr 6-9 This little bit of light reading tells the story of Destiny Lozada and her quinceanera. Her loving Puerto Rican-American family, made up of a hardworking father, a slightly pushy mother, and a rather overbearing sister, helps keep the plot moving as the teen decides how she feels about a traditional party and whether she even wants one. Her friends Stephanie and Erin remain largely on the fringes but help her get out of a couple of tight situations, such as a babysitting episode that goes awry. Mrs. Lozada is swept up in planning the perfect quinceanera , while America, Destiny&9;s sister, fights tooth and nail against traditional female stereotypes and cultural expectations. Destiny is caught in the middle, with the added pressure of the ever-mounting expense and a crush on Nicolas, who may turn out to be more of a cad than a prince. In the end, Destiny calls a halt to the expensive party and plans an alternative that suits her unique style and her family&9;s budget. Entertaining and chatty, and with an assortment of lively characters, this novel will appeal mostly to girls who are making their own way through the labyrinth of friendship, first boyfriends, and parental expectations. Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

Destiny Lozada's fifteenth birthday is approaching, and Mami is set on a traditional quinceañera ceremony. However, Destiny's fiery, feminist older sister, America, is against the whole thing, and Papi is trying to stay out of it. Meanwhile, Destiny worries about finding a "caballero," the traditional male escort; starting high school; and her Puerto Rican-American family's financial struggles. With pressure mounting, Destiny seeks escape in skateboarding and watching TV. But she can't avoid things forever, and, ultimately, she finds the confidence and courage to speak out for what she wants and to determine what her quinceañera means her. Destiny is a well-drawn protagonist whose lively narrative is sprinkled with Spanish vocabulary and heartfelt moments that explore quinceañera traditions and the challenges of balancing dual cultural identities. Destiny's struggles with self-discovery and relationships th her family, friends, and potential dates ke for an enjoyable read.

Destiny is "your average fourteen-year-old Puerto Rican-American girl...trying to survive mi familia." Instead of listening to her traditional mom and progressive sister fight about her quinceaqera, Destiny prefers to skateboard with her friend Omar and a cute new guy. Though Destiny's narration is stiff, the novel provides insight into the stress--and celebration--a quince can bring.