Once Upon a Quinceañera by Monica Gomez-Hira
Published by HarperTeen on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 0062996835
Pages: 432
Genres: Romance
Format: Fiction
Goodreads

Filling the need for more Latinx representation in YA fiction, Once Upon a Quinceañera features the story of one teen’s challenges and triumphs. 

Carmen is attempting to finish a work-study program required by her high school so she can graduate and move on with her life, although she’s not really sure what that might look like. Her best friend gets her a spot working as a party princess, and the boss is elated when the company is hired for a quinceañera. Carmen’s own quinceañera was canceled last-minute three years earlier because of a mishap with her cousin and aunt, after which the family members stopped speaking to one another. Readers can imagine her emotions when it turns out that the party she is hired to perform at is for none other than the cousin. 

There are subplots of romance, being true to who you are, family relationships, and coming of age, as well as drama – lots of drama. Readers that enjoy romance may get pulled into the need to find out how the story ends. 

This book has a place on YA library shelves for two important reasons: it gives a voice to members of the Latinx community and it might just be the type of light book readers are looking for when real life feels more heavy. 

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta