This eighth novel in Velasquez's Roosevelt High School Series tells the stories of two Hispanic grandmothers who are experiencing the symptoms of Alzheimer's and the grief and mixed feelings that their progressive dementia causes to their families. Both abuelas are named Maria, and their individual journeys are narrated from the perspectives of two close family members. One of them is Rudy, a senior, who sees how his home is falling apart when his confused grandmother comes to live with them at a very small house. Rudy's voice is compassionate and gives readers a glimpse into the life and traditions of a working-class family. The other voice is Sonia Gonzalez, a teacher at Rudy's school, who is reluctant to accept her mother's mental illness and refuses to put her in a nursing home. Gonzalez's internal battle depicts an inspirational and positive portrayal of the families affected by Alzheimer's. Educational and at the same time compelling, the novel raises teenagers' awareness on a topic considered taboo among Latinos. (glossary) (Fiction. YA)

Gr 8-10 This installment in the series focuses on Rudy during his senior year and his family as they cope with his grandmother's Alzheimer's disease. Abuela moves in with the family when she starts showing signs of forgetfulness. Manuel, the younger brother, acts out, and both boys are resentful of the demands on their time since their grandmother can't be left alone. Their story alternates with that of Professor Sonia Gonzales, who is going through the same experience although her mother is in a nursing home in New Mexico. Both story lines come together at the end of the novel when various family members take part in an Alzheimer's Memory Walk to raise awareness of the disease. Too many times the action seems artificial and purposefulfor example, a teen throws away a bottle of vodka at a New Year's Eve party while delivering a lecture against teenage drinking. Everyone happily agrees and the party continues on. The contrived plot, flat characters, and heavy-handed message will not hold readers. Diana Pierce, Leander High School, TX