Customer Reviews

Graffiti Girl

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a unique, eye-opening, down-to-earth novel that surprised the heck out of me. Written from a "young adult" point of view, Parra's debut work kept me riveted! I will never look at another piece of graffiti the same way again.

Angel's struggle for acceptance as an artist and as a person touched me deeply, made me laugh, and offers an insight into the small-town multi-cultural American high school scene. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

This book blew me away. Kelly Parra writes with the keen eye of an artist. GRAFFITI GIRL is warm, gutsy, and true-to-life -- an unflinching, honest portrayal of young adults.
A seamless and impressive debut.

Anne Frasier

Reviewed by: Sandra Lopez, author of Esperanza: A Latina storyand Beyond The Gardens
Member of Livin' la vida Latina
[...].

Review: What can I say? I loved Angel! She absolutely rocked with her non-glamour, doesn't-give-a-crap attitude. But, like any other teen, she's shy and insecure, especially about her skills as an artist. She never liked to show off her work because she felt it would never compare to the other students, who were far more talented than she could ever come close to. I'm an artist myself, so I know how that feels.

Angel is a character that many Latino youths can relate to. The other characters in this story are so genuine agaisnt the back drop of a barrio neighborhood. I was intrigued by the concept of "graffiti" art as far as the application, the process, and how expressive it can be.

And, like taffy, you will be pulled in opposite directions as Nathan and Miguel battle over Angel's affections. The question was: who was right for her?

Towards the end, Angel must learn there are sacrifices in achieving your dreams and the choices she makes could impact her life forever. A fun YA read full of surprises.

The Sista Hood: On the MicAngel reminded me of myself as a young girl writing in California. Kelly felicidades on your first novel, it's great to see Latinas writing postive novels about subjects that young people can relate to. I felt you weaved Angel's personal journey as a writer and growing young women with humor, realness and craft.

I read this book in two sittings, which should tell you that it was downright entertaining.

Graffiti Girl is labeled young adult, but the themes in the story can appeal to a much broader audience. The protagonist, Angel Rodriguez, is a young artist who has an incredible need to express herself, yet struggles to embrace her unique style. She jumps right off the page-the kind of tough, sweet heroine who isn't concerned with prom dresses and makeup. Angel has real issues, driving internal conflict, and a message. She'll stay in your thoughts a long time after you finish her story.

Parra creates a seamless balance between the edgy and wholesome-an accurate description of setting in a racially diverse, small town high school. The prose is snappy and clean without being weighted down by excessive slang or references to pop culture, something a writer with less experience might use to remind us that we are reading contemporary fiction.

Well written, and well worth my time. I'll be looking out for Parra's next.

I couldn't put this book down. I LOVE the main character Angel--she is strong and tough yet has a soft place in her heart. She crosses the line but finds her own way back and stands accountable for her actions. It's about Art, love, and being true to yourself--I think any girl can find something to relate to in this book.

I have a very, very small book budget but I purchased this one! Great job Kelly Parra on your first YA novel!!

Kelly Parra's GRAFFITI GIRL is a must-read for summer. Parra has created a novel that encourages artistic expression. It's a fast read and the ending left me wanting more. I'm hooked on Parra and can't wait to see what's next.

16 year-old artist Angel Rodriguez's life takes a sharp turn when a hot 'graf writer' offers to draw her into his exciting--and dangerous--world. GRAFFITI GIRL is a fast-paced story that boldly looks dreams and temptations in the eye. Angel steals your heart as she tries to find her place in the world--artistically, socially, and even inside her own family. The crisp writing keeps you on the edge of your seat as you get a first-hand look into tagging, turf wars and graffiti battles. Don't miss this book!

In fact, it's one of the few paperbacks my daughter has refused to pass on to a friend. She is not easy to please, has a low tolerance for anything too sad or heavy, and was not particularly excited about reading a novel that Mom brought home from a conference. So Kelly Parra has definitely won over this family. I just ordered "Invisible Touch" and am hoping it will be a hit as well.

Parra weaves the conflict of a races, multi-hertiage, and defining one's identity in this fast-paced novel. Labeled YA, the novel can be enjoyed by a broad range of ages. It is difficult to believe this is Parra's debut work--such a terrific job!

Personally, I will never see graffiti the same since reading of Angel's struggles. While the book began a bit slow for me, the pace heightens quickly and won't let you go. The situations are real, so are the conflicts and the decisions that Angel faces throughout her journey. Parra has a fantastic YA voice, and I look forward to her next creation!